Samantha Lance

Creative Writing

STEP BACK series

STEP BACK is a series of critical reflections based on my encounters and experiences with international and local artists, curators, thinkers, and other creatives as part of the Master of Visual Studies Proseminar Series from Fall 2023 to Winter 2024 at the John H. Daniels Faculty of Architecture, Landscape, and Design.

Thank you to Zach Blas and Jean-Paul Kelly for organizing the proseminar series and for giving me permission to share my reflections with a wider audience.

Before rushing into work, close your eyes and take a deep breath. Let's face the turbulence together.

How does one manifest a spiritual entity through technology?

STEP BACK Episode 2 focuses on the incredible artist, writer, and filmmaker, Zach Blas. I have had the wonderful opportunity to learn from him during my studies, and his art continues to keep me on the edge of my seat.

Now, it’s time to enter the supernatural. Get ready to question everything you know about artificial intelligence.

Is there more to video and digital art than meets the eye? Or has it just become mere spectacles for Instagram selfies and TikTok reels?

STEP BACK Episode 3 focuses on the spunky and scholarly curator, art historian, and critic, Tina Rivers Ryan.

Grab some popcorn because it’s time to tune into the latest program on what makes art and technology click.

STEP BACK Episode 4 focuses on the charismatic and captivating curator, editor, and art historian, Dr. Corina Apostol.

Whether it be remaking digital identities, questioning monuments, or unearthing histories, she cleverly connects the dots between history, art, technology, and politics.

And if there's one thing I learned from Dr. Apostol, it's that she doesn't shy away from tough questions. Ready to dive in together?

STEP BACK Episode 5 centres on the elusive and inventive filmmaker, installation artist, and poet, P. Staff. An artist who sorts through existential questions, reflects on our relationship to the planet Venus, and deliberately makes the gallery space into a danger zone.

But before you listen, you might want to close the curtains, check underneath the bed, and make sure there’s nothing lurking in the shadows. This might get a little spooky.

Stories of Love & Loss

Inspired by the texts of Saidiya Hartman and Julietta Singh, "My Ancestry is My Archive" is about intimate moments frozen in time. Written in the style of a memoir or personal narrative, I step into the bodies of my mother, father, and grandmother to explore genealogies, memories, and familial relations.

It's Sunday. A time to sit back, relax, and enjoy your favourite morning beverage with a little romantic tale.

Some love stories come straight out of a fairy tale. But what comes after the happily ever after?

When you find that special someone and then life takes an unexpected turn, remember that your other half will always be there, no matter what.

Wait, don't tell me. It's on the tip of my tongue.

Can I turn back the clock and pick up a piece of where we left off?

With a ring to rewind, maybe I can trace our story back to its beginning...