Natalia Bushnik | Small Curiosity Artist
“If I’m not creating something, I feel a sense of longing, like a hole in my heart. It’s a part of who I am to create art, and I’m most fulfilled when I’m working on a new story.”
Natalia Bushnik (she/her) is a multidisciplinary artist and Dora-Mavor Moore-nominated playwright. She is founder of Spindle Collective, an award-winning, emerging horror-theatre company. Our first work, ‘SAMCA’, written by Natalia and Kathleen Welch (she/her) and directed by Brendan Kinnon (they/he), is an outdoor, immersive experience that dives into the world of dark Romanian folklore and monstrous motherhood. ‘SAMCA’ won First Place at the Hamilton Fringe New Play Contest, was a Top Ten Finalist for the Wildfire National Playwright Competition, and has received funding from the Toronto Arts Council, Canada Council for the Arts, and the Ontario Arts Council as recommended by Nightswimming and why not theatre.
‘SAMCA’, a co-production by Spindle Collective and Riot King, will have its Toronto debut at Black Creek Pioneer Village from Sept 25 – Oct 6th. Follow @spindlecollective and @riotkingto to make sure you snatch tickets, and keep up to date on everything HORROR-THEATRE!
Favourite film and why?
“This answer is constantly changing but recently I watched ‘We Are All Going to the World’s Fair’, a horror-drama movie by Jane Schoenbrun, and it left a weight in my heart I didn’t expect. Everything from the performances, the music composition, to the writing and its themes.. It’s the type of work I’m so inspired by and want to create. I also highly recommend their other film, ‘I Saw the TV Glow’.”
Favourite place to create and why?
“Site-specifically. To create a piece that is entirely meant for a single location, to activate it and leave a permanent mark there – that’s really special. I was once a part of a piece that was constructed around a fountain outside a library, and anytime I passed by it from then on, all I could think of was the theatre magic that was created overnight in that space. It’s very ritualistic.”
How do you feel creative when you’re feeling stuck?
“I consume as much art in varying forms as possible to expand my routes! Books, tv shows, movies, theatre… anything to jolt the brain and open up options that I didn’t consider before.”
What motivates you to create?
“Necessity. If I’m not creating something, I feel a sense of longing, like a hole in my heart. It’s a part of who I am to create art, and I’m most fulfilled when I’m working on a new story.”
What do you hope to accomplish with your art?
“To create work that is jarring in both form and story. To creep into the audience’s minds and hearts and leave them with questions, curiosities, and fears.”
Has your style changed over time?
“Absolutely. As I age, my perspectives are constantly shifting, and nowadays I have more confidence in my own art form. Knowing yourself helps you know your art.”
Who in your life inspires you?
“Too many people to count! Primarily my mother – she is the most resilient person I know, while remaining full of humour and love. She has always encouraged me to pursue my passion, no matter how unconventional. Kelly is the actual best.”
