We are continuing Fill in the Blanks series, which will introduce Burnaby NOW readers to a variety of interesting folks in the arts and entertainment community. Each subject fills out a short questionnaire, "filling in the blanks" to let us know about themselves.
Meet this week's featured artist, Ellen Schwartz.
1. I am a wannabe dancer. Dancing is my first love. If I could be a professional dancer, I would give up writing in a heartbeat.
2. I spend my time daydreaming about stories and coming back reluctantly to the "real" world.
3. Right now I am working on two books for children: a historical novel called The Princess Dolls, set in BC during World War II; and a contemporary novel called Up in the Sky, about a girl whose father has died in a helicopter crash.
4. The book on my bedside table right now is The Girl Who Saved the King of Sweden by Jonas Jonasson.
5. Three songs you'll find on my IPod playlist are - I don't have an iPod. I still listen to CDs, mostly the blues.
6. One work of art that inspires me is Cloud Atlas by David Mitchell because the structure is so ingenious and the writing is so brilliant.
7. One artist who inspires me is Rembrandt because his portraits say everything that needs to be said about the human condition.
8. My idea of a perfect day is to wake up late, have a leisurely breakfast, go for a walk, maybe visit an art museum and stop for coffee afterward (see question 9).
9. My favourite edible (or potable) treat is a really good, dark espresso macchiato and a delicious grainy muffin.
10. My guilty pleasure is reading mysteries. I know they're formulaic, but they're so satisfying.
11. My favourite vacation spot is Hawaii. I've only been there once, but from the first breath of flower-scented air, I felt relaxed down to my bones.
12. My favourite thing about Burnaby is the parks, especially Deer Lake Park, which is near my house. I walk there every day, and within moments I am surrounded by trees, breathing fresh air and not thinking about work. It's an urban oasis.
13. If I could sit down for coffee with anyone at all, I would choose Rudolph Nureyev, the greatest ballet dancer of my lifetime.
14. If I could live anywhere at any point in time, I would choose my time. To have been born a baby boomer was one of the most fortunate pieces of timing ever.
15. If I could have a superpower, my superpower would be to feel what other people are feeling.
And finally ...
16. If people want to find out more about me, they can visit my website, www.ellenschwartz.net.
Would you like to be featured in Fill in the Blanks? Do you know someone who should? Email Julie MacLellan, [email protected].
