Photo captured by Silvia Grav
What a pleasure to be sharing her story today! A devout movement Artist disciplined in her career Maija has a soul that is attuned to the poetry of life, and boundless self-reflection. Join us as we explore the layers of her creative journey, the influences that shape her vision, and the unwavering passion that fuels her extraordinary craft.
Who, what, where?: Hi there! Can you please start by telling us who you are, what you do, and where you’re from?
“A simple but tall order- My name is Maija Knapp, I’m originally from the Hudson Valley in New York, and I am a performer, choreographer, and movement director working out of Los Angeles. Beyond the work aspect, the “what I do” is also trying to investigate what movement means to me philosophically. Specifically, I’m drawn to the abandonment of identity, and near consumption by a channel of sorts. The transformative power of physically embodying different states and intentions- How strength, tenderness, depravity, earnestness, volatility, etc. can remain and work on the performer and their perception of self far after the dancing is done. This applies to the structuring and observing of dance as well- The body is an undeniably resonant symbol, and witnessing it curve, thrash and connect, has great cathartic capacity for all involved.”
Let’s talk about the nitty gritty: Often artists struggle with the societal pressures surrounding the financial and at times mental struggle of pursuing any career in the arts. It can be unknown what will come out of it, and the pressure to succeed can really weigh on you. What thought went into pursuing a career like this and what keeps you choosing that path?
“I knew dance had little to no money in it, but I was a bit obsessive and the sense of purpose I derived from it felt more important at the time. I was also 17 when I began to forge my career path and had idealism on my side. That being said, I still don’t regret choosing this path despite the ingrained hardships. I have always felt the most myself, the most in line with what makes life feel tangible, when dance is within reach- and that is something I can’t get myself to omit due to practicalities. It’s not that I think everything will work out, I don’t know that it will, and often worry it won’t- but that hasn’t outweighed the desire yet. Perhaps I still have idealism on my side…”
Photo captured by Carly Foulkes
Our environments: Have you found that your environment has had any influence on your artistic style? If so, how has that contributed to your creative journey?
“My time in Los Angeles has undeniably impacted my artistic style and approach. I haven’t had a car for most of my time here which is certainly not ideal, but it left me with a lot of time walking, on my bike, or on buses and trains. I’d often be listening to music and plotting pieces, just observing body language. The tired woman in her uniform gripping her purse as she falls asleep, the man crossing through busy traffic holding his fists with a certain rage, the young woman alone at a strange hour tries to compose herself to not draw attention, nor convey weakness. I find I’m constantly pulling from that mental catalogue of bodily states. “
Experience Is Education: Has your dance education helped you create your personal movement style?
“Certainly. The local dance studio I attended growing up offered a solid foundation of acting and dance technique to spring from, and fostered a budding passion into a hard-headed commitment. But through visits to NYC taking classes, studying with Complexions Contemporary Ballet, asking an ungodly amount of questions, going to clubs and shows, and some excessive youtube prowling— my concepts of dance-making and what constituted as dance were cracked open.
When I began to work in New York my style was heavily altered by the artists I began working for and with. Most notable in terms of stylistic impact is the work I did with Ryan Heffington, who is brilliant with using the body to create immediately recognizable symbols, and bringing a highly stylized edge into all of his work, touching on the heaviest of subjects, and always injecting joy somehow. I also began to feel more free to be irreverent and wild with my work after dancing for Spike Jonze, whose punk instincts were still thoughtfully presented and well-received in a variety of spaces.
Thus far, my education via partaking in the Los Angeles contemporary dance scene is where my style has been the most impacted. It was here that I learned what it means to be a free and impactful performer. It was a lot of learning through watching- seeing Denna Thomsen dive into a character, or watching Jasmine Albuquerque dance like a white-haired stallion or angel (depends on the performance), or being in countless club pieces (many by Akbar queen Melissa Schade) designed to make everyone scream and want to make out with each other. There’s bravado and sincerity, entertainment and horror, joy and grief. The range, creativity, and fearlessness is unmatched. I have been deeply influenced by my environment and community and continue to learn from them every day- and thank god for that.”
Photo captured by Keean Johnson
Our Mentors, Our Supporters, Our Community: Who or what has been a heartfelt mentor or influence your journey, and how did their support transform your creative path?
“Nina McNeely has been a completely transformative presence in my creative path and life alike. Watching her create a piece from the ground up with the utmost attention to detail to every imaginable aspect of the process, has broadened my notion of what it means to construct and present a piece. Beyond that, her breadth of knowledge in cinema and music history is massive, and while I’ve always enjoyed ‘studying’, discussing with her keeps this curiosity at a fever pitch. She has always brought me into works where I have felt myself push past what I previously conceived I was capable of- allowing me to unsheathe and become the most intense, deformed, and gorgeous versions of myself. On a practical level, she has brought me into opportunities and offered solace and advice on how to continue on when the freelance path brings another hit. She is the hardest working woman, with a streamlined connection to a creative realm beyond comprehension, and I am honored to be in her work, and I am warmer and stronger from knowing her.”
Photo from Nina Mcneely’s Art Basel Exhibition 2021
For Those Looking Up: What advice do you have for anyone pursuing a similar path?
“I don’t really believe in giving advice, but for the sake of reflection, here’s a list of sorts:
Don’t abandon idealism, but avoid impracticality. Ensure you are creating out of curiosity and fascination, not out of some egoic trap or outdated desire. If you are willing to put up with the pains of having it be your chosen field and love it still- then build community, pay your rent how you need to, and make time for your own art. Dance and choreography can be work and just that at times, and I find it beneficial to mentally separate the work days from the art days.
Give yourself breaks when you can, and fight with a steel sword when you can. Remember dance is best when it wants to be danced- when it is danced, not just executed. Study a lot, in every field, not only the chosen one. Engage with multiple mediums. Sustained curiosity will get you out of any dip. Try not to be swayed by polluted ideals or imagery. Develop your personhood and artistic style in tandem with one another, attempting evolution at each turn. Believe in yourself- not delusionally, but in a grounded manner. Setting boundaries is not the end of the world. Breaking boundaries you thought mattered but maybe don’t isn’t either. I’m not sure how long I’ll hold any of this as ‘sound advice’, but this is what I feel to be true right now.”
Photo captured by Leila Simpson
Art & Mental Health: In what ways has your art impacted your mental health?
“Art-making has profoundly impacted my mental health by serving as an effective processing tool for me. In mental storms and emotional highs, I turn to my craft to explore and organize these feelings before transforming them. The solace I find comes from various aspects of the craft—whether it's constructing a piece that poses and attempts to answer pressing questions, physically expelling pent-up emotions through movement, or observing a work that navigates a familiar feeling.
By turning overwhelming sensations into a tangible, observable third entity, I practice not identifying every emotional state or passing thought as part of my permanent identity. This separation is incredibly liberating. Moreover, art-making has helped me clarify my relationship with myself and others through the exploration required to make the work. My work is my ongoing attempt to make sense of both my inner and outer worlds, and occasionally some sense emerges.”
Thank you, Maija for sharing.
Photo captured by Todd Weaver
See more on Maija Knapp
Follow Maija’s journey:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/MAIJAKNAPP/
コメント