Today we’d like to introduce you to Morleigh Steinberg and Frally Hynes.
Morleigh and Frally, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Morleigh: I have always loved collaboration and production. I think Frally would say the same about herself. Working in dance, film, and music has spurred some great relationships with many interesting artists. After years of touring the world with various companies I had helped co-found, including a current dance co-op called ARCANE Collective, I wanted to have a place to make work happen closer to home, a place that didn’t necessarily have to be exclusive to dance, it just had to be a creative collaborative space. With that search I met Frally. Her background as a musician and writer and mine as a dance artist, director, lighting designer, seemed an unlikely duo to start a “gallery,” but we both were looking for the same thing, a space to create community and a continued connection with other artists. We opened ARCANE Space in October 2017 without fully knowing exactly what we were going to do with it. What we did know, however, was that whatever we planned for ARCANE Space would be with the intention to give opportunity to artists of diverse disciplines, both known and unknown, to present work in ways they may not have explored. We discovered that we were both interested in the discovery of story, both from the artists making their work and audience interpretation of experiencing work. Since opening, we have installed eight diverse shows.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
FRALLY: When we entered into this partnership we said we would try to make ARCANE Space a stress free endeavor… we have had to remind ourselves of that with every show.
We juggle full-time careers, travel with work, and full family lives, so it’s sometimes a challenge when we are feeling stretched, but so far the satisfaction of each collaboration and installation and the goodwill and community generated, is always inspiring and worthwhile.
Plus, I just love it when Morleigh pulls out her power tools and perches herself atop the ladder to fine tune the lighting!
MORLEIGH: I do love climbing a ladder! It’s good to know how to differentiate between a good challenge and stress. We certainly welcome artistic challenge, and stretching ourselves creatively. The real challenge for us has been finding the time to give to all the artists that inspire us and that have great work to show.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about ARCANE Space – what should we know?
We are a relatively young business. In fact, we don’t even want to call it a business. It’s part of our lifestyle. We are only getting going figuring out what and how we will fill and change the space. ARCANE Space came about quite organically and spontaneously, and we would like for it to remain so. We want to specialize in staying fluid with what we make and present. Maybe that is what sets us apart.
We have a couple of shows coming up in May and June. The May show presents photographs and installation that documents the fantastical miniature dioramas made by a 7 young old girl over 3 years while being treated for Leukemia. Her imagination and prolific creations offer an intimate and fascinating glimpse into how she dealt and coped with this life and death experience. Proceeds from this show will benefit The Cancer Support Community. The show in June is a completely different story. We will be presenting the work by internationally known Irish artist, painter/ sculptor, Guggi. This will be his first show in Los Angeles, so we are excited to be able to introduce him to a whole new audience. So you see, there are many different stories told in ARCANE Space.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
Every show at ARCANE has been a transformation of space and perception. I think that has been one compelling reason why people keep coming back to see what we are up to. And I think people recognize the years we have put into developing our work as artists and our relationships with wonderfully talented people.
-In terms of success, I like Winston Churchill’s take on it, “Success is stumbling from failure to failure with no loss of enthusiasm! Somehow this saying keeps us brave and keeps us laughing!
Contact Info:
- Address: 324 Sunset Ave, #G Venice, CA 90291
- Website: arcanespaceLA.com
- Phone:310 3146899
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram:@arcane.space
- Facebook: ARCANE Space
SOUNDWAVES: Artist Moses Hacmon
LA SKYLINES: Artist Morleigh Steinberg
INTERSECTION: Artist Terri Klass, Morleigh Steinberg on ladder
THE JOSHUA TREE: Artist The Edge
CHASING ANSEL ADAMS: Artist Andrew Macpherson
CALIFORNIA SON: Artist Matt Mahurin
FORT DA: Artist Jill Goldman
FORT DA: Artist Jill Goldman
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