Ahead of joining us at INVT21, musician Chanelle Ignant talks to us about lessons learned in 2020, Re:Thinking productivity, and finding a piece of HEAVN.

We’re adding music! With all of the changes that have been imposed upon us (we’re looking at you, COVID-19), one new element we’re excited about introducing at the all-virtual 2021 In/Visible Talks conference is “Creative Bursts” throughout the day. This will give us the opportunity to hear a performance from the wonderful Chanelle Ignant.

An Oakland-based musician and educator, Chanelle uses guitar loops to create sonic textures and rhythms that occasionally make people dance. (We know we’ll be dancing on January 14.) She writes her own music, plays guitar in numerous bands, and supports emerging audio professionals at Women’s Audio Mission in San Francisco.We wanted to learn a little bit more about Chanelle’s creative life, and she graciously answered our questions below. For more from Chanelle—plus healthy doses of hope, growth, inspiration, and activism—please join us at INVT21.

What did 2020 bring into focus for you that you want to Re:Make, Re:Think, Re:Imagine, or Re:Design for 2021?

The importance of rest and reflection. My busy schedule was wiped out, and I was forced to sit still with my thoughts and feelings about our world and our times. I didn’t like what came to the surface. I was forced to acknowledge my pain and feelings that were buried by my schedule. For 2021, I want to re:think productivity and saying yes to so many things.

What is your relationship to the creative process?

I find my creative process is dependent on a series of decisions. Do I stop whatever I’m doing to see this idea through? Do I give up on it because it feels too cheesy at first? Should I let it go because someone else had the same one and already put it out in the world? Whenever I choose to pursue the depths of the idea in spite of these doubts, I’m pleasantly surprised by the outcome.

How or where do you find inspiration?

In visual art and other mediums that I don’t practice myself, and in old projects that I started months, years ago. It’s fun to spend time with old ideas. It’s like hanging out with an older version of my creative self.

What was one of your biggest creative challenges?

Starting a project this year with the intent of finishing it! I had a hard time focusing and completing things in general.

When did you first realize you needed to be in a creative field?

I’m pretty sure I was in a meeting at work feeling like I wanted to doodle, or write a song, or just make something. Anything! I knew I didn’t want to spend 40 hours every week of my life in meetings discussing things that don’t inspire me.

Bonus Round: What’s on your current playlist?

Anything from Jamila Woods’ HEAVN album! (Listen in here.)