“You can’t wait for inspiration. You have to go after it with a club.”
― Jack London
Inspiration can take many forms:
An exquisite sunset
The unbridled laughter of a child
A song, a poem, a piece of art…
What touches our hearts and moves us to creative action is unique and personal to each of us.
Here at Womack and Bowman we seek to fill our inspiration tank as often as possible in order to remain energized to create aerial acts, tricks, combinations, courses and design shows, workshops and retreats.
It is not only other aerialists that we look to for inspiration (although there are plenty of them!) but musicians, companies, dancers, composers and athletes to name a few.
Here are just some of the people, companies and collectives that have inspired us to take bold creative action over the years and continue to fill us with inspiration and motivation:
Brett:
Brett has long been inspired by Bowie’s theatricality and versatility. His talent, style and artistic choices influenced many of Bretts aerial acts and even some costume designs!
Rachel:
Recently retired (at the age of 52!) French Ballet dancer Sylvie Guillem was a major source of inspiration for Rachel as a young dancer. Her gorgeous extensions, artistry, strength and athletic ability (she began her training as a Rhythmic Gymnast) broke the mold in what was typically expected of Ballet dancers and encouraged Rachel to think outside of the box as an artist.
Both:
This exquisite contemporary dance duo were a major inspiration for beginning our aerial partnership back in 2013. Their talent, bold artistic choices and courage to move away from convention (for years they did not accept contracts with dance companies, preferring to freelance instead) served as a source of inspiration for what was possible by stewarding our own careers as aerialists. They were a dynamic, artistic dream duo, highly skilled and technical dancers who wrote their own script and danced to the beat of their own drum.
Founded in 2002, this French-Canadian contemporary circus collective was (and still is), to us, like a breath of fresh air. For all of the circus exposure (and job opportunities) created by Cirque Du Soleil in the late 90’s and early 00’s it was refreshing to see contemporary circus become, well, MORE contemporary. People were actually portraying PEOPLE on stage, which to us was refreshing and relevant. The company has since gone on to produce multiple new works and even a circus themed broadway musical!
What or who inspires you to get to aerial class or training, to get up and try again when your hands hurt, your forearms are pumped and you just feel like giving up?
Keeping images or videos of artists/companies that inspire you on your bedroom or office wall, phone or desktop can help you stay motivated to continuily go after your aerial goals.
If you have a hard time thinking of people that inspire you, spend time researching or ask your aerial tribe.
Keep training, stay motivated and make beautiful art!
Have a wonderful rest of your week!
Much love,
Brett and Rachel
