You may know Quest Art School + Gallery as a dynamic community hub where the shared love and language of art are celebrated, however, it's the people at the heart of our operation that make Quest truly unique. This week, we sat down with Quest's Executive Director, Lawrence Sagar and asked twenty thought-provoking questions to unravel his artistic and personal threads so you can get to know him better. Dive into this feature to learn more about Lawrence, his idea of happiness, his most prized possession, his greatest fear, his artistic influences, and more!
Who is your favourite artist?
How do I pick one?! I will say that I am a huge admirer of Robert Motherwell, Ansel Adams, Canadian Betty Goodwin and comic book legend Jack Kirby… but that's just a quick reaction to a huge question.
What is your idea of perfect happiness?
Hanging out with my family (any activity), eating a Pupusa, BMV Comic Book shopping and a great cup of coffee early in the morning in July/August in a canoe on a private lake … bliss!
What is your greatest fear?
Not getting the opportunity to travel … unfortunately, it's not in my immediate future, and I do hope one day I get to see things that I have always wanted to see. From the Grand Canyon to seeing a baseball game in Boston, I look forward to visiting these places (hopefully) one day!
Which living person do you most admire?
Anyone with the courage to act, write, dance, create art, sing or perform.
It's not easy to be on a stage or have a spotlight on themselves and anyone who is compelled to share a talent for an audience is truly inspiring.
What do you splurge on?
My kids … or … a great bottle of Gin.
Which talent would you most like to have?
Ability to dance with grace. Ballet is extraordinary. However, my limitations have always been reserved for mosh pit slam dancing or stage diving.
What is your favourite way to spend your time?
My kids … or … thinking of what to do with my kids.
Who is your favourite writer?
Got a couple of recent faves…Ed Brubaker and Tom King.
What is your most treasured possession?
1967-69 Comic Book Spinning Rack and a 1936 Pearl Jessop (group of 7 inspired) painting that I purchased from the Salvation Army for $100.
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
My kids, meeting Cherie (my co-pilot in life), having a close family and teaching hundreds (yup .. maybe even thousands) of people the joy of being creative.
Where would you most like to live?
Wherever my family is located … or … I always thought that living in New York would be cool.
Who are your real-life heroes?
First … My parents are pretty awesome … Second are my kids …Third are those people who are making all efforts to stay positive even when things are tough.
Which historical figure do you most identify with?
I'm not sure … but … I do identify with people who consider themselves a work in progress. Anyone willing to admit to making mistakes … and… are always willing to try are always welcome on my island.
Who is your favourite musician?
There's no chance I'm picking just one… some of my favs include Bob Mould (Husker Du & Sugar), Elliot Smith, Superchunk, The Specials, Tycho and probably the best band ever The Ramones.
When and where were you happiest?
Watching each of my kids being born. Magic is real.
It was also pretty cool to get interviewed on the daytime CBC Gill Deacon show years ago and act as DJ/Host on CIUT 89.5 Vinyl from the Crypt. Super fun.
What is your favourite colour?
Been rocking a plain grey T-shirt since 1987
What is it that you most dislike?
Black licorice.
What would you be doing if you weren’t in the arts?
Ugh… I need to create something. If it's not the arts, it would still need to incorporate getting active in an activity that feels satisfaction from making something. Garden? Drywall installation? Making wine? Fixing bikes?
What is your personal motto?
Try again. Fail again. Fail better - Beckett
What does Quest Art School & Gallery Mean to You?
Honestly… TBD.
It would be a challenge to highlight just a couple of the billion positives that come to mind.
Asking me in years to come will allow me to process the achievements … sides I am still making all efforts to have Quest define me.
BONUS QUESTIONS
What is my favourite movie quote?
“Toto.. I have a feeling we are not in Kansas anymore.”
If I could tell my younger self one thing, it would be…
You matter.
What makes you cry?
Yup.. my kids always make me cry with happiness.
Listening to Flaming Lips “Do You Realize” and seeing the National Ballet of Canada's Romeo & Juliet by Prokofiev & Preljocaj was heartbreaking.
Comments