Kris Krüg

Our featured speaker for March is the charming and irreverent magician Rob Teszka who will share his fascinating experiences and struggles with creativity through the lens of the global theme PERSPECTIVE.

Weaving interesting stories and unusual ideas together with wit and skill, Teszka entertains at a variety of public festivals and private events, is the president of the Fraser Valley Magic Company, and has toured across Canada with his solo Fringe show. The thing he’s most proud of though, is producing and hosting the monthly Parlour Magic Show, Vancouver’s own variety magic show that just entered its 4th year! Incidentally, Rob hated writing this bio for himself, because bragging is really quite unnatural for him. A favourable review once called him “a genuine eccentric”. It’s probably because he knots his own bow ties.

Every month we ask our speaker a handful of probing questions to give us a deeper glimpse into their life and relationship with creativity:

How do you define creativity and apply it in your life and career?
Sometimes, a person gets driven to express a Thing, by -any means necessary-. Creativity is the practice of solving problems that get in the way of fully communicating the Thing. My chosen medium happens to be magic, which is beautifully cross-disciplinary and lets you express even the impossible. There is a Thing that should not be: and yet, here it is. To bring my Things to life I have dipped my paintbrush into many disciplines: acting, engineering, standup comedy, improv, psychology, puppetry, clown, storytelling–and whatever else I’ve needed to express the Thing.

Where do you find your best creative inspiration or energy?
Seeing live performance! My cup is always refilled whenever I go to a show, and fills most quickly when I’m at a festival and seeing all the shows I can. Especially the weird ones.

What’s one piece of creative advice or a tip you wish you’d known as a young person?
Rob! It’s me, you from the future! That feeling you feel, when in front of an audience? It’s JOY. It doesn’t have to be rare. You can find it in so many different ways. Don’t let the bastards grind you down–you are allowed to pursue joy! DO IT!

Who (living or dead) would you most enjoy hearing speak at CreativeMornings?
Why not both? Have Erwin Schrödinger on. Ha! But for real: I’d be interested to see P.T Barnum, the infamous humbug and sideshow exhibitionist. I suspect he’d be wildly entertaining, but also insightful about North American showbiz culture, the way spin and bluster dazzle the public, and the real power of a fake story. Alas, he was waaaaaay more problematic than his portrayal by Hugh Jackman in the Greatest Showman musical would suggest, so it’s probably for the best that we’ll just have to imagine what he’d say.

How would you describe what you do in a single sentence to a stranger?
I entertain by using lies to share truths—and am disarmingly open about the lying part.

What keeps you awake at night?
My goddamned phone. I am as a moth to its artificial glow.

What’s your one guilty creative indulgence?
I like popcorn movies and prefer pulpy genre to literary fiction! For instance: my favourite movies are Raiders of the Lost Ark and Ghostbusters, and I love cozy murder mysteries and Terry Pratchett’s Discworld novels. I don’t really watch movies or read books that make me feel sad or weird, and I guess I feel guilty about it because I’m seeking fun escapism rather than erudition? Heavens, what will become of my pretentious reputation!

What fact about you would surprise most people?
I’m a vaguely competent pianist and singer, and can convincingly accompany myself on the ukulele.

WATCH RECORDING HERE

Our featured speaker for February will be the athlete, advocate, activist, and fashion model Joleen Mitton who will share her inspirational personal story of creativity through the lens of the global theme NATIVE.

Joleen is the founder of Vancouver Indigenous Fashion Week and co-founder of Supernaturals—the world’s first all-Indigenous modelling agency. Through the organization Urban Butterflies, she helps Indigenous youth in foster care connect with their culture.

Every month we ask our speaker a handful of probing questions to give us a deeper glimpse into their life and relationship with creativity:

How do you define creativity and apply it in your life and career?
As an indigenous woman at the helm of Vancouver Indigenous Fashion Week, creativity is not just an abstract concept, but a lived experience and a legacy. It’s the fusion of ancient traditions with modern expressions. In my life and career, creativity is about storytelling - every design, every fabric, every color tells a story of our people, our struggles, and our triumphs. It’s a way to keep our culture alive and share it with the world.

Where do you find your best creative inspiration or energy?
A significant portion of my inspiration emanates from my kokum and the people in my surroundings. Much of it arises from a call to action, a desire to make a positive impact. Additionally, a substantial part of my creative energy is derived from the passion and experiences I’ve encountered throughout my modelling career overseas.

What’s one piece of creative advice or a tip you wish you’d known as a young person?
If I could share a piece of creative advice with my younger self, it would listen to the wisdom of my elders and genuine knowledge keepers. Let them observe and guide me, as my creative talents will unfold naturally. In the midst of the noise of external opinions, trust those who truly know and care about you, as they have your best interests at heart.

