In collaboration with you, I work to:
Strengthen and clarify your creative ideas.
Develop clear, compelling writing about your work.
Identify funders and presenters that align with your work and bring your proposals in line with a funder’s mission and guidelines.
Help you to think strategically—and authentically—about how you work can find a foothold in your field.
Why I do this:
Artists are expected to do everything to bring their work into the world. This is very hard to do alone!
Often artists know exactly what they mean but can’t get it into words.
Being able to speak and write with confidence about your artistic work is essential to building a career.
I know how hard it is to sit with your own passions and not know how to get them out into the world.
I believe in an arts ecosystem of mutual support. Our work benefits each other.
My background:
I have been a working artist for 20 years and have built my own career working through all these challenges, ultimately presenting my creative work at leading experimental venues with support from major national and international fellowships and grants.
I have degrees in English and Performance Studies, which have given me strong writing skills and a broad knowledge of contemporary art and performance.
I have taught writing for artists at universities and in professional art settings, including Wesleyan University, Florida State University, Movement Research, EMERGENYC, and Los Angeles Performance Practice.
I have worked at large nonprofits and for individuals on successful grants to foundations including Rockefeller Fund, Mellon Foundation, Ford Foundation, MAP Fund, Guggenheim Foundation, Jerome Foundation, Alpert Award, and others.
I have lived and worked in Havana, Mexico City, São Paulo, Salvador, Rio de Janeiro, and Caracas and speak both Spanish and Portuguese.
Testimonials:
“Working with Abigail brings me confidence and clarity. She is an editor who thinks and develops ideas with you. Her precision is sharp, her skill in listening and identifying the concept is piercing, and her choreographic mind is evident on paper as well. Abigail is responsive and delivers on time. One of the best experiences I have had working with an editor.”
—Elena Demyanenko, dance artist/ professor Bennington College
Abigail is purposeful and direct while at the same time, playful, thoughtful and inclusive. She gave us individual attention and feedback that I found extremely helpful. I highly recommend her class and look forward to working with her in the future.
—Kelly Marie Martin, LA-based artist, musician & community builder
Thank you! I did not know how to move forward with my artist statement. Your generous feedback and suggestions have given me the direction that I needed.
—Elvira Clayton, interdisciplinary artist