Artist Spotlight #14: KYM PRIESS
We're spotlighting artists in our Sustainability Network whose creative practices break boundaries and positively impact their communities. Looking into the near future, performance artist / musician / singer-writer / web series host / actor / comedian / acting coach / aspiring stuntwoman KYM PRIESS wants to see "art in general becoming more interactive and blurring the lines between forms [...] without losing respect for the individual mediums."
KYM (aka TOMAHAWK) (aka STUNTDRIVER)... Tell us a little about what do you do in the world!
Deadlines. And time boxing (setting timer for 25min increments). That’s my process! Ha! But seriously….. YES. It’s the only way when you have a million ideas and need to channel/focus them. What do I do in the world? On paper — performance artist / musician / singer-writer / web series host / actor / comedian / acting coach / aspiring stuntwoman. But what does all that really mean?? Well, currently I’m funneling most of my various yet specific interests into one big thing i.e. my new project/moniker STUNTDRIVER, combining my love for highly visual, abstract, whimsical AND absurd performance, 80/90s music videos, physical character work, choreography a la Janet Jackson-meets-societal gestures, my latest musical territory of heavy electronic-ish, industrial-ish, gritty dance rock, my knack for audience involvement (insert buzz word: immersive) and the constant battle of light and dark.
How does "collaboration" manifest in your creative process?
Wellllllllll…..collaboration is a beautiful, sometimes life-saving thing. Your partners think of things you don’t, and vice versa . You have a crazy vision but you need other humans to pull it off. You can’t do it all alone. On a more esoteric level, we’re all in this together no matter how we seem to function in our own ‘lil tunnels here in Los Angeles, or anywhere, for that matter. Simply getting people to do what they do and you do what you do. Working with other musicians, performers, choreographers, wardrobe, lighting/production designers, production managers, performers and musical engineer/producers - simply relaying a vision to them evokes responses that force me to figure out more pieces of the puzzle. Herein lies the beauty when the chemistry is there, whether it be a band, cast, crew, film, etc.
What would a sustainable career look like for you?
Making a living from creative, entrepreneurial and adventurous work only. Continuing to just make work without overthinking it. Touring with it.
Action. Action. Action. Process.Process.Process. Constantly challenging myself and working with amazing, positive peeps.
How do you see your field changing over the next 10 years? What do you want to see more of?
I do see art in general becoming more interactive and blurring the lines between forms. Which I luuuuurrrrve (and am clearly doing ). I think I just want to see the hybrid form keep growing but without losing respect for the individual mediums. I feel like LA is finally becoming a progressive city and the arts are thriving here in many ways. I do think more respect for craft could be expanded here, for sure, specifically in Hollywood, but we’re getting there! I also want to see more funding for the arts! Duh! We just gotta get someone outta office… wait, did I just go political?! shhhhhhh…..
From a workshop performance , Transmute Retreat, Atlantic Center for the Arts // Credit: Buck Lewis
What's up next for you?
NIGHTCREME by StuntDriver. This is the full-length debut of a multi-media, immersive, dance rock performance art/installation experience. Without revealing too much, as an audience member you are entering the NIGHTCREME launch party. A reputable product created by THE INFLUENCER, NIGHTCREME promises to eradicate/disguise age, flaws, imperfections, and perhaps one’s inner demons. Be prepared to combat LIght/Dark as you meet many characters along the way of The Red Road but don’t fret--you’ll have a disguise to accompany you in this strange, visceral yet familiar world. After all, isn’t it time we have a perfect party with our imperfect selves? ‘Til then - Happy Travels.
June 29, 30. Highways Performance Space.
1st comes the live experience with plans to develop further.
A Single / Video release.
Full-album release will come later.
For updates - STUNTDRIVER - www.instagram.com/stuntdrivermusic /// OTHER PROJECTS - www.instagram.com/tomahawkiskympriess // TOMAHAWK TRAINING - #rocknrollfitness web series - tomahawktraining.com
There will be a crowd funding campaign launched in the next couple months and one of the perks will be exclusive access to new video / musical content I will be releasing prior to the June show.
After the show, taking a break and going on a little adventure in Austria. :)
Kym Priess / Transmute Retreat