Who (living or dead) would you most enjoy hearing speak at CreativeMornings?
I would deeply appreciate the opportunity to hear the wisdom of my mentor, Beau Dick, once more. He served as a profound source of inspiration for me, and I believe that sharing his knowledge would be enriching for others as well.

What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever done?
Jumped off a bridge.

What’s your one guilty creative indulgence?
I watch a lot of old school Anime.

What are you reading these days?
I just finished “The Shoe Boy A Trapline” Memoir By Duncan McGue while on vacation.

What fact about you would surprise people?
I lived in Thailand on and off for 8 years and had dreams of being a monk LOL.

How does your life and career compare to what you envisioned for your future as a sixth grader?
Similar to many sixth graders, my childhood dream was to become a veterinarian. However, over the years, my path has taken a different direction.

How would you describe what you do in a single sentence to a stranger?
Producers of many things and ideas.

What’s the most recent thing you learned (big or small)?
I can’t help everyone.

If you could open a door and go anywhere, where would that be?
More vacations. It feels like I’ve opened a lot of doors already.

What keeps you awake at night?
My mind is constantly active, engaged in problem-solving and contemplating the things I want to accomplish.

Who has been the biggest influence on your life and what lessons did that person teach you?
The most significant influence on my life has been my Kokum. She imparted invaluable lessons on strength and resilience, shaping me into the person I am today.

What are you proudest of in your life?
That I helped create a safer space for indigenous people on Turtle island. I’ve been the fork in the road for a lot of people.

If you could interview anyone living or dead, but not a celebrity, who would it be and why?
I would choose my Kokum. Despite being deeply ashamed of her past, I am curious to learn how she overcame those challenges and managed to take care of me.

If you could do anything now, what would you do?
Paint and go to art school.

Where was the last place you travelled?
Tulum, Mexico.

What music are you listening to these days?
Lately, I’ve been immersed in the sounds of Aysanabee. I’m such a big fan that I even brought him to VIFW.

What was the best surprise you’ve experienced so far in life?
I’m 40 and still playing basketball LOL..

Where is your favourite place to escape?
Saipan in Micronesia.

What was the best advice you were ever given?
The encouragement to ‘keep going’ stands out as the best advice I ever received, especially when it came from my elders and knowledge keepers, affirming that I was the real deal.

What books made a difference in your life and why?
One significant ritual for me is smudging, which involves clearing the space before I begin my creative endeavours.

When you get stuck creatively, what is the first thing you do to get unstuck?
Personally, I turn to prayer, reflect on photos of my Kokum and past works, and take walks.

If you had fifteen extra minutes each day, what would you do with them?
Sleep.

What has been one of your biggest Ah-Ha! moments in life?. Around the age of 18 or 19, I realized that much of the rat race doesn’t hold true significance; instead, it’s the embrace of culture that truly matters.

What object would you put in a time capsule that best represents who you are today?
A basketball, Sage, ribbon skirt and a NAS CD

What is the one movie or book every creative must see/read?
The defiant ones.

WATCH RECORDING HERE

The first event of 2024 will feature renowned sculptor Marie Khouri who will share her incredible personal story of creativity through the lens of the global theme RISE.

Born in Egypt and raised in Lebanon, Marie Khouri relays messages of movement, community, and connection through her artworks. As an immigrant spending time across Europe before truly settling in Canada, Khouri’s work speaks to a unified and diverse audience, creating sculptures that unify communities. With her works rooted in a profound sense of dislocation and the search for a greater sense of place, her sculptures are formed through extensive hands-on process that employs traditional sculpting techniques alongside contemporary innovations in material and building standards. Khouri was just honoured as the Award of Distinction in the 2023 Applied Art + Design Awards by BC Achievement Foundation.

Every month we ask our speaker a handful of probing questions to give us a deeper glimpse into their life and relationship with creativity:

How do you define creativity and apply it in your life and career?
When asked about how I define creativity and apply it in my life and career, I express that for me, creativity is not just a sporadic occurrence but an everyday phenomenon. It permeates various aspects of my life, from the way I dress and cook to my behavior and work. I draw inspiration from everyday things, whether it be an image, a reading, or a simple walk, emphasizing the importance of finding creativity in the ordinary.

Where do you find your best creative inspiration or energy?
Reflecting on where I find my best creative inspiration or energy, I stress that inspiration often stems from everyday experiences, such as images, readings, or walks—especially those by the sea. I emphasize the significance of not merely looking at things but truly seeing them, delving beneath the surface. Ultimately, I highlight the pivotal moment when I can apply this creative inspiration in the studio, manifesting it into the everyday things I create.

