"In Hollywood a girl's virtue is much less important than her hairdo."
Marilyn Monroe
A very Happy New Year to you!
So here we are in 2015, a new year with possibly new sets of rules. Yes, I did take that bus ride as I threatened I would. Apart from some near mishaps and bumpy transitions, the ride was just what I expected. I disembarked to a new horizon and mind set that would take me from here onward... Sometimes it made me feel browbeaten (my new resolve i.e.), but I am still plowing ahead. So far this year, one of my principal and salient inventory. Has been to appraise my very essence and how it would genuinely apply to my passion and purpose in my artistry. I needed to know, how far I had come and how much further I could go. And honestly the only way that could be done, was a self-induced and retrospective checklist of sorts.
As an artist with a divergence of abilities and potentials. Would I use my gifts and talents to affect positive change in my world? Could I conveniently relay information from the regular and frequent buzzing of my cranial nerves, without alerting the 'white coat crew'. Or did I have enough space on this planet to alleviate my densely populated and periodically unfiltered Cerebrum.
It was either that or be forced into the circuit of who could do sleaze better or super. What was the point of swimming against the tide, when the consumption of filth was at its all time high and easily profitable. Was it possible to make it at what you loved, with the sheer prowess of talent and training? Did people understand that it was impossible to idolize the body and its components, when the brain was so hyperactive? Even in sleep, I was producing and spewing creativity.
I look around me at fellow hardworking and hustling Actors, Writers, Singers and creative Artists. Performers with so much to offer, yet are sucked into an over-populated pool of fame whoring (please forgive this nasty vernacular, this one time). This was one profession that had a crammed influx, no questions asked. That is until you get before the professionals and then 'the rubber meets the road'. At least in my neck of the woods, it is so. But before your glorious self gets before those hard working people, looking for the right person to fill the right roles. You have to plow through a whole lot of grime and utter foolishness. And it gets tiring for any soul, with an ounce of aptitude and rectitude.
So in order to effect the fore-mentioned process of self and career introspection. I needed a live audience, people who would give constructive and corrective feedback. There were no bitter trolls nor haters, remember we left them in 2014. But I know as the world turns, some crept right back in. Anyway.... Shortly before I hopped on that proverbial bus ride, to 2015. A couple of friends, ranging in age from 28 - 85. Invited me, for a get-together. Everyone from actors to housewives, were represented in the meeting. As we mingled and chatted, I took some time to reflect on all that had been said to me. Most importantly, I clung to their various disclosures. Of how I had affected them, in the time we had known each other. First as my authentic self, flaws and all. And secondly as an Artist.
One echo that was unanimously recurring and concurring, was that I could do anything else I had already done career wise. But my artistry was the most freeing, expressive and contented place I would find myself. I will not argue with that! In their feedback, I got every adjective from crazy, to impulsive, to empathetic, to expressive, to honest, to reliable, to trusting, to sensitive, to sincere, to gifted, to genius, to vulnerable, to introverted, deep thinker and back to crazy again! When I suggested I revamp my 'crazies', they all relented. SO WHY COMPLAIN? (Writer grins from ear to ear). Any way I selected three feedback that were directly tied into my artistry. These were a scoop off the mountain of reasons, why I do me. It is authentic, it is all I know to do and they are loving it. I would have to draw from my life experiences and observations to feed my ever voracious and hyper-active artist.
I will use acronyms to protect their precious identity.
(A) is 85 years old. She was born in Florida. Family immigrated from Spain and Portugal. She has been married since she was a teenager. She is a retired Physician. She knows every movie from the 1930's to booth. Had a huge crush on Clarke Gable. Says grand-kids are taking her to go see The Exodus next week. Feedback: Chioma is in a league of her own. Her vulnerability always brings me to tears. She has a 'presence' that translates beautifully and is captivated on camera. I know she will do well. (Inset card was written by her.)
(B) is 28 years old. She immigrated with her family from South Africa. Feedback: The first time I saw Chioma, I thought she was beautiful and probably unrelatable. But I was wrong. I love to watch her and feel I can tell her anything in confidence. I am moved by her essence and artistry. I just worry and hope that her sincerity is not abused.
(C) is 44 years old and an Executive in a law firm. Feedback: Chioma is real, brilliant and tremendously talented. An absolute professional. It translates into all that she does and I love it.
For the million dollar question: What would Chioma do, if she could not express her artistry or be creative?
Chioma Onwudiwe: "I would rapidly evolve into a shooting star and hit the clouds. You know I do not belong here anyhow". (Smiles.)
This next best one, is coming soon. To a theater near you.
