A Piece of Jaclyn's Story
Meet Jaclyn Kuyers; she's a soon-to-be graduate art student and always keeping busy. She inspires people through the art she's working on and exploring it through dance and performance. She's not afraid to be her quirky self and thinks scones and coffee solve everything. Thanks Jaclyn!
WHAT ARE YOU UP TO RIGHT NOW? ARE YOU IN SCHOOL, WORKING?
Right now I’m up to a lot of things- I really enjoy staying busy. Currently, I’m a senior at Calvin College studying Art and Dance. If I’m at school you can usually find me in one of my two studios, dancing or making. For work, I’m a stylist at a boutique called Jb and Me in Grand Rapids and I also work as a student intern at my school’s alumni office coordinating student and alumni relations and planning some campus events.
WHAT'S YOUR DAILY ROUTINE LIKE? ANY UNIQUE MORNING RITUALS?
Every morning I wake up and usually hit the snooze at least once. I enjoy time to get ready in the mornings, but most of the time if I’m going to be honest I end up rushed. A few rituals I have are: making/eating breakfast always- my day just doesn’t start without it, same with coffee, and I always like to curl my hair- its just something that makes me feel good and ready to take on the day. It usually goes school, work, studio time, and emails and then a nice early bedtime. I’m a firm believer in a good nights rest.
HOW DO YOU STAY MOTIVATED ON A DAILY BASIS?
Honestly knowing that the there is a tomorrow gets me pumped up. I am very much a future oriented person so looking forward to what I get to do in the next hour, day, or week keeps me going. Also if I’m in desperate need of motivation- I know that a scone and a cup of black coffee always has my back.
WHAT DOES YOUR IDEAL DAY LOOK LIKE IF YOU COULD CREATE IT FROM MORNING TO NIGHT?
Waking up early and refreshed with a scone and a large cup of coffee on a slow morning, possibly going to the farmers market, spending time with friends probably at a local coffee shop or brewery, hopefully able to get a little sunshine on the skin- (I LOVE THE BEACH), do a little dancing or making, cook a really yummy dinner and share it with a large group of friends and just spend the rest of the night laughing and hanging out with them- but if we had time we could go to a local concert. Lots of chill things.
WHERE DO YOU DRAW YOUR BIGGEST INSPIRATION FROM?
Oh this is a hard one. I would say that my sources of inspiration are always changing, especially when it comes to visual artists. As for music I’ve been obsessed with Kishi Bashi, but I’m a huge fan of the Discover Weekly feature in Spotify- there are always new and cool sounds in there. One dancer and author that continually inspires me is Twyla Tharp- her book the “Creative Habit” is so good! But I’d have to say I draw most of my inspiration from my friends. They help me think deeply and always keep my creative side on its toes.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR ART, WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO YOU AND TO OTHERS?
Oh wow, I could go on and on about this… This is my artist statement which gives you a brief overview:
“I have always been fascinated with the uniqueness of the physical body and the relationships between people. This has led me to a love of dancing, an early obsession with dolls, and a strong desire to create new relationships. As I grow older, my awareness of my own body has made me realize the importance of person to person interaction. My work is inspired by conversations that I have had with people, and relies on my relationships with others--conversations dealing with personal, societal, spiritual, and political matters--as the content for each piece. These conversations can create tension and brokenness, but can also lead to renewed connectedness--both of which can have a direct affect on the physical body. This dichotomy is demonstrated in my performative dance works as well as in the fragmented nature of my ceramic work.”
My art is an outlet to where I can release my thoughts and emotions and hope that someone can relate to my experience or learn something new from viewing it. My work is definitely a reflection on me: my passions and visual aesthetics. Sharing my work with others is something that I hope to do more and possibly even collaborate more with other artists or curators.
WHAT ARE YOUR TOP FOUR PERSONALITY TRAITS AND WHY?
Creative- my interest in dance and art obviously show that, but being a creative is how I was made and am wired- we think and see things a little different than everyone else- truly it's really beautiful.
Honest- this is something that I really value in all relationships and something that I practice, I try to be as open and honest as I can with people, I think that’s where friendships can find a foundation.
Passionate- I’m definitely passionate about certain issues and topics in life. I know what is important to me and I’m not afraid to stand up for it and embrace my love for it!
Quirky- I say this mostly because of how I dress and my personality, I always get that things are very Jaclyn because of the style; I think its great to be different and embrace your true self.
TELL US MORE ABOUT DANCE, HAS THAT INFLUENCED YOUR ART AND VICE VERSA?
Dance and art have always been a constant in my life. Right now I am in a transition of learning what performance art looks like integrated into my art. I’m trying to figure out what this fine line is- is dance performance art or is it something different or can it sometimes take that form? Last semester I was able to collaborate with a film student and create what I would call a performance piece using dance elements. It’s exciting to be trying something new and I can’t wait to see how this develops further.
WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF IN FIVE YEARS FROM NOW?
Five years from now I hope to have my masters in something, not sure what yet- perhaps working at a college or university. I would love to be in a city and I hope that I am deeply invested in a community that I live in. Whatever I may be doing in 5 years I want to be using and embracing my creative self still- that’s for sure.
WHAT'S ONE PIECE OF ADVICE YOU LIVE BY, OR THAT YOU'VE GIVEN TO OTHERS?
Know yourself and be yourself.
I feel like this is something that is often said but I truly believe it. Once you come to fully knowing yourself and how you function, the world becomes a totally different place. We are all made to be unique and beautiful creatures and embracing that is so important.
Check out more from Jaclyn below!
Website | Facebook | Personal Instagram | Art Instagram
Email: jaclynkuyers@gmail.com