Meet Allison Caviness | Director & Sound Healer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Allison Caviness and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Allison, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
I was born and raised in Queens, NY — arguably the most ethnically diverse county in the United States – and possibly the world. Growing up, I had many first generation American friends with roots from every corner of the globe. My introduction to different cultures came early and innocently. I took everyone I met at face value. It was such a unique privilege, growing up immersed in true diversity.

Now, when I travel the world as a director, a storyteller, an artist — I feel at home everywhere where I go. There’s an ease with which I connect with people from all walks of life and that absolutely makes me a better filmmaker.

Also, I’m a third generation New Yorker – and that means something, especially as a Black American. The stories my family can tell! What’s wonderful about New York City is that even in the midst of the truest diversity, there’s room enough for every group to cultivate and keep its own community. So I have this rich global perspective while also being a part of a beloved community that reflects my identity back to me, which is what affirms and anchors me both professionally and culturally. I float joyously between universality and specificity – that’s my secret weapon.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I’ve always been drawn to multiple forms of creative expression. I’ve existed as an actor, a writer, a singer, a creative director, a costume designer, a dancer, an educator, a photographer… the list goes on. I’ve been warned not to spread myself too thin; or become a jack of all trades, master of none*. I’ve landed in the role of ‘director’ simply out of the need to not seem flighty! The beauty of this role, however, is that I can have my hand in every department in an influential way, simultaneously satisfying my many creative urges — all under the cloak of a respectable single job title.

And I have hobbies. Many many hobbies – some abandoned. I collage. I garden. At one point I made clothes. I’ve studied different forms of martial art. I do yoga and pilates and all matter of intuitive dance. I read. I play piano. I paint on occasion. I kayak. I do a lot of different types of things with a lot of different types of people and energies, seen and unseen — that is my creative process.

People don’t always understand or agree with the way I move, and what I’ve learned is: that’s okay. Every curiosity I’ve quenched has taken me to new territory, broadening my experience here on Earth.

What has emerged from all this wandering is a woman who is in love with the promise of heaven on Earth and is deeply concerned with the current state of humanity who focuses her art under the banner of multi-generational healing. A storyteller who speaks the quiet parts of modern womanhood out loud. Who gathers stories of her people to ensure they are not lost. Who catalogues the wisdom and practice of African and Indigenous American women. A peaceful warrior who believes the key to saving our humanity lies in the very stories many have tried to bury.

What I know to be true is that community is everything. Curiosity is key. And freedom is mine. I like to think of myself as an octopus – each expression a tentacle connected to the same head.

*The saying actually goes “Jack of all trades, master of SOME”.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Well, to start I’d definitely bring my bestie to Huntington Library Gardens, Descanso Gardens and the Zuma Ridge Trail in Malibu to connect with the beauty of the land. I live in Silver Lake and love my neighborhood, so I’d definitely take her to some local haunts like L&E Oyster at happy hour, Botanica for brunch, and Casita del Campo for a delicious dinner.

DTLA has an awesome arts district – we’d have to do an art crawl visit galleries like Wilding Crane and museums like The Broad. Little Tokyo in DTLA has some of the best shopping and food, so definitely making a stop there. Leimert Park has great shopping and culture and food. Definitely grabbing lunch at Ackee Bamboo.

We’d have to do something unexpected like an escape room like The Ladder at Hatch Escapes followed by dinner at Alta for a lively evening in West Adams.

Pay homage at Bruce’s Beach.

And to turn down from all the excitement we’d have to lay down for a sound bath surrounded by Himalayan salt at Valley Salt Cave.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’m shouting out my aunt Andrea Jones. Not only has she been a literal support along my journey in film & TV (hosting a fundraising house party for my documentary, showing up at my first official film festival, etc.) — and not only has she been the voice of sanity and higher purpose throughout my life with sage advice, widening my perspective without judgement — she herself is a living example of what it means to truly live up to ones values. She embodies the freedom, integrity, joy, adventure and love that I aspire towards every day of my life.

She re-invents herself and dances poetically with passion, interest and reality. From Fire Department Chief to Photographer to Community Activist to DJ, she’s worn many hats, and I’m sure will wear many more.

Here’s to you Andrea!

Website: https://allisoncaviness.com

Instagram: @directedbyallison

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allisoncaviness/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@allisoncaviness

Image Credits
Erik Umphery, Jas Photo, Miralva Swaby, Charles Jones