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So, these are the things that pay my bills..... As a composer and video artist, my primary interest is in interdisciplinary work involving the visual and the aural aspects of life. I have not engaged in collaborative efforts (though I might in the future) because my pieces are extremely personal and I feel that creative control over the entire work is necessary in my case. Currently I am completing my third video work - for video, violin solo, and electronic soundtrack. The piece, "An Object of..." is the third in a trilogy reflecting my experiences as a cancer survivor. The other two works in the series are "A Parable of Pre-existing Conditions," and "Antigone's Peace." Additionally, I am completing a CD-ROM "Full Circle" based on these works.
I believe in the composer as an all-around musician meaning that I strive to keep my performance "chops" and my research "chops" at their peak in addition to my composing. This involves a lot of piano and violin practice and many hours in the library! I am finishing a book, "Crossing the Line: Women Composers and Music Technology in the United States" - I hope that future editions of this text will contain your names too!
Advice - I have a lot - : I am only 32 years old and have experienced many things that others my age have not. Primary in my experience is my cancer survivorship and the profound effect it has had on my life. When I was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Disease at age 27, my life was a mess! I was working 'way too hard at a teaching gig where no one appreciated my efforts, my marriage was in ruins, my body was in ruins, and all because I was a slave to an overwhelming ambition that was serving me in no good way. Cancer was a warning to me to STOP and re-evaluate what is important in life especially in artistic life. Some things I learned: a career is not enough - you must open yourself to people so that you have plenty of companionship along the way; being "perfect" endears you to no one and turns you into an overbearing, judgmental person that no one likes - it works against you - RELAX a bit; the BODY is just as important as the mind (I am a marathon runner and a tri-athlete now and god, do I feel and look great!); be tolerant of the foibles and weaknesses of others - you've got a few warts of your own too you know; be very careful of what you eat and drink - do not allow chemicals enter your diet; know and appreciate Nature through playing outdoors and gardening; write (music) about what you know and about what you wish to know.
Discrimination is out there and be aware of it! I have lost two jobs because the schools didn't want women in charge of all their high tech music toys. I am fortunate to now be in a diverse, multi-cultural embracing environment and have met no resistance to my efforts. Seek out mentors, educational institutions, work environments where you are treated equally and with respect.
Dr. Elizabeth Hinkle-Turner
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Copyright November 13, 1996 Elizabeth Hinkle-Turner
Questions? Contact me,
ehturner@serial.music.uiowa.edu.