Artist Profile: Lavanyaa Surendar
Lavanyaa Surendar is a WIsconsin Arts Board Master Artist and the founding President of Ziksa-An Art Forum, which connects artists through professional channels and helps art thrive. She was an Educational Co-Chair for the Sheboygan Theatre Company wherein she proposed educational opportunities and career building focus for students of STC. Surendar served on the Board of Directors for Art Garage in Green Bay—and currently is on the board of Wisconsin Dance Council serving the Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion committee. Because of her ongoing commit to innovation and revolution of the arts sector for the benefit of all, she has also worked with Maker Faire to use arts (specifically dance) as a community engagement tool. Surendar holds a second Masters in Arts & Cultural Management from Colorado State University and she is now working on Sanskrit treatise on the performing arts "Natya Shastra".
1) How do you continue to grow as an artist? Is it more of an organic or intentional process...or both?
Art is something which is intrinsic in my life. It is an organic process. I have traveled a long way learning—understanding the art form I practice. I am continuing to grow as an artist by trying to craft my own niche. I don't try to work towards the final result, but rather have learned to enjoy the process and appreciate the outcome. To me, growing as an artist also means growing as a person. I know my personal values and work in spaces that align with my mission of "developing a happy community through arts".
2) Do any of the following words accurately reflect past (or present) themes explored in your choreographic work: 'joy,' 'juxtaposition' or 'justice'?
The word "Joy" reflects my choreographic work. I thoroughly enjoy the process of creating a dance piece. I visualize colors, characters and the various layers I juxtapose to make my work reflect the theme is a process by itself. It is a state of bliss plus pure joy.
3) What are you most excited about in regard to your role at Wisconsin Dance Council?
With regards to my role in WI Dance Council , I am happy to meet cross-cultural, diverse dance artists from the community. I love learning and exploring new programming as well as dance styles. I am also excited to be a part of the Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion committee.
4) Share 2 to 3 exhibitions, concerts, books, spoken word events and/or films you're hoping to check out this spring or summer.
I am planning to get back to reading Tamil literature (Tamil being my native language). It has been a while since I read books in my native language. I will be working on "Naalayiram Divyaprabandham," which is a collection of 4000 verses by 12 Azhwars (Saint poets). I am also a part of Summerfest (happening in Milwaukee) through a partnership with First Stage Theater.