“I believe that we are tested at every precipice, meaning that when we make a choice to commit to a life of a creator (and here I will specifically speak to the creator as an artist) then we are tested to review our commitment to this path.“
The Chimaera Project was thrilled to get to speak with multi-hyphenate Beverly Hynds in Los Angeles. Beverly is an actor and a writer but also is a creative consultant and had a lot of wonderful information to impart.
TCP: Thanks so much for chatting with us today. Can you tell us a little bit about how you got here, your story, so to speak?
BH: My story…whew! As with any life, there is so much to share and yet we are all venturing on this planet together, creatively living (even when we don’t think we are). So I guess what I’d like to say is that I have been performing since I was a child and living since I became a mother.
I have been an actor since I can recall via a deaf awareness theatre company, UCSB’s BFA program and into LA where I have been fortunate to play inside the containers of film, television, theater, and voice over. I have been creating with my husband for the last 15 years and together we have over 40 IP’s (intellectual properties…aka stories/films/television shows).
TCP: Wow! What a prolific experience. You seem to be able to do many things in many arenas, how do you stay inspired?
BH: Being around other creative people fuels my fire. My utmost joy comes when I am collaborating, in any capacity. My hope is that EVERYONE realizes that they are creators. Even if that means they are doctors, handy folk, farmers, stay at home parents, etc. AS WELL AS artists, dancers, storytellers, etc.
TCP: Yeah, it can be easy for us to forget that we are all creating things via our experiences and coloring the lives of others as well. Thanks for the reminder! Can we focus for a bit on your exact pathway so that we can learn from your experiences?
BH: Hmmm. I began as an actor then moved into writing and now I am venturing into directing. I am drawn to character-driven, magical realism and what I am creating now reflects that.
I am also a creative doula…I help people birth their creative ideas. Standing beside them as they walk through the creative fire.
TCP: You seem extremely proud of being able to do that.
BH: I am most proud of having a strong marriage and a collaborative partnership with my husband. We have been able to continue collaborating together after all these years, which I think is very rare in Hollywood. He is directing his second feature film in 2020 which we created together and I co-wrote.
I am also collaborating on an insanely wonderful feature film with 3 other women who I am consistently inspired by…I’d say I have a lot to be proud of.
TCP: Truly! Any other hidden gems that you are proud of?
BH: Embracing all of it. The good, the bad, the beautiful, the ugly…all of it.
TCP: Ah, wonderful! I think the ability to bask in your achievements can be difficult for many of us. What do you think sets you apart?
BH: What sets me apart…every single human is completely unique and when we embrace all the ways we are truly our unique selves – that is what sets us apart. It has taken me a long time to receive that information about myself but now I feel more fulfilled because I am living and sharing MY stories…the ones that my heart wants to share with the world.
TCP: Well it sounds like you are on top of the world. But, as with any journey, there are ups and downs, can you share some of the obstacles you have been able to navigate?
BH: The road to creative sovereignty is never one of ease. I believe that we are tested at every precipice, meaning that when we make a choice to commit to a life of a creator (and here I will specifically speak to the creator as an artist) then we are tested to review our commitment to this path. This, to me, is where patience comes in to play. This is not a path of quick success. It takes an insane amount of effort as well as surrender. It also takes time and breathing….lots of breathing. Hahaha!
TCP: Ha, thanks for the reminder; taking a nice deep breath right now, haha!
BH: Finding like-minded creators, and also being able to walk away from those who do not share your artistic compass, is a HUGE part of the learning curve. Learning how to deal with various personalities and situations and still stay in integrity (in whatever capacity that means for you) will create relationships where you can create in collaboration and trust.
TCP: Ah yes, the balance between self and others and being able to stay tuned into your own truths so you don’t become immobilized.
BH: Yes. Just keep moving forward. That is really what you have to do. Keep. Moving. Forward.
And pay attention. To everything. Learn when possible. Be a sponge. And find a way to remember the JOY of creating along the way.
TCP: Thank you for that. All of your wisdom seems to be vital for us all to remember, but do you have any particular advice or thoughts for our readers?
BH: Speak your truth. Be kind. There is power in saying no, but don’t let it paralyze you. Create for the sake of creating. For no reason at all. For the reason of doing. In this way, you become more in tune with who you are as a creator and a human. Learn about yourself so you can share your unique point of view. And when you are scared, and you will be, lean into the fear. This is the precipice I spoke about earlier. Will you take the proverbial leap? I hope so.
TCP: I can see why you are a creative consultant, I feel inspired just speaking with you. Before we go, as you look back on your path, do you have any insight from your journey that you would like to share?
BH: I have had a lot of wonderful opportunities in my life. I have also had many opportunities disappear before being completed/realized. Some of these losses were by my own hand (I didn’t lean into the fear and leap) and some were at the hands of others. I think we learn more from loss and fear than anywhere else. Our reaction to these moments is where we start to see who we are and what we are made of. If I had leaned into my own fears long ago I probably would have had many more projects completed. I finally realized how much my own fear of the unknown was hindering and paralyzing me. I have also had some really brilliant teachers and mentors along the way who believed in me, and I listened when they spoke. I took in what they had to say and how they saw me. I took the pieces of those conversations that could serve my highest good and embraced them.
TCP: Having the insight to learn from others can be a boon indeed, but you are correct that learning from our own fear and loss can be the greatest teacher on our own path. Thank you.
BH: As long as we approach the world, both of creating and the world at large, with an open heart and an open mind, as well as with clear boundaries, we can accomplish anything. And kindness. Always kindness.
TCP: Well with much kindness to you, thank you for sharing your journey and hunks of wisdom with us today. We can’t wait to see where you will go next!
To learn more about Beverly Hynds, or her projects and consultancy, please visit www.beverlyhynds.com, www.tendingsacredcreation.com and on socials @beverlyhynds, @tendingsacredcreation. Image credit by Dennys Ilic
