The Artist Explains: Debra-Jean Creelman - 'How Many Times'
Vancouver artist Debra-Jean Creelman talks to us about her powerful experimental electro-pop single and choreographed music video, ‘How Many Times’ which uses the female body to subvert traditional restrictions and obligations of womanhood.
Where was the video for 'How Many Times' filmed?
KW studios, which is a performance venue, rehearsal space, and recording studio in the Woodwards Building in Vancouver BC. It is owned/run by Barbara Bourget and Jay Hirabayashi of Kokoro Dance.
How does the video connect with the song?
The song is about freeing myself from the traditional restrictions and obligations of being a woman and not passing on the programs and patterns I inherited to a child of my own.
The video, made by boy wonder Joseph Passé features his mom, Barbara Bourget whose stunning choreography is meant to depict the struggle of a woman trying to evolve past what came before her. Projections and lighting were executed lovingly by Alex MacKenzie.
Do you have any behind the scenes stories you can share with us?
For the video, I knew I wanted to feature Barbara Bourget of Kokoro Dance. I was familiar with her work through her connection to the improvised music scene in Vancouver, but didn't know her personally. I have known her son Jo (Jo Passed平林) for years, as we both went to VCC school of music, and taught at the same music studio at one point. So I asked him for an introduction, and who he thought would be the best fit to shoot her choreography. Turns out that person was him.
Could you tell us about the ideas/ themes/ imagery used?
The way Barbara Bourget appears in the video is, (in my opinion), the perfect illustration of a woman in full possession of both her masculine and feminine energies. The choreography is meant to depict the struggle of a woman trying to evolve past what came before her.
What do you hope people take away from watching the video?
I was pretty sure from a very young age that I wouldn’t be a mother. My relationship with my mother was complex and challenging, and resulted in my not knowing her for most of my adult life. The song is about coming to terms with, and owning, my choice to not give birth to a child. I hope people interpret the song and video however their particular experiences and perceptions allow them to.
Interview by Karla Harris
’How Many Times’ is the first single taken from Debra-Jean Creelman’s upcoming 6-song EP, ‘Triggers & Mirrors’.