Hello my name is Rio Gordon, I am 18 years old and I am in my fourth semester in the Cinema and Communications program at Dawson College. My perpetual interest in Fine Arts became significant in 2021 when I started attending classes at the Visual Arts Centre, completed an online course with the University of Berkeley, and participated in a program organized by Pixar for which my team won best storytelling. My artistic interests are broad but my current passions lay mostly with music production, sewing, graphic arts and filmmaking. Being an autistic and queer artist, I am inclined to create outside of the box. This is what I look forward to doing in Media Lab!

Since there are multiple fields in which I like to create, so to do I have multiple influences and inspirations for my art. Regarding music production, I appreciate all sorts of genres and styles but my main influences are the XX, Lana Del Rey, and Lorde. The polished sonic mixing of their work inspires me when I write and mix my own songs. Regarding tactile arts such as sewing, drawing and painting, my technique and approach stem from the classes I took at the Visual Arts Centre. For example, I always mix my own colours and I steer clear from clichés. Finally, regarding filmmaking, my influences include Diablo Cody, Karyn Kusama, the Daniels, Joss Whedon, Greta Gerwig and M. Night Shyamalan. These are the writers and directors whose styles, genres and topics I wish to illustrate.

When I create, I like to come up with an idea instinctively, then expand on that initial concept by challenging myself to think further and further outside the box.  I like to test the tangential branches of my thoughts, weighing their practical value. I believe the best creation comes from spontaneous thinking.

As previously stated, I have several media in which I like to create. Mainly, these are audio, graphic and writing. In terms of style, I am still developing my creative intention. Nonetheless, I have certain notions I tend to continuously include in my art. For example, I lean towards stories about identity, coming-of-age and the human experience. I also like to include offbeat characters and themes.

I hold myself to extreme standards, inevitably fuelling my own disappointment when I do not achieve them. When I am unable to come up with ideas, or when I feel my work is inadequate, I take breaks and return to my work with a rejuvenated mindset. Whether or not this actually works is up for debate.

My main short-term goal as a media creator is to pinpoint, ironically, my long-term goals. Although I have progressed in terms of knowing what I want, I still have some way to go. Of the long-term goals that I am set on, I would like to pursue film animation at Concordia. This blog will elegantly and concisely display my work both for others and myself. Being able to look at all my work in such a compendium will aid me in identifying my artistic vision.

During the 2024 winter semester in the Media Lab course, I hope to gain insight into how to overcome my tendency to set high standards for myself. I also hope to learn how to think more proactively about media creation. I am excited to practice brainstorming and thinking outside the box. Additionally, I am eager to create various projects throughout the class. See you!