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"The light is so bright it sears our eyes but we continually bask in it's glow." vf

At AOTCE we celebrate the latest and the greatest among us, old heads and the young ones too.   We know that there are many young, bright stars on the horizon and one is Danielle Eliska.  Danielle Eliska is a photographer, movie producer and writer.  The light from Danielle makes us old heads proud.  Look for and expect that she will do great things. 

Danielle Eliska writer/director/photographer

Interview by Valerie Fair

AOTCE: How would you describe your interest in the arts and in particular photoraphy and theatre?  

Danielle: I guess the best way to answer this question is to say that the passion has always been there, since I can remember.  

In some instances, as a very young child, it was noticeable to

me (and my family) right away.  Then, there are other things I showed tremendous interest in and I didn't recognize, at the

time, they would be a part of my purpose.  I can recall many moments, some creative activity would trigger a childhood

memory which connected the two forces of the past and

present.  My art is still making making connections to my childhood and it never ceases to amaze me.  I believe everything is innate.

AOTCE:  What fuels what you do?

Danielle: Everything, my belief in God, creativity, activism. Love and the craziness of the world.  The desire to make work that means something bigger than myself, something that could have the potential to ripple through time for generations to come.

AOTCE:  What is that overall need to create?

Danielle:  It is a necessity.  I believe I would literally waste away and die if I couldn't create.  Creativity, whether we know it or not, finds a way.  I believe it is God inspired and a natural thing.

AOTCE:  When you created your first movie project was that in response to something in the community that needed to be addressed? Were you acting or reacting to a need?

Danielle: Actually, my first movie project was writing a script.  It's a feature about a historical thriving community that was ultimately destroyed by racism.  So, to answer your question, yes, my very first feature script was birthed out of the need to tell the truth about what happened.  Too often that right has been stripped away by other people who tell our story, white scholars along with people of power. 

AOTCE:  We at AOTCE celebrate and appreciate all of your great accomplishments.  We know that you are a writer/producer/photographer, but in your eyes, which talent is most important to you or has given you the most satisfaction?

Danielle:  I am humbled.  No gift or talent is more important than the other.  All of my gifts are my sanity and life force.

AOTCE: Do you believe that having a greater understanding of these genres have contributed to your overall ability to cross genres so easily?

Danielle: I'm always seek wisdom, balance and love.  But I do believe I am blessed to see the world through different lenses.  An idea speaks and tells me what it is.  The project will tell me if it is a script or a photography series immediately, then I act on it accordingly.

AOTCE: How does your artistry as a photographer, film maker and writer, cross into fine art?

Danielle: I want to believe they are all fine art.  I've had the privilege of winning a few awards and have had my photography work in art galleries.  I pray there is much more to come so that my work will have a visceral, deep-seated effect on each life it touches.

AOTCE: Did you ever think of giving up and doing anything else?

Danielle: (laughing). At least once a week, these thoughts cross my mind.  It's hard sometimes.  I'm in my head, like, Black girl, what are you doing with your life?  It usually lasts a few hours or maybe even an entire day and I allow myself to have that pity party, grab a glass of wine and just sob.  I believe it is a part of the process, to fine tune the character and grieve the weight of the mission or ministry.  You feel the gravity in your soul, but the passion always wins.  I will always continue to want to do more, say more, and work, work, work.  When you believe in a higher power I know my head is on straight and I can move forward.

AOTCE: Is there anyone that came before you that helped you to keep your vision?

Danielle: Wow.  There are "so" many.  The encouragers and discouragers, alike.  The visionaries, the legends.  Dr. Gloria Aneb House-she stays at the forefront of mind because she's contributed to my journey in life and art in ways I don't believe she even recognizes.  Gordon Parks the photographer. Although I never had the opportunity to meet him, he has had a profound impact on my life that runs deep into my childhood.  Spike Lee, "She's Gotta Have It" and his critique and encouragement during grad school.  Arthur Strawbridge was my childhood gym teacher who was more of a father figure and taught me the need to the be best at all I do.  My Mom!  Muhammad Ali had a HUGE impact on me as a child and into adulthood.  I shall never forget his kindness toward me and his genuine heart.  And of course, whoever thought pizza and wine should go together (laughing).

interview continued...

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Danielle Eliska website: http://www.danielleeliska.com

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