Coloratura: Chromatic Canvas
This week, I curated my first full-length Coloratura performance, Coloratura Chromatic Canvas. In the eight years since creating Coloratura, I've only performed live six times, with this being the latest. I prefer to stay out of the spotlight and let others wield the brushes. But, as the creator of Coloratura, I have an intimate understanding of the device’s capacity as a true instrument and artistic tool. I also harbor a vision for its future in the professional realms of music and art.
So I took the stage to offer a sneak peek into my vision of what Coloratura can be, and more importantly, an intimate invitation into my process as an artist. Every misstep, skipped beat, happy accident, and errant paint drop was on display in real time. And I leaned into it all.
I shared that Coloratura's true magic lies not in the final products of art or music but in the very act of creation. It is rare to witness an artist or musician's process in real time; we often only see the polished final product, erroneously comparing our works-in-progress to others' finished pieces.
I opened up to the audience about my inspirations, triumphs, challenges, and they responded with an outpouring of love and support. We laughed together, we cried, we experienced, created, and dreamed.
So many people expressed their gratitude afterward, with comments like: "This was so moving; you created a beautifully emotional experience. This inspired me to start painting again."
This performance was one of the most audacious things I've ever undertaken (perhaps second only to creating Coloratura itself!), and I was filled with fear every step of the way. There were so many unfamiliar elements – selling my art, water marbling, even discussing my depression and post-COVID breakdown.
Yet, my fear was overcome by my unyielding desire to create beautiful, magical experiences and to invite others into them. I knew that, regardless of what unfolded on stage – musically, technologically, and artistically – if I could share my heart and craft an evocative experience, the show would be a success.
I am profoundly thankful to everyone who attended and to my friends and loved ones who helped make this a triumphant event:
Justin Skinner (sound engineer)
Adrienne Maples (photography)
Hilary Holt (box office manager)
Aimee Duke & Whitney Thouvenelle (Coloratura experience assistants)
Amy Corsi (refreshments - the most beautiful fruit & cheese platter I've ever seen!)
Natasha Ria (Emcee & merch manager)
Your support, encouragement, and participation breathed life into an evening I'll cherish forever. Thank you for being part of this unforgettable journey.