A Discussion Regarding the Possibilities of an Artist, with Indigo Porebska-Smith. By Anja Graham

Indigo Porebska-Smith is an emerging dance artist who originates from Saltspring Island and now studies contemporary dance at Simon Fraser University in Vancouver, BC. Indigo sees her practice as not only a medium of self expression but as a vessel to communicate sometimes social or political matters. She believes that her role as an artist is not only to express herself but to also speak for those in our society who may not have a voice. “It is not just an artist’s role but their duty and responsibility” Indigo says. Besides contributing to socio-political conversations in the community, Indigo believes that an artist’s work “has merit if it is made with honesty.” She says that sincerity is integral and one of the most important factors.

Likewise, Indigo reports feeling mildly infuriated when people are content with their unawareness of matters in society. “I get fired up when people are disengaged with their environment…” Indigo explains, “…there’s always something worth engaging in.” Although she is referring to people’s conscious ignorance regarding their community, Indigo relates this frustration to peers who may not always work to their full potential in classwork. She wonders, “do [they] know what’s happening? Do [they] care?”

Furthermore, when asked about memorable responses she may have received to her work, Indigo shares a time when she received feedback from complete strangers after a recent performance. After performing a solo in Chick Snipper’s piece Nest, Indigo reflects on memories of strangers approaching her after the show and commenting on the impression she had made on them during the performance. Indigo describes the weight of this feedback, especially coming from people whom she had never met. She explains that this is encouraging because every performance is a series of chances being taken by the performers. “Knowing that I made an impression on a stranger,” Indigo points out, “just means that whatever I did in that particular performance worked!”

Artistry aside, we conclude the interview with a more functional question. Indigo says that the best piece of advice she has been given would be that “money comes and goes…if you feel fulfilled — that’s what matters.” She continues and declares that “money governs a lot of our choices and abilities… as long as you can be happy and enriched as you are.”

From artistic intent to performative inspiration, Indigo proves to be an aware and forward-thinking artist who is engaged in her community and I look forward to seeing her projects materialize in the future.

Indigo performing in SFU’s Student Choreography show ‘Ascension’ (photo by Sam Mason)