What’s one piece of creative advice or a tip you wish you’d known as a young person?
In response to the question about creative advice for young individuals, I suggest embracing every moment and experience, emphasizing that tips and advice are valuable additions to one’s creative journey. Stressing the importance of taking life one step at a time.

Who (living or dead) would you most enjoy hearing speak at CreativeMornings?
When asked about the dream speaker at CreativeMornings, I express a desire to hear Louise Bourgeois, citing her groundbreaking contributions to sculpture and feminist art during her time. I appreciate her ability to break the mold, highlighting her role as an abstract expressionist in feminist art.

What did you learn from your most memorable creative failure?
Answering the question about the most memorable creative failure, I share the lesson learned—that accidents can lead to creative successes. I draw a parallel to Bob Ross’s philosophy that there are no creative mistakes, only happy accidents. I emphasize the iterative nature of art, where mistakes can often pave the way for unique and creative outcomes.

What fact about you would surprise people?
Regarding a surprising fact about myself, I reveal that I speak five languages, worked as an interpreter before becoming an artist, and even had a background in finance. This unexpected facet adds depth to my identity beyond the realm of art.

How does your life and career compare to what you envisioned for your future as a sixth grader?
When asked to compare my life and career to the visions I had as a sixth grader, I explain that, due to existing in a difficult reality during a civil war in my home country, I was incapable of dreaming at that age. This experience shaped my perspective on life and dreams.

How would you describe what you do in a single sentence to a stranger?
“I play with clay,” encapsulating the essence of my artistic endeavors.

If you could open a door and go anywhere, where would that be?
In response to the hypothetical scenario of opening a door and going anywhere, I express a desire to be in my home, Paris, France..

What keeps you awake at night?
Delving into what keeps me awake at night, I humorously attribute it to my “creative juices,” emphasizing the constant flow of ideas and inspiration that fuels my artistic endeavors.

What are you proudest of in your life?
When asked about what I am proudest of in my life, I unequivocally cite my children as my greatest source of pride, followed by my achievements in public art.

What has been one of your biggest Aha! moments in life?
Recalling one of my biggest “Aha!” moments in life, I share the profound experience of witnessing the installation of my first public art piece—VANTAGE—a moment that solidified the impact of my creative contributions.

WATCH RECORDING HERE

December’s event will feature notable BC lawyer, mediator, and conflict resolution expert Sharon Sutherland who will share her story of how creativity has shown up in work and life through the lens of the global theme ‘pain’.

Sharon was one of the first Project Managers of the BC Court Mediation Program (1998-2003). From 2000-2014, Sharon was a faculty member at the University of British Columbia Faculty of Law where, in addition to a range of substantive legal courses, she taught an intensive clinical mediation program and supervised the Faculty’s Judicial Externship program. From 2006-2010, Sharon worked with Mediate BC to develop a province-wide Child Protection Mediation Practicum aimed at increasing the number of child protection mediators in under-serviced parts of BC. From 2014-2016, Sharon worked as a Knowledge Engineer in the development of the Civil Resolution Tribunal, focusing on both Strata and Small Claims streams.

With her background in practicum design and management, Sharon has a special interest in mediation mentorship. She has been a mediation mentor in a variety of programs (Small Claims, Child Protection, community mediations) since 1997. She is a founding Board member of CoRe Conflict Resolution Society where she manages the Speaker Series.

In June 2021, Sharon received an honorary doctorate from the Justice Institute of BC for contributions to conflict resolution through practice, advocacy, and the training and mentoring of mediators. Sharon also was honoured with the 2011 Susanna Jani Prize for Excellence in Mediation.

In addition to an LL.M. in ADR from Osgoode Hall Law School, Sharon received a M.A. in Drama and Theatre Studies from the University of London, and completed all work but her thesis towards a Ph.D. in Drama from the University of Toronto. This theatrical background continues to inform her teaching and practice. Sharon has participated in a variety of academic and practice-oriented projects in applied improvisation, Theatre of the Oppressed, and other theatre tools for conflict resolution.

Sharon is keenly interested in games as a tool for supporting team building, conflict prevention and conflict management. She has hosted several Collaborative Game Jams, and is a member of PignPotato Games. She is one of the designers of Zombie Fight or Flight, a collaborative card game, and designs and hosts Scavenger Hunts for team building.

