State of the Art | Abby Lappen

“Turning the Page is a song I wrote about always moving forward, written before
the pandemic. I can be very literal but I also like to be vague and multi-referential
because that creates space for people to receive my songwriting in a more
universal way.”

“I began training in music with classical flute and in dance with Graham/Haitian techniques.
Having started playing guitar at eleven I went on to sing in a band in college though I majored in
Dance/Theater. I gave up music for a thirty year career as a dancer/choreographer, and
received an MA in Dance/Education, finding empowerment through the expression of these
forms. I was the director of Amble Dance Movement Art Center and additionally led therapeutic
movement/music at Camphill Village and other residencies.

I released my first album in 2004 and currently have a catalog of five albums. I’d like to record
again and am actively searching for the right possibility. During the lockdown, I started walking
and practicing photography. The serenity of nature and my compositions, both real and abstract,
have enlivened me.

I was shut out of gigs for a long time, but the discipline of practicing and increasing my
repertoire has returned. When photography inspired me, I realized how much art is about my
personal vision, expression and communication. As an underground artist, with photography I
am using social media and meeting other photographers online. Sharing my work has been
freeing, a new form. I had been frustrated about music and now quite fulfilled that I found
another avenue for my creativity.

The thing about perception is: the angle from which we choose to present. Art for me is organic
decision-making. My signature is arranging and rearranging. I am not adhered to permanence,
allowing change through time. I’m an improvisationalist. Photography suits me. The different
elements; framing, natural light settings etc intrigue and delight. What people like is very
personal. The music they love is often formed by the parts of their life that held love. A lot of
what I do with music is rearrange covers. I present songs in a new light, often as if for the first
time! It will be a pleasure to meet and share my music with the communities of ArkLight and
Lightforms in Hudson.

The first year of “covid” was a full nine months of solitude. It takes all of your strength to remain
true and loyal to your belief systems. I missed playing with other musicians. I asked myself:
What can I do to change my vision? I bought an electric guitar, changing my style and began
playing with some of the rhythms and percussion I had practiced. Music began to be fun again!
This isolation created an opening for a sorely needed shift!

I’ve lived in Columbia County, NY for thirty-five years. One of the things that drew us here was
the Anthroposophic community, Waldorf education and the medical freedom that was part of
that mind view. I raised my child without vaccinations until his body was ready and the state
demanded them. I ended up homeschooling my son but that background gave me clarity of
what medical freedom is. I am not anti-vaccine per se but I strongly believe in strengthening our
natural immunities. I don’t think of myself as being part of the movement. I would say I have
always lived with a like minded consciousness.

I am challenged by people of different opinions and beliefs systems. I’ve lost friends and don’t
associate with some people anymore because there’s a huge cultural divide. It’s about
intolerance. They seem to not be willing to rethink things, they aren’t flowing with the constant changes.

As an artist I search for the universal element, the common denominator: How do I reach people
that have completely polarized ideas/realities?
I know I can do it through music and visuals because there is always room for interpretation and
the possibility of opening through the art form.
Receiving art is just as much a practice as creating it.

I’m not big at promoting myself or being visible. I have strived for authenticity. It’s more similar to
medical freedom in that artistic freedom should not be controlled by dirty money; boards or
corporations.

It’s always been my ambition to heal people, to help people. I love what music does with
people’s hearts. Art is not a mirror. It’s a way to shape, a way to mold. We can create something
that brings us to a higher level. That’s ultimately our purpose.”