Alex Brennan-Arnopol
Alex Brennan-Arnopol
Artist / Educator / Founder of Rec Center
Silver Lake, Los Angeles, CA
www.reccenter.space
instagram @rec__center
WHAT DO YOU DO?
“I am the founder, director, facilitator, and ‘human behind the curtain’ of Rec Center, a radically inclusive online classroom for creative play. ”
While my background is in visual and performance art, I really see community as the true manifestation of my creativity these days! As a non-binary creative entrepreneur, I measure my success in the ability to hold & protect creative space.
I hustle. I run classes. I educate educators. I dance. I laugh. I try to inspire. I make jokes- some are funny...others are duds. I manage our team. I manage myself. I drink water, hopefully 8 glasses a day. I paint. I perform weird performance art. I hug, covid allowing. I hold space.
WHAT STEPS DID YOU TAKE TO GET TO WHERE YOU ARE NOW?
To say I’ve had an interesting path and creative journey is an understatement. I have been everything from a ceramicist, to a fiber artist, actor, jewelry artist, performance artist, stripper, painter, educator, and installation artist...and those are just the ones I was paid for!
Five years ago I began working in higher education and was immediately struck by the barriers and impossible hurdles that all students, not just the creative types, were required to face. While art school will always have a special place in my heart, the machine simply isn’t as shiny when you get to see how the sausage is made.
I saw the ways in which creative spaces were made physically and emotionally inaccessible. Language and “Art Speak” were often used as an intellectual barrier. The cost of an art education was prohibitive to most groups. Art was often portrayed as a serious business, relegated to the wealthy creative class. To that, I had one thought- “F*ck that.”
And thus, Rec Center was born! It is so clear to me now that all of the experiences I've had have lead me to founding and managing this beautiful online community. As an educator, I understand the needs of our teachers. As a maker, I understand the needs of our students. As a stripper, I understand the needs of our clients (give 'em what they want!). In all seriousness, I don't begrudge any of the opportunities I've had in the past, each one, even the smallest, have lead me to where I am now. I think valuing your journey is inherent to creative growth.
How do you stand out in your field?
At Rec Center, and in my own work, I value PLAY above all else. How often do you allow yourself to step back from the grind, and engage in the process? In most of the art world, it is about the product, and not the process. It is about the final point, and not the feeling. It seems like so often, the idea of allowing yourself to *play* is inherently tied to self worth. In the work that I facilitate, we acknowledge that we ALL are worthy of play.
Play is inherently radical. In my definition, play is the defiance of convention and the intentional suspension of disbelief. When we believe something could happen, we create hope. We defy a world that asks us to find value in productivity, instead of value in the process. We defy a world that places a higher value on commercialism over human life. When we play, we create a new world, even in small ways.
Rec Center brings together a community of diverse educators and students. We come together to share in the joy and empowerment experienced through playful creation. We teach and exchange. We inspire and hold space. We make for the sake of making, because we know that our creativity is innate and whole. We laugh and revel in silliness. We transform our communities by transforming ourselves.
WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON RIGHT NOW?
Eep, I'm so excited about some of our upcoming collaborations! No spoilers, but I am currently collaborating with a fairly big name in the Graphic Design world (I love that I feel the need to capitalize those words...) to create a class that focuses on self-empowerment, and physically manifesting an imaginary world. I know, it sounds a bit "out there"...but just you wait...it's going to be REALLY good!
WHAT'S YOUR STYLE/PERSPECTIVE/TASTE? DO YOU HAVE A PROJECT THAT REPRESENTS THIS?
I am honestly so happy about the way our branding turned out- it is a true collaboration between myself and designer Libby Landauer that I feel really showcases our energy, style, and dedication to play. We take our work seriously, but don't take ourselves too seriously. My aesthetic really lends itself towards radical joy & silliness.
WE ARE ALL SLASHIES WITH MULTIPLE SKILLS, WHICH ONE DO YOU WISH YOU COULD DO MORE OFTEN?
I would love to spend more time as an educator, and less time "running" things. My current struggle is balancing the front & back of my business.
WHAT IS FRUSTRATING YOU RIGHT NOW?
I struggle with running the "back end" of my business- managing customer systems, gift cards, analytics, etc. As a creative, I find so much joy in the "front end", and struggle to find the joy on the other side.
IF YOU COULD HIRE SOMEONE FOR $20/HR, WHAT WOULD YOU HAVE THEM DO TO MAKE YOUR DAY EASIER?
Be my go-to-social-media-maven! I love the power that social media can have, but I struggle to use it in a way that is as engaging as I would like it to be. I see others out there that use social media in such creative, innovative ways- bringing in this level of creativity daily would be delightful!
LET'S BRING OUT THE TIME MACHINE. WHAT DO YOU WISH YOU COULD HAVE TOLD YOURSELF, WHEN, AND WHY?
Well, I would have thrown out my flat-iron years earlier (those BANGS, what was I thinking?!). Kidding...sort of. Honestly though, I used to have this perception that a creative endeavor could not be started until the social/client network was first formed. I know now, that by beginning the endeavor you will act like a magnet, drawing community to you...the exact community that you need. Not to get too woo-woo, but creativity is energy. You put the right energy out there, you will draw in what you need. I wish I could have told myself that 10 years ago when I first starting dreaming about Rec Center. That being said, I value the time I took to learn.
IF YOU COULD TALK TO AN EXPERT TO GAIN MORE INSIGHT ON SOMETHING, WHAT WOULD IT BE ABOUT?
I struggle daily with using Social Media as human-centered tool. I would love to pick someone's brain about integrity and advertising, social media vs physical community. Where do these worlds intersect and overlap? How can I strengthen my skills in media to find human connection?
WHAT KIND OF OPPORTUNITIES/PROJECTS ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?
I am looking for unique collaborations with artists, designers, educators, creatives, and humans that love to play! I would love to hire artists that are interested in creating educational content, online events, and new methods for community engagement.
DESCRIBE YOUR IDEAL JOB/CLIENT/COLLABORATION.
Wave your freak flag, bring out your weirdos! I would love to collaborative with other artists & educators who have a zest for life, and aren't afraid of being *fully* themselves. As a community, Rec Center looks for collaborators who see art as a tool for empowerment and social change.
We especially want to hold space and support womxn, BIPOC creatives, and those of the LGBTQA+ community.
Who is a creative that has helped you elevate your work?
The following 3 incredible womxn truly helped me take my vision to the next level. Their collaboration, dedication, and heart shines in everything that I do!
#1- shoutout to my therapist, Linda. You always got my back.
#2- Libby Landauer
https://www.libbylandauer.com
https://www.instagram.com/libland
libbylandauer@gmail.com
#3- Jillian Barthold http://www.jbarthold.com https://www.instagram.com/jillian.barthold jillian.barthold@gmail.com
Also, some amazing other humans that I have collaborated with: https://www.instagram.com/joynewell https://www.instagram.com/mapyourplay https://www.instagram.com/atsukocomedy https://www.instagram.com/ameliajohruby https://www.instagram.com/anna__s__c
HOW SHOULD SOMEONE APPROACH YOU ABOUT WORKING TOGETHER?
Send an outline or description for our potential collaboration, short bio, and link to your work. If you have a dog, a pic of your doggo is appreciated (but not necessary).
HOW DO YOU STAY CREATIVE?
Thank the flowers & trees daily.
This member profile was originally published in February 2021.