INTERVIEWS

GCG Interviews ( link)

Christine Sawicky. J

M: Would you please tell us about your childhood and inspirations to become an artist & media person?

CS: During my childhood I was a dancer and mostly into athletics. I always wanted to learn new things and I always was good at visualization. I actually was never really into art as a kid. I took one drawing class in high school and bypassed even picking up a charcoal pencil for years. I also was not into the media world until after my first job in the music business. The only reason I started my drawing again about a year ago because I thought I could make some money on it while I was pursuing acting. I never knew I would get such an amazing response to my art.

You had taken one art class and your skill was obvious from day one. However, sports became your passion and creative impulses were put on the back burner for numerous years. Then Christine attended St. Cloud State University, where she graduated in four years with a business degree. She went to work for Best Buy World Headquarters for a couple of years spending most of that time in the music department.

M: When did you made your career option? What made you determine to be an artist? And how your shift happened to perceive of your love for art and cinema?

CS: I had decided to move to California about 6 or 7 years ago because I was working in the music department and I realized I loved music but couldn’t sing. So I wanted to pursue something in the creative world. I really wanted to be famous and thought I could do that through acting. I had never done acting before and it wasn’t until I actually started studying acting that I found out how amazing it was. I now view acting from a whole different perspective. It teaches you about yourself, others, and the psychology of human beings. It really is quite fascinating. Also, it allows you to convey a message to a massive audience. I no longer cared about being famous as I grew. I just love the art of acting and creating.

The only reason I started my drawing was because I wanted to make some money on the side during my pursuit of my creative career. I was sick of taking jobs that I felt I was over-qualified for just to have a lower salary with flexibility. I had no idea how much people would enjoy my art. This extreme response to my art launched my idea to create my own company and to start creating everything for myself. I now have a company called Sawicky, LLC that has 4 core competencies. These include my charcoal drawings, my poetry, my acting, and the intellectual property for film concepts.

M : Would you please share your experiences about all these areas of work? And are you involved in any philanthropy? And what made you to do so?

CS: Just like any job my experiences vary. I have some really positive experiences and also some extremely negative experiences. As humans we are given the choice as to what to focus on. I tend to focus on the positive and turn any experience that may be considered negative into a positive experience.

I am   always involved in philanthropy when possible. I truly believe in giving back. I have raised money for United Planet and the children of Ghana, Africa. I one day hope to start homes called Christine’s Cottages- theses will help children from mentally, physically, and sexually abused homes.

My art: I have been turned down by every gallery in Los Angeles and that could be considered very negative…but then I was hired as the sole artist for the Time Is Now Peace Summit so it became kind of funny. I am good enough for the world stage as an artist but not for a gallery. I am sure they will change their minds when I return from Israel J

My Poetry: I was told that my poetry was like 3rd grade poetry and then months later I was getting my poetry published in the Canadian press and Ray Arco from the Hollywood Foreign Press wrote a testimonial for my poetry book titled “A Glance Back At the Road Less traveled.” Kind of ironic how life works.

My acting and film concepts: acting can have several negative experiences being a woman. It is hard to be taken seriously and to establish credibility in a difficult industry. You run into men that pretend they would like to help you with your career but really they are just trying to date you. My first show I co-created, produced, and starred had to come to a halt because the people I created it with tried to claim it as their own and cut me out of my own project. I refused to let these experiences stop me because if you can create one project…you can create another. That is if you truly are the creator. I have since moved on from that and decided to take these experiences and create something positive. The positive result, a psychological thriller that combines a lot of observations of how people operate in Hollywood,. It was clear that I was different because I actually have a conscience. If some of the people I have met are actually able to pull off some of the things they do, I do not believe they have a conscience. I started studying psychology and understanding these different personality types, combined that with my experiences, and came up with a psychological thriller about sociopaths. J

M: Who are the artists you admire most?

 I don’t really know who other artists art, because I have not taken classes for my art. I just like to create things and if people happen to like them I am grateful. The same goes for my poetry. I have not taken any writing classes I just put on paper what I feel in my heart. I never went to film school either. I truly believe that art. No matter what platform you are referencing, it has to be true to your experiences and emotions. That is what people want. They want to emote, they want to connect, and they want to escape. We are all human and we all desire the same things. So if you tap into human psychology and are true to yourself in your heart, people will always appreciate it. They can always appreciate a genuine story.