Every month we ask our speaker a handful of probing questions to give us a deeper glimpse into their life and relationship with creativity:

How do you define creativity and apply it in your life and career?
Margaret Boden’s definition of creativity as the ability to come up with ideas that are ”new, surprising, and valuable” resonates with me because it’s wide-ranging and captures possibilities in all areas of life. I try to appreciate creativity in all of its forms - artistic endeavours, cooking, strategic planning, games, team sports, etc.

Where do you find your best creative inspiration or energy?
I’m energized by new experiences, change, and (unfortunately, perhaps) deadlines.

What’s one piece of creative advice or a tip you wish you’d known as a young person?
Creativity applies to everything, including creating the work you want to be doing.

Who (living or dead) would you most enjoy hearing speak at CreativeMornings?
Tahmoh Penikett, Rachel Bloom, Baba Brinkman.

What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever done?
Captained a GISH team to victory! Essentially 8 days of making 223 of 227 impossible tasks and goofy acts of kindness happen. Personal craziest tasks would include acting as judge on the diving board of a literal jury pool, setting up a giant game of red rover with 53 wedding guests, re-enacting the pottery scene from “Ghost” using cement, public maple syrup and glittering a teammate, and zombie slow-speed tag at the mall.

What are you reading these days?
Fanfiction - endless creativity and, occasional guilty pleasure, combined.

Where was the last place you travelled?
Last non-work travel was to Greenland, and now I want to go straight back!

WATCH RECORDING HERE

Our featured speaker for March is the charming and irreverent magician Rob Teszka who will share his fascinating experiences and struggles with creativity through the lens of the global theme PERSPECTIVE.

Weaving interesting stories and unusual ideas together with wit and skill, Teszka entertains at a variety of public festivals and private events, is the president of the Fraser Valley Magic Company, and has toured across Canada with his solo Fringe show. The thing he’s most proud of though, is producing and hosting the monthly Parlour Magic Show, Vancouver’s own variety magic show that just entered its 4th year! Incidentally, Rob hated writing this bio for himself, because bragging is really quite unnatural for him. A favourable review once called him “a genuine eccentric”. It’s probably because he knots his own bow ties.

Every month we ask our speaker a handful of probing questions to give us a deeper glimpse into their life and relationship with creativity:

How do you define creativity and apply it in your life and career?
Sometimes, a person gets driven to express a Thing, by -any means necessary-. Creativity is the practice of solving problems that get in the way of fully communicating the Thing. My chosen medium happens to be magic, which is beautifully cross-disciplinary and lets you express even the impossible. There is a Thing that should not be: and yet, here it is. To bring my Things to life I have dipped my paintbrush into many disciplines: acting, engineering, standup comedy, improv, psychology, puppetry, clown, storytelling–and whatever else I’ve needed to express the Thing.

Where do you find your best creative inspiration or energy?
Seeing live performance! My cup is always refilled whenever I go to a show, and fills most quickly when I’m at a festival and seeing all the shows I can. Especially the weird ones.

What’s one piece of creative advice or a tip you wish you’d known as a young person?
Rob! It’s me, you from the future! That feeling you feel, when in front of an audience? It’s JOY. It doesn’t have to be rare. You can find it in so many different ways. Don’t let the bastards grind you down–you are allowed to pursue joy! DO IT!

Who (living or dead) would you most enjoy hearing speak at CreativeMornings?
Why not both? Have Erwin Schrödinger on. Ha! But for real: I’d be interested to see P.T Barnum, the infamous humbug and sideshow exhibitionist. I suspect he’d be wildly entertaining, but also insightful about North American showbiz culture, the way spin and bluster dazzle the public, and the real power of a fake story. Alas, he was waaaaaay more problematic than his portrayal by Hugh Jackman in the Greatest Showman musical would suggest, so it’s probably for the best that we’ll just have to imagine what he’d say.

How would you describe what you do in a single sentence to a stranger?
I entertain by using lies to share truths—and am disarmingly open about the lying part.

What keeps you awake at night?
My goddamned phone. I am as a moth to its artificial glow.

What’s your one guilty creative indulgence?
I like popcorn movies and prefer pulpy genre to literary fiction! For instance: my favourite movies are Raiders of the Lost Ark and Ghostbusters, and I love cozy murder mysteries and Terry Pratchett’s Discworld novels. I don’t really watch movies or read books that make me feel sad or weird, and I guess I feel guilty about it because I’m seeking fun escapism rather than erudition? Heavens, what will become of my pretentious reputation!

What fact about you would surprise most people?
I’m a vaguely competent pianist and singer, and can convincingly accompany myself on the ukulele.

WATCH RECORDING HERE

Our featured speaker for February will be the athlete, advocate, activist, and fashion model Joleen Mitton who will share her inspirational personal story of creativity through the lens of the global theme NATIVE.

