You run a successful business on Vancouver Island and create your own jewelry, tell us about your work— how did you end up as an entrepreneur and artisan?
Jewelry design actually started from a place of feeling really limited. I’m an American and I’ve been living in Canada for 3 years now. Two of them were spent waiting for my Permanent Residency. Throughout that process I couldn’t work. It drove me to be self motivated and gave me an opportunity to decide what I “wanted” to do with my time. I realized it was a rare and valuable opportunity I had in front of me. So I started making jewelry as a means of creative expression. Now I’m working full time with MLKANHNY Jewelry and I’m doing what I love. What started as a place of limitation became exactly what I needed in order to pursue my creative passions.
What are the creative inspirations that fuel your work?
Personally it can be different every time. That is what makes creative work so interesting to me. I love to keep moving forward and developing my craft in new ways, so that could be why it seems to be so unorthodox to me. I’m also a self-taught designer so I’m still in a process of discovery. Really I hope to always be learning and discovering throughout my creative path. Life is the ultimate expression. I find inspiration in the midst of having new experiences outdoors, learning a new craft, hanging out with great people, or watching an inspiring film.
What was your experience like as a Production Assistant on She Has A Name in Thailand—what did a typical day look like?
I knew my experience on the film would to be really important to me. I didn’t quite grasp why I had this feeling at the time but as weeks went by in Thailand it started unraveling. To give you a bit of background this was the first feature film I’ve ever been involved in. It felt like everything that creatively interested me just collided together. It fascinated and inspired me incredibly! The team of people were all so individually specialized in their own craft. Not to mention these super radical positive people all around. It was truly an honor to support anyone in anyway I could.
Photo: Madison Bodenmann with Key Makeup Debbie Vandelaar on the set of She Has A Name in Thailand
I arrived on location, usually walking in with Debbie Vandeleer (Makeup Extrordinaire). Let’s be honest, her and I were usually joined at the hip. I’d make a coffee for myself, Debbie, and possibly another crew member that was hard at work already. I would find Park Rojanachotikul (2nd Assistant Director) and he would always have the Sides and the Shooting Schedule printed out and ready to go for me to distribute. I would then check when each actor arrived on location and make sure their wardrobe was ready, prepare any special requests to be brought to their trailer, and then bring the talent over to Debbie to have their makeup done. Working with the talent was a major highlight for me. Throughout the day I would be checking in on our crew to make sure they had drinking water, coffee, and I would run an errand if needed. My job as a PA went from quiet and mellow to a frantic run of sorts to find something in record timing. I secretly enjoyed that adrenaline rush and unexpected pace.
What did you glean about creativity or the creative process during this shoot? Did you see any overlap between your daily process and the way you functioned on set in this unique role?
It’s all about the layers and details. To tell a story that has depth and mystery you need those layers. They come anywhere from the set dressing, the script, the makeup, wardrobe, lighting, and the incredibly talented acting. All of those pieces and more come together to create this dynamic entity. In my jewelry making process it’s also about details and layers. I love taking elements that you wouldn’t expect to see together and making them feel like one piece. It’s that juxtaposition and unpredictability that really inspires my creativity.
You were known for your humility and your kindness on set. Why do think these qualities matter in a creative and collaborative environment?
First, thank you for saying that. It was very important to me to respect the process. I understand how vulnerable and stripped down people feel when they’re in the creative process. It requires an inner-peace. I’ve been told I take the position of a peacemaker in a team-setting so I focused on that in order to bring the team together to become stronger as a unit. I related to the Thai crew in that way because I see they also have those gracious qualities within their culture. I really enjoyed spending time with them.
Photo: Madison Bodenmann on set with crew and director Matthew Kooman and actors Teresa Ting and Giovanni Mocibob
What was one or a few of your highlights from your time on location with She Has A Name in Thailand?
The highlights that stand out most were the Thai, American, and Canadian people that I met and became friends with while working. Most of us knew how to laugh and have a sense of humor when there was some need to release tension on set. Humor is a powerful tool and the crew knew how to use it! Especially when we are talking to each other in two very different languages.
Another highlight was the feeling I had on the first day of filming. I was in awe of the way the set before me somehow translated into this cinematic picture on the display screen. It was quite magical to witness.
Learn more about Madison’s work on her website www.MLKANHNY.com | Follow her on Instagram and Facebook