Woman of the Week - Heidi Nagtegaal

Written by Dolly on March 5th, 2010

Hi all!

This weekly interview highlights some really amazing women who are shaking things up and making a difference through creativity and bold endeavors. They have been chosen because I’m inspired by their powerfully persuasive spirit and their tenacity to make things happen. They are sisters in their creative ingenuity, building a legacy for women everywhere through their actions and venturesome spirit. This week I’m featuring an artist introduced to me by my assistant Bali.

If you haven’t already checked out last week’s posting on Renate Geier, scroll down to read all about her as well.

Presenting:

Heidi Nagtegaal

Here’s a little bit about her:

Heidi Nagtegaal has been exploring craft for the last 5 years as a way of investigating commodity, value, commerce, social exchange; differences between costume and dress, appearance and disappearance, folk and global cultures, emergence and sedimentation. Installation/performance/sculpture lines are often crossed in and outside the gallery, interventionist manner. Apart from her personal art projects, Heidi engages in a rigorous social practice with others.

In 2004, Headbands and Bracelets was started as a way of archiving social experiences and the interactions there is through the free gifting of handmade Headbands and Bracelets.

headbands and bracelets galore

headbands and bracelets galore

She is responsible for facilitating the salvaging, production, and distribution of over 6000 of these objects, which have become something of a cult phenomenon within certain circles. In 2006, Nagtegaal founded the Hammock Residency, facilitating artist residencies, events, and exhibitions. At first it was a shy event, but now is open to the public in an interactive way. Nagtegaal is a part of Absurdus, a music group dedicated to exploring sound improvisation through keyboards, vocals and nose, with Joomi Seo. She also collaborates with Dance Troupe Practice in the context of movement based performance. 

Graduated from Emily Carr University of Art + Design in 2005 (Visual Arts), she currently lives and works in Vancouver, BC, Canada, and sits on the Board of the LIVE Biennale, a performance art association.

And here’s how she answered my 6 questions about creativity:

What inspires your creativity?

Art / Music / Poetry / Sunsets / Sunrises / Theory / Interaction / Observation

How have you reinvented yourself thru your creativity?

Life is constantly changing, art is just another medium to work through ideas.  I feel like I’m always changing, based on where I need to be at the moment.

Based on response to your creativity, how do you involve others?

Most of my work, if not all of my work, is based on the idea of interaction.  People are always implicated in my practice because of it’s “social practice”.

What is the wildest journey your creativity has taken you on?

Redirection on Hastings at Heatley St., Vancouver, BC

Redirection on Hastings at Heatley St., Vancouver, BC

Recently, I crocheted 4 Pylons out of Flagging Tape, bought a Flagging Uniform from Army & Navy and Redirected Traffic at Hastings and Heatley (see profile picture).  It was an investigation into the mimicry of power, and highlighting the human interface within that structure.

What is your most memorable moment in the act of being creative?

The one I’m living right now.

What’s next for you?

Putting 2 different shots of Redirecting Traffic on a split screen setting on Final Cut Pro, so you can see the long view of myself Redirecting Traffic, and can see the bottleneck of traffic, next to a close up view, where you can see sun streaming off my Flagging Uniform (it’s reflective) and the cars almost hitting me. It’s just over 5 minutes, on DVD.

And here’s something that inspires her creativity:

This is a project made by Helen Reed, called Twin Twin Peaks.  She’s incredible!  In 2009, Front Magazine asked me to write an interview with her.  Front Magazine, Summer/Fall 2009, “Play”

Check out Heid’s website at: http://www.heidi-nagtegaal.com

Thank you Heidi! Looking forward to getting a headband of my own!

Man of the Month - Norman Foote

Written by Dolly on February 27th, 2010

Hi all!

This monthly interview highlights some really amazing men who are making a difference and using their creative edge to do what they do best. They have been chosen because I’m impressed by their contagious spirit, creative thinking, and the opportunities they bring to the world, plus how they reflect infinite possibilities back to the rest of us. If you haven’t already checked out last month’s posting on Al Simmons, scroll down to read all about him as well.