Joleen is the founder of Vancouver Indigenous Fashion Week and co-founder of Supernaturals—the world’s first all-Indigenous modelling agency. Through the organization Urban Butterflies, she helps Indigenous youth in foster care connect with their culture.

Every month we ask our speaker a handful of probing questions to give us a deeper glimpse into their life and relationship with creativity:

How do you define creativity and apply it in your life and career?
As an indigenous woman at the helm of Vancouver Indigenous Fashion Week, creativity is not just an abstract concept, but a lived experience and a legacy. It’s the fusion of ancient traditions with modern expressions. In my life and career, creativity is about storytelling - every design, every fabric, every color tells a story of our people, our struggles, and our triumphs. It’s a way to keep our culture alive and share it with the world.

Where do you find your best creative inspiration or energy?
A significant portion of my inspiration emanates from my kokum and the people in my surroundings. Much of it arises from a call to action, a desire to make a positive impact. Additionally, a substantial part of my creative energy is derived from the passion and experiences I’ve encountered throughout my modelling career overseas.

What’s one piece of creative advice or a tip you wish you’d known as a young person?
If I could share a piece of creative advice with my younger self, it would listen to the wisdom of my elders and genuine knowledge keepers. Let them observe and guide me, as my creative talents will unfold naturally. In the midst of the noise of external opinions, trust those who truly know and care about you, as they have your best interests at heart.

Who (living or dead) would you most enjoy hearing speak at CreativeMornings?
I would deeply appreciate the opportunity to hear the wisdom of my mentor, Beau Dick, once more. He served as a profound source of inspiration for me, and I believe that sharing his knowledge would be enriching for others as well.

What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever done?
Jumped off a bridge.

What’s your one guilty creative indulgence?
I watch a lot of old school Anime.

What are you reading these days?
I just finished “The Shoe Boy A Trapline” Memoir By Duncan McGue while on vacation.

What fact about you would surprise people?
I lived in Thailand on and off for 8 years and had dreams of being a monk LOL.

How does your life and career compare to what you envisioned for your future as a sixth grader?
Similar to many sixth graders, my childhood dream was to become a veterinarian. However, over the years, my path has taken a different direction.

How would you describe what you do in a single sentence to a stranger?
Producers of many things and ideas.

What’s the most recent thing you learned (big or small)?
I can’t help everyone.

If you could open a door and go anywhere, where would that be?
More vacations. It feels like I’ve opened a lot of doors already.

What keeps you awake at night?
My mind is constantly active, engaged in problem-solving and contemplating the things I want to accomplish.

Who has been the biggest influence on your life and what lessons did that person teach you?
The most significant influence on my life has been my Kokum. She imparted invaluable lessons on strength and resilience, shaping me into the person I am today.

What are you proudest of in your life?
That I helped create a safer space for indigenous people on Turtle island. I’ve been the fork in the road for a lot of people.

If you could interview anyone living or dead, but not a celebrity, who would it be and why?
I would choose my Kokum. Despite being deeply ashamed of her past, I am curious to learn how she overcame those challenges and managed to take care of me.

If you could do anything now, what would you do?
Paint and go to art school.

Where was the last place you travelled?
Tulum, Mexico.

What music are you listening to these days?
Lately, I’ve been immersed in the sounds of Aysanabee. I’m such a big fan that I even brought him to VIFW.

What was the best surprise you’ve experienced so far in life?
I’m 40 and still playing basketball LOL..

Where is your favourite place to escape?
Saipan in Micronesia.

What was the best advice you were ever given?
The encouragement to ‘keep going’ stands out as the best advice I ever received, especially when it came from my elders and knowledge keepers, affirming that I was the real deal.

What books made a difference in your life and why?
One significant ritual for me is smudging, which involves clearing the space before I begin my creative endeavours.

When you get stuck creatively, what is the first thing you do to get unstuck?
Personally, I turn to prayer, reflect on photos of my Kokum and past works, and take walks.

If you had fifteen extra minutes each day, what would you do with them?
Sleep.

What has been one of your biggest Ah-Ha! moments in life?. Around the age of 18 or 19, I realized that much of the rat race doesn’t hold true significance; instead, it’s the embrace of culture that truly matters.

What object would you put in a time capsule that best represents who you are today?
A basketball, Sage, ribbon skirt and a NAS CD

What is the one movie or book every creative must see/read?
The defiant ones.

WATCH RECORDING HERE

The first event of 2024 will feature renowned sculptor Marie Khouri who will share her incredible personal story of creativity through the lens of the global theme RISE.

