Strong woman, and multi-talented artist of many mediums

Ask a Sloth

Name?
Megan

When did you find yourself first pulled into the worlds of aerial dance and circus arts?
I saw a flyer at my regular gym for an aerial silks class in 2006 and thought to myself “That looks crazy, scary, and difficult …”, so I signed up right away! After one class I was hooked! Since then I have expanded my circus repertoire to include silks, rope, sling, lyra and trapeze.

Connection to the goth community?
Growing up I had a hard time connecting with my peer group. My dark humor and taste in art set me apart from most individuals that I encountered on a daily basis. My shy reluctance to talk to people made being different feel even more isolating. I often found myself lonely and feeling negatively viewed by refusal to “act my age” or “stop being so weird.” I found a safe and inclusive space to experiment with who I was and who I wanted to be within the punk, metal and goth communities. In these spaces, my quirks are seen as assets to my individuality, rather than personality flaws!

Sloth qualities?
A mellow, laid back attitude and a celebrated napping ability – seriously, I can fall asleep anywhere and on anything. In fact, if you look away for 2 minutes … … zzzZZZZ

Most memorable gig?
Last March I performed as part of an all-female aerial/dance group called In the Wings. We created a show that debuted on, and was inspired by, International Women’s Day. The pieces that we created were fierce, raw, and reflected both group and personal experiences. It felt so good to work with and be supported by a cast of women that inspire me to create in such a meaningful and authentic way!!

Other movement modalities, favorite activities outside aerial?
I have recently become enamored with dance. ALL of the dance. I have been taking classes in contemporary, classical ballet, and even tried some capoeira. When I’m not dancing around I spend my time chilln’ with my family, hiking, camping, and watching any movie that happens to be on the old people movie channel (TCM.)

Jobs or hobbies outside of circus?
In my muggle life I search for meaning and predictability in the seeming randomness of the cosmos. That is to say, I’m a research scientist currently working on type 1 diabetes. I’m also a free-lance graphic designer and fine artist. My first love was graphite, but lately I have been creating in colored pencil.

What motivates and inspires you?
Those around me, emotions, interactions and reactions to a complex world, tiny moments of peace and exquisite beauty … I guess just about everything! I create because I have to. There is something inside that I feel compelled to express which cannot be communicated by words alone. Art has the power to convey multilayered concepts that can be both individualized and universal at the same time. As a marker, I have the ability to define, refine, and re-examine who I am and how I connect to the world with every piece I create.

Do you have a question for a sloth? Visit our Contact page and send us your questions. Each month we’ll pick a few of the submitted questions to answer!