February’s Man of the Month is:

Norman Foote

Here’s a little bit about him:

Norman Foote’s musicality and humour is like no other. He is a masterful entertainer who uses original composition, props and comedy to engage and spontaneously interact with his audience. Norman has received several awards including Socans Best Songwriter, NAPPA and Parent choice gold awards. His songwriting credits include Disney Records, CBC, Shari Lewis, Koba/Nelvana (Little Bear), National Film Board, BC Cancer Board and several others. His performing history has taken him throughout the world to theatres , festivals and with symphony orchestras.

And here’s how he answered my 6 questions about creativity:

What inspires your creativity?

A new set of strings on my guitar is very inspiring to me. To hear them ring out so clear motivates me to play.

Such a broad question…many things inspire me. Everything has the potential to inspire me…it is whether I take notice. Musically, both comedic and dramatic slices of life inspire me to write and begin a process of creating a song or comedy piece. It may be one catch phrase that will set me off on my habitual songwriting, or it may be a heart felt line that lends itself to a rhyme. So much of creative writing, no matter how simple it may seem is a way of getting yourself into a better space. Songwriting is not a pretty sight often. I can carry ideas and bits of melodies around with me for years.

What inspires me the most and makes me the happiest  is seeing the  growth of my 5 children and two grandkids. Ages form 6 to 32.  I now do many shows with my 17 year-old daughter Maria who sings like a bird.  A total inspiration…when she is not giving me a dirty look!

How have you reinvented yourself thru your creativity?

I have often written my way into a new way of thinking and like everyone I have my favorite songs that feel so good to hear over and over.

Based on response to your creativity, how do you involve others?

I am a true believer in collaboration in songwriting. Many ideas can be basically clever but not enough to blossom into a song. Then some one else comes along and takes it somewhere where I never would have gone and puts the idea over the top.

What is the wildest journey your creativity has taken you on?

the creature from the vacuum

the creature from the vacuum

Being an entertainer for young and old has taken me throughout the world and put me into countless wonderful and not so wonderful situations. I can testify that showbiz is not glamorous. One day doing a command performance for the Prime Minister …and the next day in a mall in Grand Prairie with a sign in the parking lot “puppet show today.” There I was on a 4 by 8 shag carpet stage in the middle of the mall by the food court. The only person in the audience was my cousin who I hadn’t seen for years.

One wild period was my Disney years (91 to 96). They were very busy years, touring over 200 dates a year throughout North America and producing videos out of Los Angeles. Not only was I starting a new family but also trying to prove to Disney that I was worthy of ongoing investment. When they realized I wasn’t, the deal was over and I was happy to record for other labels…and my own.

What is your most memorable moment in the act of being creative?  

My first show with the Vancouver Symphony stands out in my mind.  My parents always wanted me to be a high-school band teacher. Something I didn’t want to do but I thought I would see where that could take me so I applied to UBC’s music program after graduating high-school in 1972. However, I failed the music entrance exam and didn’t attend…much to the disappointment of my parents. I never looked back. So, having my music played by all these fine symphony orchestra musicians, superb arrangements and my parents in the audience was rewarding both musically and personally. It proved to me that there is more than one way to get there.

Peak to Peak Launch, Whistler, BC

Peak to Peak Launch, Whistler, BC

With musical director and arranger Bill Sample we created a unique concert experience with a full symphony.  We have performed the show with symphonies through North America.  With this show I do feel that showbiz is amazing.

Now when I think about it , my first duo in New Zealand (1975) or could it be the first coin thrown into my guitar case as a young busker in Sydney Australia back in ‘76.   This month’s show, February 10, 2010, for the Olympic  torch in North Van was very memorable.

So many memorable, creative opportunities I am thankful for and hope for many more.

What’s next for you?

A full tour schedule both in theatres, festivals and workshops.  Another CD.  TV and voice work in an animated series I am developing with a local producer…it’s top secret. Ok, it’s about a young sasquatch boy who is trying to fit into society and shows his new found city friends the ways of the forest.   This idea has been brewing for a while and is now taking shape. I have my fingers crossed.

And here’s something that inspires his creativity:

Jane Goodall

Al Simmons

Bruce Greenwood

Dolly Hopkins

these people inspire me!

Check out Norman Foote’s website: www.normanfoote.com

Thank you Norman! You make showbiz amazing!