Born in Egypt and raised in Lebanon, Marie Khouri relays messages of movement, community, and connection through her artworks. As an immigrant spending time across Europe before truly settling in Canada, Khouri’s work speaks to a unified and diverse audience, creating sculptures that unify communities. With her works rooted in a profound sense of dislocation and the search for a greater sense of place, her sculptures are formed through extensive hands-on process that employs traditional sculpting techniques alongside contemporary innovations in material and building standards. Khouri was just honoured as the Award of Distinction in the 2023 Applied Art + Design Awards by BC Achievement Foundation.

Every month we ask our speaker a handful of probing questions to give us a deeper glimpse into their life and relationship with creativity:

How do you define creativity and apply it in your life and career?
When asked about how I define creativity and apply it in my life and career, I express that for me, creativity is not just a sporadic occurrence but an everyday phenomenon. It permeates various aspects of my life, from the way I dress and cook to my behavior and work. I draw inspiration from everyday things, whether it be an image, a reading, or a simple walk, emphasizing the importance of finding creativity in the ordinary.

Where do you find your best creative inspiration or energy?
Reflecting on where I find my best creative inspiration or energy, I stress that inspiration often stems from everyday experiences, such as images, readings, or walks—especially those by the sea. I emphasize the significance of not merely looking at things but truly seeing them, delving beneath the surface. Ultimately, I highlight the pivotal moment when I can apply this creative inspiration in the studio, manifesting it into the everyday things I create.

What’s one piece of creative advice or a tip you wish you’d known as a young person?
In response to the question about creative advice for young individuals, I suggest embracing every moment and experience, emphasizing that tips and advice are valuable additions to one’s creative journey. Stressing the importance of taking life one step at a time.

Who (living or dead) would you most enjoy hearing speak at CreativeMornings?
When asked about the dream speaker at CreativeMornings, I express a desire to hear Louise Bourgeois, citing her groundbreaking contributions to sculpture and feminist art during her time. I appreciate her ability to break the mold, highlighting her role as an abstract expressionist in feminist art.

What did you learn from your most memorable creative failure?
Answering the question about the most memorable creative failure, I share the lesson learned—that accidents can lead to creative successes. I draw a parallel to Bob Ross’s philosophy that there are no creative mistakes, only happy accidents. I emphasize the iterative nature of art, where mistakes can often pave the way for unique and creative outcomes.

What fact about you would surprise people?
Regarding a surprising fact about myself, I reveal that I speak five languages, worked as an interpreter before becoming an artist, and even had a background in finance. This unexpected facet adds depth to my identity beyond the realm of art.

How does your life and career compare to what you envisioned for your future as a sixth grader?
When asked to compare my life and career to the visions I had as a sixth grader, I explain that, due to existing in a difficult reality during a civil war in my home country, I was incapable of dreaming at that age. This experience shaped my perspective on life and dreams.

How would you describe what you do in a single sentence to a stranger?
“I play with clay,” encapsulating the essence of my artistic endeavors.

If you could open a door and go anywhere, where would that be?
In response to the hypothetical scenario of opening a door and going anywhere, I express a desire to be in my home, Paris, France..

What keeps you awake at night?
Delving into what keeps me awake at night, I humorously attribute it to my “creative juices,” emphasizing the constant flow of ideas and inspiration that fuels my artistic endeavors.

What are you proudest of in your life?
When asked about what I am proudest of in my life, I unequivocally cite my children as my greatest source of pride, followed by my achievements in public art.

What has been one of your biggest Aha! moments in life?
Recalling one of my biggest “Aha!” moments in life, I share the profound experience of witnessing the installation of my first public art piece—VANTAGE—a moment that solidified the impact of my creative contributions.

WATCH RECORDING HERE

December’s event will feature notable BC lawyer, mediator, and conflict resolution expert Sharon Sutherland who will share her story of how creativity has shown up in work and life through the lens of the global theme ‘pain’.

Sharon was one of the first Project Managers of the BC Court Mediation Program (1998-2003). From 2000-2014, Sharon was a faculty member at the University of British Columbia Faculty of Law where, in addition to a range of substantive legal courses, she taught an intensive clinical mediation program and supervised the Faculty’s Judicial Externship program. From 2006-2010, Sharon worked with Mediate BC to develop a province-wide Child Protection Mediation Practicum aimed at increasing the number of child protection mediators in under-serviced parts of BC. From 2014-2016, Sharon worked as a Knowledge Engineer in the development of the Civil Resolution Tribunal, focusing on both Strata and Small Claims streams.

