“A Day in the Life” with Calgary creative, FOONYAP

FOONYAP is a classically trained violinist and vocalist who lives and creates in Mohkínstsis / Calgary – Treaty 7 Territory. She is a magnetic performer whose music weaves together otherworldly vocals and Asian melodies that speak to her deep connection to lineage, body and land.

Foon made her 2016 debut with Palimpsest, an album that reconciles a difficult past with her intersectional identity as a second-generation Chinese-Canadian. Melding electronica and neoclassical sensibilities, she toured extensively across Europe and Canada garnering a reputation for unparalleled artistic rigour and fashion sensibility.

Foon continues to connect with her cultural roots, collaborating with others on projects that explore Calgary’s Chinatown. She is involved as a duet collaborator with SHED | knowing each other as different and the same, a multisensorial performance installation that premieres at The New Gallery April 27 – May 14.

Written by Pam Tzeng -duet collaborator on SHED

FOONYAP
This is what I look like when I wake up in the morning
I make offerings to my ancestors and ask them to guide me throughout the day. I hope they like raisins.
FOONYAP
In live performance, I loop violin, mandolin, and voice with effects. I fuss over my pedal settings.
My artistic cycle is to gather energy through rehearsal and release it through the high of performance. I really enjoyed a recent video shoot at Paper Lantern, a Vietnamese cocktail bar in Chinatown.
Right now I’m in rehearsals for a performance installation by Pam Tzeng.
FOONYAP
It will be my first time dancing in a project. I’m excited to show off my new skills!
I draw to relax from my workday. A self-portrait.
FOONYAP
I am an extreme introvert but sometimes I do go out. Relaxing at Telus Spark Science Centre and hogging the swing from the kids.

***

Which ‘hood are you in?

I live in the NW.

What do you do?

I am an artist and musician. My current projects explore the history of Calgary’s Chinatown and its role in the cultural ecosystem.

What are you currently working on?

I composed the score and will be dancing in a duet with Pam Tzeng as part of SHED | knowing each other as different and the same. Our duet manifests ancestry and duality amidst fantastical ambient soundscapes.

Where can we find your work?

Tickets for SHED are available here.

You can also visit my website.

 

 

About Demian Vernieri 655 Articles
Demian is an Argentinian retired musician, avid gamer and editor for the Montréal Guardian, Toronto Guardian, Calgary Guardian and Vancouver Guardian websites.