Audio By Carbonatix
Phoenix is brimming with creativity. And every other year, we put the spotlight on 100 of the city’s creative forces. Leading up to the release of this year’s Best of Phoenix issue, we’re profiling 100 more. Welcome to the 2014 edition of 100 Creatives. Up today: 39. Gavin Sisson.
Being up in the air is one of Gavin Sisson’s specialties.
The 35-year-old dancer is renowned for his work in aerial movement, dancing, spinning, and twisting while several feet off the ground and clinging to silks that hang from above, ropes, or the lyra, a suspended hoop. Sisson has been with its aerial arts studio, in addition to working as the company’s assistant director.
And this fall, he’s stepping into the spotlight.
See also: Melissa Dunmore of Phoenix’s Mujeres del Sol: 100 Creatives
That’s not to say the Illinois native hasn’t been in the spotlight during past Scorpius performances; on the contrary, we thought he stole the show last year during 10th annual edition of A Vampire Tale. But come October, the dancer will take on the production’s male lead role of Viktor (a.k.a. the vampire king), originated by David Starry.
“Now in its 11th season, we are changing things around a bit,” Sisson says. “I will be taking over the role of ‘The Watcher.’ I have some big shoes to fill being given this role from its creator David Starry. I hope to be able to create a character that you love, but wouldn’t want be alone in a dark place with.”
To incorporate his aerial and acrobatic talents into the character’s movement, Scoripus has acquired a custom Cyr wheel, which is a large metal hoop in which an acrobat spins onstage, that Sisson will debut during 2014’s A Vampire Tale.
“I am so elated to be a part of this ever-evolving show,” he says.
We’re sure it won’t be one to miss.
I came to Phoenix in 2011 with my little car loaded with clothes, which quickly became mostly tank tops and shorts.
I make art because I am not complete with out it. I have gone through periods of time when I concentrated on “real life”(a full time/well paying job), and I am definitely not the same person. When you work for something you are truly passionate about, your soul grows and continues to need more artistic nurturing.
I am most productive when I am in my studio. I clear my mind, play music, and let my body move freely.
My inspiration wall is full of pictures of my newlywed husband, family and friends, and lots of inspirational quotes.
I have learned so much from different teachers that have crossed my path, but I have learned most from studying anatomy. This body is the tool for my art, and taking the time to learn all about it is a great benefit.
Personally I feel that good work should always strive for better. Good is good, but your best is better.
The Phoenix creative scene could use more funding. To an artist any kind of donation is greatly appreciated. It lets them know they are being seen/heard, and respected. Nurture the artist and the art grows.
See the 2014 edition of 100 Creatives:
100. Bill Dambrova
99. Niki Blaker
98. Jeff Slim
97. Beth May
96. Doug Bell
95. Daniel Langhans
94. Nanibaa Beck
93. Nicole Royse
92. Ib Andersen
91. Casandra Hernandez
90. Chris Reed
89. Shelby Maticic
88. Olivia Timmons
87. Courtney Price
86. Travis Mills
85. Catrina Kahler
84. Angel Castro
83. Cole Reed
82. Lisa Albinger
81. Larry Madrigal
80. Julieta Felix
79. Lauren Strohacker
78. Levi Christiansen
77. Thomas Porter
76. Carrie Leigh Hobson
75. Cody Carpenter
74. Jon Jenkins
73. Aurelie Flores
72. Michelle Ponce
71. Devin Fleenor
70. Noelle Martinez
69. Bucky Miller
68. Liliana Gomez
67. Jake Friedman
66. Clarita Lulić
65. Randy Murray
64. Mo Neuharth
63. Jeremy Hamman
62. La Muñeca
61. Kevin Goldman
60. Emily Costello
59. Kerstin Dale
58. Vara Ayanna
57. Nathaniel Lewis
56. Ruben Gonzales
55. Lisa Poje
54. Bobby Zokaites
53. Frances Smith Cohen
52. Julie Rada
51. David Miller
50. Xanthia Walker
49. Kyllan Maney
48. Cary Truelick
47. Constance McBride
46. James D. Porter
45. Allyson Boggess
44. Abigail Lynch
43. Ashley Cooper
42. Jaclyn Roessel
41. Brandon Boetto
40. Melissa Dunmore
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