“It’s a simple idea really. Take any unused space and partner 2 different artist together in order create something in a special way while inviting the public to be a part of the action is brilliant. Collaborating at this level can have big positive results for any community.”
Name: Jamorris Rivers
Occupation: Artistic Director for Arova Contemporary Ballet
Creative Industry: Performing Arts
1. You and Amy Pleasant have come together on a performance and installation piece for Shift. Can you tell us a little about what Merge is?
Amy came of up with the idea as we were working together on our zine for the event. We were looking at her drawings and looking at my current journal notes, and felt our processes could merge as a gradual coming together to become something new.
Amy came of up with the idea as we were working together on our zine for the event. We were looking at her drawings and looking at my current journal notes, and felt our processes could merge as a gradual coming together to become something new.
2. How did you and Amy begin the process on collaborating? How did you inspire each other?
Amy and I first met for coffee at the Red Cat Cafe and discussed our different methods of creating art respectively. We shared stories of time spent in college, working in NYC, and right here in Birmingham. We also exchanged inspirations and personal approaches to making art. We then concluded our meeting by agreeing to visit each other’s studio. I visited Amy’s studio and was inspired by her many illustrations both small and large. She has quite the repertoire of works. Each painting or drawing captures gestures of people with a simple but very raw human expression. There were faces, legs, arms, and scenes of people lying or sitting on beds. I was equally moved by her enthusiastic detailing for each of her works that she shared with me from her collection. The experience left me longing to create these moments in my own work. I feel as though my dance making could use more moments and gestures like Amy’s visuals, instances that display simple human relationships. Amy likewise came to AROVA’s rehearsal and sketched paintings of the dancers as we clean and polished for our performances.
Amy and I first met for coffee at the Red Cat Cafe and discussed our different methods of creating art respectively. We shared stories of time spent in college, working in NYC, and right here in Birmingham. We also exchanged inspirations and personal approaches to making art. We then concluded our meeting by agreeing to visit each other’s studio. I visited Amy’s studio and was inspired by her many illustrations both small and large. She has quite the repertoire of works. Each painting or drawing captures gestures of people with a simple but very raw human expression. There were faces, legs, arms, and scenes of people lying or sitting on beds. I was equally moved by her enthusiastic detailing for each of her works that she shared with me from her collection. The experience left me longing to create these moments in my own work. I feel as though my dance making could use more moments and gestures like Amy’s visuals, instances that display simple human relationships. Amy likewise came to AROVA’s rehearsal and sketched paintings of the dancers as we clean and polished for our performances.
3. The Birmingham Museum of Art has taken a vacant space and created a temporary hub for contemporary art. How do you think Birmingham can move forward with this idea after Shift closes?
I truly think the BMA has discovered a small BIG on this project. It’s a simple idea really. Take any unused space and partner 2 different artist together in order create something in a special way while inviting the public to be a part of the action is brilliant. Collaborating at this level can have big positive results for any community. Businesses or owners could potentially offer the means as a contribution for artists to create throughout the year.
I truly think the BMA has discovered a small BIG on this project. It’s a simple idea really. Take any unused space and partner 2 different artist together in order create something in a special way while inviting the public to be a part of the action is brilliant. Collaborating at this level can have big positive results for any community. Businesses or owners could potentially offer the means as a contribution for artists to create throughout the year.
4. In addition to being the Artistic Director for Arova, you are also an educator. What draws you to teaching?
I have so much I want to share with my students but most of the time I end up learning a great deal from them. I’m also drawn to the power of transformation through dance. I enjoy seeing students’ confidence grow, showing teamwork, expressing and forming their own ideas, and processing their emotions in a healthy way.
I have so much I want to share with my students but most of the time I end up learning a great deal from them. I’m also drawn to the power of transformation through dance. I enjoy seeing students’ confidence grow, showing teamwork, expressing and forming their own ideas, and processing their emotions in a healthy way.
5. You have toured internationally; what brings you back to Alabama?
I love the Magic City!
I love the Magic City!
