Meet Gheremi Clay | Performance Artist, Choreographer and Creator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Gheremi Clay and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Gheremi, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I wouldn’t say I pursued art, because I know art pursued me. No matter what obstacle or bound deemed greater in the face of my livelihood, I truly believe my best form of expression is through art. I was raised around, observed and learned so much artistry from my family in Saint Louis, Missouri. It became a natural feature to how I wanted my life to be and how cohesive the influence of art/creation made my life feel full of worth and value.
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’m passionate about my artistry and enjoy the different facets of a challenge. I believe it makes me stronger, more intelligent and equipped to handle tasks beyond my initial understanding. As a black creative, diving into all parts of art allows me to take time to appreciate and study my field and the fields that came before me to continue their work, while creating my own path. It didn’t start easy and as long as I continue working, I don’t intend on it getting easy! In my opinion, doing the work, falling down and finding the strength to get up and continue through societal and personal obstacles will always be hard, but worth it. It’s part of the reason I created my webseries “From My People”, which gives a platform to different types of black dance artists and allows the authentic, unfiltered truth of what makes the artistic profession/lifestyle a challenge, but worth the fight. This teaches me to become more agile and stable in what I believe in and not conform to the ideas of how something “should be”, but to explore the wonders of what I want it to be. The statement I want my brand and I to leave behind needs to transcend any preconceived notions and inspire people from all walks of life to look at the world from multiple lenses, educate before judgement and allow the appreciation of growth and change throughout a lifespan!
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?
One of my favorite restaurants to visit is Gyu-Kaku, a Japanese BBQ spot. I’ve had some of my most intimate/invasive conversations with friends in this place! Downtown LA, has some of the BEST places to explore! Rather it be shopping, food or exploration, you’ll find some place to spend an immense amount of time in the city!
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’m dedicating a shoutout to my mother, Melissa Rice and the ones who took a chance on my creative training career, Lee Nolting, Ray Parks and Judy Best.
Website: https://gheremiclay.wixsite.com/gheremiclay
Instagram: @gheremi_clay
Facebook: Gheremi Clay
Image Credits
Bobby Dacones Chloe Schneider Taylor Marrie