Moves Like… Ros

1. I voice cartoon characters as a side-hustle
2. I recently gave up porridge after eating it every day for 20years
3. I enjoy nightwalking when I can’t sleep

Talking to strangers 

Ah, so many! Every year I return to filmmaker Frederick Wiseman, the godfather of observational documentaries. His profound catalogue of intuitively crafted, judgement-free, longform social portraiture documentary films continue to fascinate and enchant me.

On the subject of home, I’ve been thinking about a quote I came across by playwright Tennessee Williams, who as an old man apparently offered this advice to a young artist on why art matters:

“I love you dearly: You’re a smart and sweet man, but you are so wrong about what matters and where the eyes should visit. The things you find so important – the attention, the prizes, the approval – yes, they matter, and never so much than when they disappear. But I’m old now, and I’ve walked a long and rocky road, and what really mattered, what should matter most to you, is the rare and gorgeous experience of reaching out through your work and your actions and connecting to others. A message in the bottle thrown toward another frightened, loveless queer; a confused mother; a recently dejected man who can’t see his way home. We get people home; we let them know that we’re here for them. This is what art can do. Art should be the arm and the shoulder and the kind eyes – all of which let others know you deserve to live and to be loved. That is what matters, baby. Bringing people home.” – Tennessee Williams, 1982 

My biggest personal transformation was having my son. It completely changed the rhythm of my life and the shape of my heart.

I moved a lot growing up and have always lived in rentals, so I’ve never had a strong sense of belonging to a particular place (people, absolutely). I suspect this explains my ongoing interest in outsider perspectives and building temporary communities. Although, I can say the smell of frangipanis fills me with nostalgia and longing – which I put down to being born in Mullumbimby (even though I don’t remember living there). 

The first thing I do is find a local café with a good vibe and return there every day for my morning coffee. This gives me a comforting sense of temporary community. In a very easy-going, anonymous way, I get to know the staff, regular customers, have a few random friendly chats, gain some local knowledge, scan the local papers and gig posters, etc. If time allows, I also like hanging out in local libraries for the same reason.

I’m a classic empath, combined with being very curious about how people tick. In short, it’s super easy to move me emotionally. I’m particularly moved by acts of courage, loyalty and generosity. The capacity for community spirit to rise up and unite for good, particularly in times of hardship or a gross injustice, always deeply moves me – and gives me hope.