Woman of the Week Before - Renate Geier

Written by Dolly on February 26th, 2010

Presenting:

Renate Geier

Here’s a little bit about her:

Renate Geier is a mentor, facilitator of personal transformation, and producer of sacred events, retreats and gatherings for international conferences and special events. Having been a pioneer entrepreneur in the spa, beauty, health and wellness industry for the past 32 years, Renate played an instrumental role in leading the way of bringing transformational healing experiences and ancient wisdom teachings into the spa and wellness industry. She introduced the vision of body, mind, and spirit spa philosophy to the Vancouver market in 1987; well before its time and paved the way for this trend to flourish in the decade that followed.

As founder of SACRED PLATFORM, EVENTS & RETREATS, a Vancouver-based organization committed to creating a global network of healing communities to share sacred ancient teachings, models of visionary healing practices, transformational experiences for personal, business and spiritual growth. Renate’s passionate part of her work with Sacred Platform, Events & Retreats is to share these teachings in magical places around the world; where experiences of healing can occur through connecting to our ancestral landscapes. Thus, bringing about a deeper awareness of our Divine connection with the worlds around us.

And here’s how she answered my 6 questions about creativity:

What inspires your creativity?

My inspiration for creativity comes from my connection to the sacred beauty of the world around me, both on the physical and non-physical levels of reality. I am in awe of the experience of the Sacred and how it reveals Itself to us, when we open to the flow of the greater cosmos. During private sessions my experience of this opening and connection is revealed as a radiant aura, when each person discovers their sacred gifts that they have come to share in this lifetime. My greatest joy is witnessing the creative sparks which arise in each individual; as they connect to the unique and deeply personal bigger ‘Why’ that is the driving force behind their sharing their gifts with the world.

Women of Vision and Passion Solstice Gathering – June 2008, Roberts Point Bluff

Women of Vision and Passion Solstice GatheringJune 2008, Roberts Point Bluff

How have you reinvented yourself through your creativity?

After selling La Raffinage Spirit Spa in 2007, I immersed myself into my own process of exploration, and asked myself ‘who am I and what do I want to create in my life over the next decade’. I tapped back into the power of dream visioning, and connected deeply to my longing to share this emerging gift of Sacred Platform. I rediscovered my connection to the Divine Plan and magic started to flow in my life once again. The creative process of manifestation coupled with the power of shifting what we feel we can create in our lives, brought me back into the natural flow and a state of expanded awareness. I welcomed my gifts of transformational healing and visioning that I longed to share with others. This nudged me forward to stepping out into the world. I began to see the connections to all the work I had done over the last thirty-two years in business, and shifted my focus to being of service to others, and assisting in the birthing of their amazing gifts and dreams into the world.

Based on response to your creativity, how do you involve others?

I invite others to DREAM and explore a process of discovery of who they are and what is blocking their flow of life; through a form of deep body therapy and an inner journey of sacred alignment to discover their personal mandala. I love to facilitate the holding of a sacred container for and with others, so that there can be a point of delivery for visions to become a reality. The process of inviting others to align with their personal connection to the Divine; brings about an experience of magic, delight and deep reverence which fills me with great joy, humility and hope.

What is the wildest journey your creativity has taken you on?

Our Sacred Journey to Palenque with my Teachers from Mexico, where the magic was alive in each moment of our trip.

What is your most memorable moment in the act of being creative?

Designing the elements of experiential journey; a ‘Transformational Ten Day Personal Retreat in Mexico’ for a group of twelve women. Hosted at Puenta de Serena, a secluded resort situated on the Bay of Angels outside Manzanillo; where we were graced by the full moon and a pod of dolphins swimming, as the group emerged from a Temescal Sweat Lodge Ceremony to witness this magical moment. I felt the power of Sacred Beauty and its power to transform, heal and open hearts when we allow divinity to touch and move us.

What’s next for you?

Developing a series of Personal Retreat Experiences, which will be supported in an intimate group environment. The focus will be on creating personal programs for each person in the group, combined with group energy, spiritual practices and teachings. This will allow each person to do their own personal work on clarity, healing, life transitions and rejuvenation; while the group energy supports each person’s process. Mexico and India are calling to us with retreats to begin in the fall of 2010 ~ Keep you posted!!

And here’s something that inspires her creativity:

A heron came to visit me on my deck over looking Granville Island during a planning session for a women’s event! Thought it was a good sign and Mr. Heron stayed for an hour during our conference call. Blessings and messages come to us in many ways.


Thank you Renate, my radiant aura loves your radiant aura!