With her background in practicum design and management, Sharon has a special interest in mediation mentorship. She has been a mediation mentor in a variety of programs (Small Claims, Child Protection, community mediations) since 1997. She is a founding Board member of CoRe Conflict Resolution Society where she manages the Speaker Series.

In June 2021, Sharon received an honorary doctorate from the Justice Institute of BC for contributions to conflict resolution through practice, advocacy, and the training and mentoring of mediators. Sharon also was honoured with the 2011 Susanna Jani Prize for Excellence in Mediation.

In addition to an LL.M. in ADR from Osgoode Hall Law School, Sharon received a M.A. in Drama and Theatre Studies from the University of London, and completed all work but her thesis towards a Ph.D. in Drama from the University of Toronto. This theatrical background continues to inform her teaching and practice. Sharon has participated in a variety of academic and practice-oriented projects in applied improvisation, Theatre of the Oppressed, and other theatre tools for conflict resolution.

Sharon is keenly interested in games as a tool for supporting team building, conflict prevention and conflict management. She has hosted several Collaborative Game Jams, and is a member of PignPotato Games. She is one of the designers of Zombie Fight or Flight, a collaborative card game, and designs and hosts Scavenger Hunts for team building.

Every month we ask our speaker a handful of probing questions to give us a deeper glimpse into their life and relationship with creativity:

How do you define creativity and apply it in your life and career?
Margaret Boden’s definition of creativity as the ability to come up with ideas that are ”new, surprising, and valuable” resonates with me because it’s wide-ranging and captures possibilities in all areas of life. I try to appreciate creativity in all of its forms - artistic endeavours, cooking, strategic planning, games, team sports, etc.

Where do you find your best creative inspiration or energy?
I’m energized by new experiences, change, and (unfortunately, perhaps) deadlines.

What’s one piece of creative advice or a tip you wish you’d known as a young person?
Creativity applies to everything, including creating the work you want to be doing.

Who (living or dead) would you most enjoy hearing speak at CreativeMornings?
Tahmoh Penikett, Rachel Bloom, Baba Brinkman.

What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever done?
Captained a GISH team to victory! Essentially 8 days of making 223 of 227 impossible tasks and goofy acts of kindness happen. Personal craziest tasks would include acting as judge on the diving board of a literal jury pool, setting up a giant game of red rover with 53 wedding guests, re-enacting the pottery scene from “Ghost” using cement, public maple syrup and glittering a teammate, and zombie slow-speed tag at the mall.

What are you reading these days?
Fanfiction - endless creativity and, occasional guilty pleasure, combined.

Where was the last place you travelled?
Last non-work travel was to Greenland, and now I want to go straight back!

WATCH RECORDING HERE

For November we are excited to feature the young, female designer shaking up the local creative industry with her talent and energy named Ella Taylor who will share her story of creativity through the lens of the global theme ‘rhythm’.

Ella is a creative with an influence of marketing and design thinking, composing her career as a graphic designer. She is a recent graduate of the Wilson School of Design program, and has been on the post-grad roller coaster ever since. Her studies led to a few student award wins, but her biggest accomplishment to date has been the opportunity to find her voice through design. She’s (kind of) new here, and unlike her short bio, has lots to say!

Every month we like to ask our speaker a handful of probing questions to give us a deeper glimpse into their life and relationship with creativity:

How do you define creativity and apply it in your life and career?
The way I see it, there are two main facets of creativity. One being creative problem solving and the other a straight up creative expression or energy. Creative problem solving is a lot like playing Lego, taking different pieces and assembling them in order to bring something bigger into existence. Whereas creativity can also be the act of bringing something to life for the sake of it, be it words, sounds, visuals, etc. I use both every day of my life in different scenarios. My Lego building skills earn me a living, so that I can keep making things for the sake of making them. It’s a dialed system!

Where do you find your best creative inspiration or energy?
I consume a lot of content (zines, shows, inspiration sites, books, podcasts, etc) but most of my ideas come to me when I’m doing something mundane like the dishes, laundry, driving, walking, or falling asleep. When I’m not feeling a natural flow, I’m anxious or uncertain about how to start, movement is always my go-to release so that I can slow my thoughts, be more in my body, and get into a state where I’m able to focus that energy more effectively. Other times it just takes momentum, a scribble or a note for example. Doing anything to break the blank page, and sometimes the inspiration just shows up.

What’s one piece of creative advice or a tip you wish you’d known as a young person? Just have fun, let joy in!

Who (living or dead) would you most enjoy hearing speak at CreativeMornings?
Oh my gosh there would be so many… but I’m going to have to say I’d love to see an Our Planet style narration by David Attenborough on the life of creatives.

