“A Day in the Life” with Local Creative Olivia Davis

March 17, 2021 Admin Arts, Performing Arts

Olivia Davis is an Indigenous artist living in Mohkinstsis, but traces their roots to the Métis communities in Lac Labiche, and back further to the Red River. Olivia is currently attending high school as she works towards her diploma, finding her identity and values as a Cree Métis woman.

Olivia has begun expressing herself through art and creation, including creating her own Etsy where she sells beautiful beadwork to help fundraise for her post-secondary education goals. She is committed to using her art as a platform for conversation and takes pride in carefully crafting work, that includes strong themes of mental health, identity, unique experience and current events.

She comes from a generation of Indigenous matriarchs who all engaged in art and craft making and is continuing the evolution of Indigenous artists as she joins a group of her cousins who all value art, creativity, and culture as key tenets of life.

Olivia’s family loves her smile, her patience and her passion. She is a passionate voice for marginalized people and communities and always stands up for others. Her family is proud to stand behind her, holding her, and lifting her up as she embarks on this journey.

-Bio from Colin Wolf

Olivia Davis - Most of my days of course are spent doing homework. I try to translate my love for theatre in different subjects, it’s difficult but I am dedicated to my craft and try my very best at school.
Olivia Davis – Most of my days of course are spent doing homework. I try to translate my love for theatre in different subjects, it’s difficult but I am dedicated to my craft and try my very best at school.
After the majority of my day being spent working on writing, school, I usually take that time beading. One of my aunties taught me how to bead and it’s been such an important part of my life since.
Anyone in my life could tell you that I’m messy neat. I am obsessed with reading all kinds of books and always get new books before being done a current read. The best way for learning how to write is to indulge yourself in stories you love.
Anyone in my life could tell you that I’m messy neat. I am obsessed with reading all kinds of books and always get new books before being done a current read. The best way for learning how to write is to indulge yourself in stories you love.
As a poet I can never have enough journals. Most of my time is spent writing the first draft in these various notebooks. The best part of using journals is that you can be messy with your work, you can get all of your random thoughts out and they’ll stay between you and your journal.
As a poet I can never have enough journals. Most of my time is spent writing the first draft in these various notebooks. The best part of using journals is that you can be messy with your work, you can get all of your random thoughts out and they’ll stay between you and your journal.
Throughout the process of my microplay with Downstage, I always take notes. Feedback is a necessary ingredient for writing.
Throughout the process of my microplay with Downstage, I always take notes. Feedback is a necessary ingredient for writing.
I’m testing makeup on my arm in the lighting, at this stage it was just an experiment. For me, it’s important to test everything, especially when this whole process has been a trust myself moment.
I’m testing makeup on my arm in the lighting, at this stage it was just an experiment. For me, it’s important to test everything, especially when this whole process has been a trust myself moment.
I get crazy ideas and one of them was using this sparkly eyeshadow for my project. I started testing which would work best and look best under my light setup.
I get crazy ideas and one of them was using this sparkly eyeshadow for my project. I started testing which would work best and look best under my light setup.
Whenever I get the chance, I try to give as much affection to my family’s cat, Jackie.
Whenever I get the chance, I try to give as much affection to my family’s cat, Jackie.

Which ‘hood’ are you in?

I live in the Northeast, Martindale. I’ve always admired this neighbourhood and continue to cherish the culture and diversity within the community.

What do you do?

I am currently a high school student attending Nelson Mandela High School. My biggest aspiration is to study the dramatic arts in post-secondary and hopefully have a career in storytelling. I want to contribute stories that are unique to my experience and fully immerse myself in the beauty of theatre. Which is that there’s no correct way to tell a story, art is subjective, there are so many mediums to experience.

What are you currently working on?

I am extremely grateful to be working on a microplay for Downstage. It’s been a great process connecting with their team and finally making a semi-debut into the theatre community of Calgary. I’ve also been working on poetry, which comes out of my head in feeling. That’s the whole process, to be honest, it’s honesty. It’s important to be able to put your true authentic self out there.

Where can we find your work.

Most of my poetry work is currently on Instagram, I share some of my writing there and my micro-play for Downstage will be available on Downstage’s social media outlets such as YouTube, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. (March 22-26, 2021)

 

 

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