The Storyteller Studio 22-23 Cohort Portfolio
Liesl Eppes
About Me
Liesl Eppes a storyteller and explorer of life who’s favorite mediums include the stage, screen and written word.
Inspired by the belief that stories are our greatest tool for shaping a better world, Liesl focuses her life on gaining a greater understanding of the multifaceted human experience and honing the narrative craft of sharing that experience with others.
In 2021 she graduated with a BA in Theatre Arts and Spanish from Drew University with concentrations in Directing, Writing, and Spanish Film.
Q+A
How would you describe yourself as an artist?
I would describe myself as an observer of details. I am fascinated by the small pieces of life that are really the universal truths we are all trying to understand. In every aspect of my life I am trying to notice the tiny habits, mannerisms, and trinkets that mean so much more than we give them credit for. In every medium of my work–as a writer, director, filmmaker, and improvisor–I illuminate the small things that are the heart of life.
How have you grown during your time in the Storyteller Studio?
I have grown to believe that there is an audience for my voice. That no matter how isolated my experience might seem there is someone else who feels the same way and perhaps needs to hear my story to feel less alone. I have grown to remember that creating art is not a solitary endeavor–that not only is there space for everyone but there is a need for every voice to be heard.
What does it mean to you to be an artist in our current moment?
With the democratization of art distribution through social media the independent artist has never had more opportunity to reach a wider audience without the approval of someone in power. It can be daunting to attempt to balance work and life in order to build a creative life but I believe the tools at our disposal should not be taken for granted. To me, being an right now–and perhaps always–means having the bravery to bet on yourself before anyone else does.
How has this program shaped your understanding of dramaturgy and collaboration?
It has reaffirmed my belief that everyone needs a dramaturg in every aspect of their life. The ability to ask the right questions and the opportunity to have the right questions asked of you is invaluable to growth as people and artists. The chance to build trust with a group of writers and dramaturgs is one I wish every person had.
What's next for you?
My next big project–currently in process–is a documentary I am making about my experience hiking Hadrian's Wall in Scotland. I'll be hiking and camping solo for a week along the wall the Romans built to keep the Scottish out of their northern-most boarder. It will be my first feature length documentary.
Thoughts for Your Food
Thoughts for Your Food was created purely through instinct. Each piece was written from a deep need to clearly express an idea that burned in my brain. These ideas are complemented by the visuals recorded simultaneously in the moment I felt the need to verbalize each poem. The only rule I gave myself in the creation of this series was to do what felt as true to me as possible. By returning to myself in the most vulnerable way I knew how I hope to have created something that resonates–perhaps helping the viewer feel less alone in the strange subconscious world we unwittingly share.
I brought this work to the Storyteller Studio not long after I began releasing weekly episodes. Getting feedback and hearing how the work was resonating with others was vital in helping me navigate my approach to the rest of the series. I remember distinctly that one of my questions was about the overall arc of the series. The encouragement to keep working on it for as long as I was having fun with it is exactly what I needed to hear. Having a safe space to hear constructive criticism and find support in making the kind of art you want to make has been so special to me.
In an industry so plagued by the drive to make art that makes money it can feel daunting or even pointless to make something that feels too niche to ever be heard in the echo chamber of the Internet. In light of this I don’t think it is possible to overstate the breadth of fresh air it is to have been a part of a supportive, intelligent, and kind community of artists who live the belief that there is room for all of us at the table. That no matter how niche or experimental–our stories deserve to be told.