If you could open a door and go anywhere, where would that be?
Assuming I would have some sort of superhuman powers to stay alive while I’m down there, I’d definitely go to the deep sea. Being one of the last things left unexplored on earth, that’s definitely what I’d go see if I had a magical door.

What music are you listening to these days?
Anything a little jazzy, a little funky, and smooth. I’ve been really loving jazz rap recently.

What was the best advice you were ever given?
The best advice I’ve ever been given is perhaps the most simple advice I’ve ever been given, and that is to just slow down.

WATCH RECORDING HERE

October’s global theme is ‘endurance’ and we are excited to welcome local creative consultant, multidisciplinary systems thinker, and B Corp Ambassador Kristy O'Leary.

Kristy is a multi-disciplinary creative whose practice has evolved through direct action and activism, multimedia and installation art, advertising and branding, public confidence and social license campaigning, into the world of impact management consulting. Her passion and purpose have coalesced into Decade, a boutique consulting firm with a focus on supporting companies in taking meaningful, tangible, and radical action on climate and social justice issues. She delights in supporting companies in becoming hope spots and helping people transform the mundane into magic. She believes her contribution to building a livable, equitable future is by trojan-horsing capitalism. Giddy up!

Kristy has developed disruptive, future-focused impact plans for companies internationally. She has transformed NIMBY’s into investors, worked with underdogs to transform public opinion from rejection to acceptance, and performed supply chain impact measurement for disruptive agricultural companies in the jungles of Latin. The team at Decade have supported over 150+ companies in redefining how they can leave the world better than they found it and 60+ companies in achieving B Corp certification.

Every month we like to ask our speaker a handful of probing questions to give us a deeper glimpse into their life and relationship with creativity:

How do you define creativity and apply it in your life and career?
Working with companies to identify, pluck, and strengthen the threads that tie products and services to purpose, regeneration, and renewal is how my creativity manifests. This work requires an aptitude for both the darkness and the light; each presenting their own unique creative challenges. Creativity makes it possible for us to scenario plan runaway climate change and cascading systems collapse, and have the wherewithal to imagine, design, and actually build regenerative systems that ensure there will indeed be a future. Creativity is more than art and beauty and all those things; it is the ability to look into the darkness and the endurance to create something beautiful and good and necessary. Creativity is relentlessly loving.

Where do you find your best creative inspiration or energy?
People and their stories and infinite possibilities. Right in the centre of those three things. I get these butterfly-in-my-chest-moments when people share the truths they have revealed as they deepen their expertise… it’s in those passion spaces, other people’s passion spaces, that’s where I light up. I’m always moving between the present and future tense for folks. My greatest joy is holding up a mirror to them – “Look at your greatness! Take it in. That’s you! That’s what you’re here to do! Now, let’s get to work.”

What’s one piece of creative advice or a tip you wish you’d known as a young person?
That creativity and thinking sideways are superpowers.

Who (living or dead) would you most enjoy hearing speak at CreativeMornings?
Carl Sagan

How would you describe what you do in a single sentence to a stranger? I help businesses embed social, environmental, and economic justice in their products and services so that every time they turn a dollar, something is left better than they found it.

If you could interview anyone living or dead, but not a celebrity, who would it be and why?
Carl Sagan

What myths about creativity would you like to set straight?
That creativity is for artists… I work with entrepreneurs and those folks create a lot of something from nothing and sometimes figure out how to embed justice in capitalism. I’ll take an impact business models are radical creativity.

What books made a difference in your life and why?
“The World we Made” – we all need a glimpse of a world made better. “The Council of Animals” – I think humans should eventually be judged by the creatures. “Never Let Me Go” – I don’t want to give anything away. “1984” – Do I need to explain this one? “Hillbilly Elegy” – This story hits dangerously close to home.*

If you could open a door and go anywhere, where would that be?
The future… obviously…

What music are you listening to these days?
Lana Del Ray, Jose Gonzalez, Sault, Sigur Ros, Beck, Michael Nyman, Max Richter, Carol King, Solange, The Weakerthans.

What was the best advice you were ever given?
There are three: 1. Never, ever, get good at anything you don’t love. 2. You’ll have three best friends in your life, make one of them your life partner. 3. When you buy quality, you only wince once.

What is the one movie or book every creative must see/read?
First, for those needing some inspiration and magic in their lives, “In and of Itself” – Derrick Delgato. You’re welcome. Second, for those trying to steel themselves for an uncertain future and need a taste of the sublime – “Meloncholia”. I’m sorry.

What keeps you awake at night?
Late-stage capitalism, climate chaos, perimenopause…

WATCH RECORDING HERE