THE MUSEUM OF LIGHT: Artists as Alchemists: Just as an alchemist transforms led into gold, do you feel that being an artist relates to that of being an alchemist? Do you view the artist journey and your creative expression, as alchemy?
SANDRA ST. VICTOR: I see it as a social science really. So yes, alchemist would fit as well. There is a real organic science behind probing your inner self to get to the crux of emotions, lows, heights, and anxieties that humans share. Artists are gifted with a channel that gives them admission to the language of the soul, lyrically and musically.
THE MUSEUM OF LIGHT: The Evidence of the Journey: Artists are often labeled as "stars.” Just as a star radiates light and the planets then reflect this light, do you see your work as an artist like that of a star? Is this "light" that stars radiate merely the evidence of this journey of becoming a star/learning to radiate light?
SANDRA ST. VICTOR: For sure. It is unquestionably a journey. We are forever traveling, growing, understanding more. The reason stars are attractive is because of that reflection. We see something of ourselves in a star. Just as we are all literally born of star dust, so are the creations of a pure artist the stuff that reflects the firmament of the human condition. It's reaffirming, comforting, validating to feel that someone else feels what you feel, and can speak it from the mountaintop that is a stage or your home entertainment system.
THE MUSEUM OF LIGHT: The Courage to Create: When an artist is not "creating" it is often labeled a "creative block." How do you navigate this space, how do you find the creative spark in the dark, and does it require courage to create from this unknown space? Describe this process.
SANDRA ST. VICTOR: I guess it could be deemed courage. I've always seen it as necessity. Being able to create, to sing is not a choice. For instance, I guess if I saw a woman being raped, I would jump in without thinking. Would that be courage? Even though I wouldn't have a choice? I wouldn't be able to NOT. Creative blocks are also needed. Sometimes your sight is dimmed, but when the light opens up it's clearer than before. I appreciate it more then. I feel like I've grown deeper into myself. That darkness is vital to the light. My process is about giving in to the quiet. Seeking the quiet and letting whatever is supposed to happen, happen. When I begin to see the pinhole of light, that spark coming through, it's like finding a river in the middle of the desert. I dive in and soak it all up. What comes out afterwards is usually the best stuff. The stuff that I've had to seriously wait for. True inspiration, subconscious channeling.
You can find this story and others from The Museum of Light at RESPECT Magazine.
The Museum of Light is curated by: Billy Johnson Jr., Adell Henderson, Joslyn Rose Lyons, Rafael Casal, Matt Smith, Malik Buie.
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