In the Sole by Ashley Suttlar Martin, Photo Credit: Yi Chun Wu
Serotonin by Ashley Suttlar Martin, Photo Credit: Yi Chun Wu
Recently Ashley Suttlar Martin was featured in the fourth (Un)Common Ground dialogue that brings together BIPOC choreographers who have shown work in Green Space’s artistic programming series. We asked Ashley to speak on her experiences with the program:
“It's hard to imagine my first experience at Green Space was 12 years ago... I can still see from my memory's eye the beauty of this space illuminated by a beautiful skyline of NYC. I was new to Brooklyn and still finding ways to connect with other artists. My dance friends suggested the venue for programming, rehearsal and classes. I performed for the Fertile Ground Series a solo entitled Soulsurfacing. This piece is an examination of the 4 archetypes of survival based on Carolyn Myss' book, Sacred Contracts. What was most meaningful about the experience was the ability to connect with the audience on a deeper level. This is one of the reasons why I make art, yet, sometimes I've testified (performing) in spaces where I couldn't see a face or hear the breath of my witnesses. The energy that is shared in programming and spaces like Green Space is something so very valuable.
I was honored to be invited to participate in the (Un)Common Ground Series and humbled that my work had such a memorable impact! What was really exciting was seeing the other participants - The line up incited wonderful memories of my life in dance: Nicole Y. McClam, who I had the pleasure of working with under the direction of Emily Berry/B3W and admiring her skills in textile arts as a fellow Crocheter, Vincent E. Thomas, an amazing educator and artist originally from the Carolinas like me and Leah Tubbs, who I knew as Leah Smiley. We were classmates at the Alabama School of Fine Arts in Birmingham! I was already looking forward to connecting in a time of isolation. The nostalgia and comfort I felt seeing friendly, familiar faces gave me additive joy I didn't expect.
There's a saying: "Coincidence is God's/Higher Power's way of remaining anonymous." Our dialogs were paired randomly and I had the experience of meeting someone new (to me) under this platform. As a person who is often labeled as having an "introspective demeanor" and that my "power is revealed" only when moving, I pondered if NYC based artist Ari Mayzick and I would have a valuable exchange. I do not consider myself as a public speaker by any means and I am not an extrovert. I have always believed that you do not have to be loud to be heard but in our field, it sometimes feels that volume can superimpose itself over genuine passion. In spite of my anticipation, I discovered early in the conversation Ari and I share commonalities within our craft in terms of honesty, artistic integrity and the healing power of dance. What Green Space facilitated virtually, echoed the fond memories I have of performing there physically.
12 years later, I am still doing the thing I love. By virtue, I am a Choreographer and teaching is in my Bloodline. I've taught dance in higher education throughout the Carolinas, I serve on faculty at a prominent Arts School in Charlotte, and I've been a Teaching Artist for Charlotte Ballet Academy, Education & Community Engagement Programs since 2014. I am Artistic Director of 4thrightdance, a company that has presented work along the East Coast. There's never been a moment when I'm not creating but my greatest work (in collaboration with my Husband) has been our 2 daughters, Genevieve and Fiona. I "danced until delivery" with both of my girls. Now they are toddlers, I'm excited to resume company work and teach our children the abundant rewards of arts and education.
In a time where so many things are unstable and uncertain, I find solace in practicing gratitude. Thank you Green Space for being a refuge for Dance Artists near and far.”