Artist: Alicia Beatrice
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Art Submission(s): Poem, “Self Hatred”; Isaac song, “I’m Here”
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Alicia Beatrice has been a performer and artist since she was in grade school. Her passion for music, dance or movement, writing, singing, and all things creative has been a major part of her all of her life, and she’s always honored to share what she creates in its raw or refined form.
We, too, are honored and excited to be able to spotlight Alicia’s talents in this year’s showcase through digital presentation of her work, and an interview about her insights and method as a creator.
We’ll start with describing your creative work/practice: What tools do you use? Do you have a routine?
I use my piano, notepad, journal, and a comfortable space in my room or anywhere I’m inspired to write and sing.
What does your work aim to say? Why do you create?
My work is a movement of love. Music is my way of loving myself and others. I believe everything I create is healing and impacts how I interact with the world and others around me. It’s my contribution to restorative justice.
Who/What are your biggest influences? Who/what inspires you?
My biggest influences are artists from a variety of genres (too many to name here but here’s a few): Prince, Toni Braxton, Whitney Houston, Anita Baker, Alicia Keys, Jay Z, Beyonce, Eurythmics, Evanescence, Depeche Mode, Hillsong United Worship, Marilyn Manson, etc. I am inspired by everyday people just like me, people I meet in passing, the people I work with and serve, my family and friends, and the world at large.
How have you developed your practice? What challenges and opportunities have you come across? How has your practice changed over time?
I practice as often as I can. Prioritizing time to create is both an opportunity and challenge. I set a schedule and have accountability and support to keep me going. In the past this was more of a hobby, now I’m serious about my work.
Alicia’s dream project? “Completing my album and collaborating with my influences and sharing it with the world.”
What are you most proud of? Why?
I am most proud of bring my work to life after so many years and finally sharing it with you.
What is your dream project?
My dream project includes completing my album and collaborating with my influences and sharing it with the world.
How do you share your creative practice and with whom?
I share my creative practice with my teachers who support me.
What art/culture trend do you love right now? What trend do you wish you could forget?
I am loving how the pandemic is encouraging people to wash their hands. I am not loving wearing face masks and social distancing as much.
Has living at Foundation Communities impacted your practice? If so, how?
I am an employee of Foundation Communities that has never lived at an FC property before. Working at Foundation Communities has inspired me to create more and gain courage to share my work. The residents and staff alike are some of the most resilient and resourceful people I’ve met since moving to Austin. Hearing their stories and what moves them motivates me to be a better person.
“The residents and staff alike [at Foundation Communities] are some of the most resilient and resourceful people I’ve met since moving to Austin. Hearing their stories and what moves them motivates me to be a better person.”
What delights you? What brings you joy?
Being in community with positive people delights me and my faith/spirituality brings me joy (having peace and love in my heart).
Something that’s really important to you that has nothing to do with your work:
Knowing that I’ve done well by others and myself
What is the best piece of advice you’ve been given?
Don’t get in the way of God’s karma, have compassion but don’t feel sorry for people.
What is the worst piece of advice you’ve been given?
That you’re too old to do that.
What piece of advice would you like to give?
I would tell people to focus on their own journey of healing and recovery. Don’t compare yourself to other people and where they are in life.
What’s your favorite way to celebrate?
Reflecting and with good food and good people
What’s your favorite book/piece of writing, song/album, movie/TV show, play/live performance, piece of art, food/drink, place, or animal?
This is a tough selection but here goes nothing…favorite song: Halo, movie: Color Purple, food: breakfast, animal: Lion.
What’s the first thing you do when you wake up? What’s the last thing you do before going to bed?
Prayer and meditation.
Alicia believes people should “focus on their own journey of healing and recovery. Don’t compare yourself to other people and where they are in life.”
What role do artists and culture-bearers have in society? What role could/should they have?
I believe artists and culture bearers have a responsibility to use their voice to empower other people to be better and be inspired to keep living a full life.
What do creatives need in order to thrive? What do you need in order to be creative?
Creatives need opportunities to master their work such a residencies in schools etc, resources to pay for classes and workshops, workspace/studio space to create and perform free of distractions and worry about noise complaints, and exposure to share their work with the community and world. I need all the above.
What was the last thing that made you: Laugh? Cry? Blush?
Pics of FC spirit week, someone’s struggle, a date.
What are you really into right now?
My work, faith and family.
Who is an artist? What does it mean to be creative?
An artist is someone who creates work that they consider creative and makes a meaningful impact in this world.
What is culture? What does it mean to be a culture-bearer?
Culture is an individual’s collective experience of life. Culture bearer is the preservation of that individual or collective experience.
What question didn’t we ask that you wish we had? What question do you have for other artist, creatives, and culture-bearers?
I want to know what other artists are doing in their routine that has worked for them to successful share their work with the world and be profitable.