Heidi Lyn-Butterfly

by Kita

I'm not sure anyone in the SLC area really embodies sheer performance art the way Heidi does. A self-described shape-shifter, she seems to be able to perform almost anyway she sets her mind to, and has quickly evolved into a renowned performer in almost every circle. It helps that she's worked with countless other artists and has brought her crafts to the forefront of her life focuses.

Even the way she words herself is a refreshing breath of air in a world that can quickly become stale. She has a way of finding something exciting in everything. This might just be her natural charisma, a trait she clearly has an abundance of. It is no surprise then, that she has found herself at the heart of the ever growing and changing art scene in Salt Lake City. I know we here at Nomad Nouvelle, and certainly plenty of others are going to keep a close eye on her career!

Kita: How would you describe your art?

Heidi: I would describe my art as eclectic and ever~evolving. I am a bit of a shaper~shifter and as I delve deeper into what ignites my passions and inspires me, my characters evolve and I am constantly transforming and exploring the many facets of performance art. Everything from Mermaiding to Stilt~walking to dancing with Wings and Hoops and playing with Fire...there is an infinite world of possibilities! I absolutely LOVE embodying all types of characters! I connect the most deeply to the ideology of the Butterfly and the Mermaid for sure though!

Kita: What first got you into art? 

Heidi: I have always loved all forms of dance and performance art. From a very young age I was inspired by the Circus Arts, Mermaids, Fairy Tales, etc. I also have a deep love of literary arts and story~telling so I love to imagine whimsical stories and bring them to life!

Kita: At what point did you decide to start doing art a little more seriously?

Heidi: I decided to start taking my art a little more seriously when I literally joined the Circus . I joined up with an amazing group of performers in San Diego called Charmed Life Entertainment led by the amazing Jennifer Quest aka HoopCharmer. She hired me for my first "real" gig for her monthly show called "Circus." The knowledge I gained from working with this group of professionals has helped me tremendously not only in my performance art but also in my life in general and prepared me for when I met Jennifer Tarasevich and began working with the Fabulous Voodoo Productions here in SLC which then led to the creation of the Voodoo Pearl Mermaids and the story continues... . I have had the pleasure of working with so many talented groups and individuals who have become like family to me!

Kita: What were your goals when you first started?

Heidi: My goals when I first started were simply to inspire and share joy and happiness through creative expression.

Kita: What are they now? 

Heidi: They are very much the same...only on a larger scale .

Kita: What steps do you typically take between the original thought of an idea and the final execution(performance) of it?

Heidi: Hee~hee! Great question! The creative process is always an interesting journey..sometimes it happens very fast...sometimes it takes a lot more planning and thought. I like to write ideas down, create story~lines, gather inspiration from a variety of outlets allowing it to morph and shift along the way and then just make it happen .

Kita: Do you prefer creation to performance?

Heidi: I love all aspects of the creative process but I am certainly a bit more partial to the performance as that is the culmination where it all comes together .

Kita: How have those closest to you reacted to your work?

Heidi: From those who know me and truly love me, I have had nothing but the utmost support ...especially from Chad "Rockstar"..my love who is also a performer himself!

Kita: How about the general arts community?

Heidi: In my experience, I feel like the general arts community is very receptive and open to new ideas and art forms.

Kita: Do you feel that the arts receive the proper respect in the Salt Lake area?

Heidi: The Art Scene in Salt Lake is definitely becoming more prevalent and respected. There are so many amazingly talented artists and performers in this Salty City!

Kita: Do you struggle to maintain a day to day life vs art life?

Heidi: I do my best to incorporate as much art into my daily life as possible or I tend to go a little crazy . When I'm not creating...I'm thinking about it..Art is all around us and I feel healthiest and happiest when it is infused into my life and part of my every day existence. ~}i{~

Kita: How about the business side vs the art side? Do they conflict for you at all? 

Heidi:That is a learning process that I am still navigating but I feel really good about it all. I have had many valuable learning experiences and am constantly learning how to balance it all!

Kita: Do you ever get anxious about a performance? If so, how do you deal with that?

Heidi: YES!!! I honestly get nervous little butterflies every single time I perform! It is so worth it though! I calm myself by taking deep breaths and focusing on what I am there to do...which no matter what type of performance I am doing...the goal is simple..to inspire love . This helps me to not overthink things.

Kita: If you could tell your beginner self one thing, what would it be?

Heidi: I would tell my beginner self what I tell myself all the time... "A rising tide raises all ships." This quote to me means that there is room for all of us and what benefits one benefits us all. We all have a unique and beautiful expression to share with the world! ~}i{~

For info on how to book Heidi: www.voodooproductions.info

Check out Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pearlmermaids  &  https://www.facebook.com/pages/Voodoo-Productions/157917574241074

Have anyone else we should chat with? Let us know in the comments below!