Going Live

Name: Rachel Parry
Age: 24
Education:
Foundation Diploma in Art and Design
BA (Hons) Fine Art
Northumbria University Newcastle upon Tyne

What first got you interested in Live Art?

A visiting lecturer came into my 'den' to give me a tutorial - I showed my sculptures, prints and video pieces and explained the stories behind the images in my animated way and he commented it was as though they were the pre-performance ideas coming together. I remember being quite shy and saying something like “but I can't act or stand in front of all those people!”

How did you find out more about Live Art?

I attended live art events and watched DVD documentation and things started to click into place. I went to an event called 'Everything you wanted to know about live art but were afraid to ask' at Queen Mary University which was fantastic. I started going to alternative events at cabaret clubs and sound/noise/sonic art festivals as well as live art festivals.

How did you start getting your work out there?

I remember being so nervous in my first commission, It was a 1:1 live art installation. The documentation from this show was put together for future applications and I received guidance from other artists more established than myself. I have found the more I perform, the more I learn from my audience and grow in confidence and it feels right to place the ideas I have within a live context.

What’s so good about being an artist?

Being an artist is the most incredible career option in my opinion. I have had some really exciting opportunities and worked with some established artists. Last summer I went on an epic adventure to Texas, Arizona and Mexico and I was working with Guillermo Gomez Pena and his performance group La Pocha Nostra, as well as learning from Native American Indian Shamen healers, Border crossing activists, reformed Gang leaders and politicised sex workers. I have also shown my work in group and solo contexts, in galleries, nightclubs and unconventional places like caves and run down hotel rooms.

When you graduated what did you do immediately and what did you do to boost your skills?

I applied for and received an Arts Council England grant which enabled me to spend time on my own practice and learn new skills. I applied to a residency at Fork beard Fantasy Theatre Company's summer school in Devon, who have impressive studio and technical facilities and were extremely supportive. I attended Burlesque Boot camp, did some physical theatre, some drama and movement therapy and I began to learn Butoh dance and apply for festivals and projects with my new ideas.

How do you sustain yourself as an artist?

I would say I am still at the early emerging artist stage, so I do not make a living from my work just yet. Usually I apply for proposals and I get paid for the performance. I have to be organised with my time and pro-active to ensure if I see a call out for a show I make the time to put together a proposal - if you miss a deadline the selectors just are not going to accept the proposal however amazing the idea/work!

Does it cost a lot to make work?

It depends on what you are making! My last piece involved a lot of pre-production, silicon life casting, HD filming, recycling super 8 footage, costume making, music/sound and rehearsal of the piece in a private studio before actually performing it to a live audience. Sometimes friends will help out. I also seem to get my family in on it, I life cast and film my grandmother frequently and she's such a good sport! I am quite DIY in my approach and research ways of making things possible but I also always do a budget costing before hand and directly afterwards to see how much I need/spend.

If someone was interested in Live art where could they start their research?

First of all I would begin to read books by Roselee Goldberg, Laurie Anderson, Adrian Heathfield, Traci Warr or Anthony Howell to look at an overview of past performance. Use the Live Art Development Agency's research room and online facilities. Do some work experience with a gallery/club or look out for call outs when artists need volunteers to help for a show. Ask your university course leader if they could bring in a specific tutor working in live art. Go to open days or networking events and look out for interesting workshops.

Join mailing lists and join an online networking agency like newworknetwork to get your profile out there. Go to events/festivals and see live art in the flesh. Start playing around, maybe perform to a camera or do something in a group. Apply for emerging festivals and always get a friend or tutor to look over your applications and give you some pointers.