M: What was the experience and hard work behind your today’s career?

CS : Hard work is an understatement to get to where I am at today. For a year and half straight when everyone was out socializing and having fun, I was working and developing my company. I was creating art piece after art piece for hours on end. To wake up and draw all day until I went to bed was not out of the ordinary. When I would get exhausted from drawing I would just turn to writing poetry. The film concepts were added in on top of that. I had razor sharp focus and if something didn’t contribute to my end goal I never entertained it.

She is now a visual artist, poet, actress, host, reporter, and creates concepts for film from the beginning and loves more than anything seeing them come to life.

M: Your profile shows that, you are a multiple talented and how you manager your time & various creative works together?  

CS : Yes, I am multi-talented and I simply set short and long term goals for myself. I knew I had to enter into the acting industry from a different format. I had to establish credibility somehow. My plan was to gain exposure through my art, then launch my poetry book, and then after that with my established credibility of creating I could move into my film projects. My plan was very calculated and laid out. I just worked day and night and when I was ready to start introducing my company I already knew how it would all play out. My plan worked fabulously and I am here today making it all happen. I accidentally was hired for reporting jobs after returning from my television interview in Minnesota. Most people never saw the plan and they think things happen overnight. They most certainly don’t. It takes perseverance, time, and self-belief.

M: Have you worked for any films or interested in acting, if so what kind of films you wanted to do?

CS: I create film concepts and it doesn’t matter what kind they are. I just love to create. I can jump from a psychological thriller to a love story in a heartbeat. I get inspired by my experiences and the world around me. I will be acting in everything that I create and produce. By creating my own projects I can be whatever character I want to be and I control my own future. I don’t have to wait years for that perfect role. I just create it J

M: What is your view about global cinema, particularly Hollywood films and what type of films you prefer?

CS: I don’t really have a view about global cinema nor Hollywood films. I didn’t grow up watching television or movies. I played sports and spent most of time playing outside with my friends. I do think that the platform in Hollywood is changing for cinema though. The films I like the most are love stories like the notebook or animation films like Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, Cinderella etc. I really love watching animation films.

M:  Have you ever gone through any difficult phase of your career or life in general? If so, what were they and how you overcome such difficulties?

CS : Absolutely, I think we all have. Difficult situations are too many to name, but at the core they are all just that ‘A difficult situation’. I overcome them by believing in myself and what I want to be. I know that I have what it takes to do anything. I never have given up on myself because with every difficult situation arises, a very exciting situation is right around the corner. That is just life. You can either cry about life or know that everything happens for a reason. I choose to stay positive and know that if something fails it is only to make room for what is right in my life.

M:  We symbolize Earth as a ‘Mother Earth’, and woman as a ‘Beauty’, how do you discriminate them?

Would you please share your idea about woman as earth and woman as beauty?

CS: The delicate wind whispers a message if you listen closely…it’s wicked…it’s honest… and speaks to your heart.
The sun radiates love…she is unconditional.
Mother nature doesn’t hesitate…she provides rain…as her tears fall from the sky…she tried to warn us with grey clouds.
Lightning is the sharp tongue…the human race needs a wake up call…she sends a tornado to make the intended word drastic…dust flies everywhere like an uncertain platform.
Why does the world miss the most simplistic signs? She then sends a flood…to wash away sin and to bathe our souls.
The volcano rests like a wise man in a library…he has read all the books…he tries to teach you the history…as his patience wears thin he explodes with passion setting your life on fire and melting away your misunderstandings.
Life is a revolving door when you choose not to pay attention…you disagree with the directive of the world.
An earthquake ruptures and offsets the seemingly solid society…a couple of buildings fall and people forget that they hold the intelligence to piece them back together.
The lethal mixture of water, rocks and mud create landslides…triggered by the earthquake that we feared instead of trying to understand.
She brings in the tsunami…displacing the waters of the ocean…hoping to readjust the minds of our generation.
You have to abolish the old way of thinking to open the path for progression.
As the earth ages…we are accountable for the generations to come.

Some of the world’s most severe moments open up the hearts of our brothers and sisters.
Mother nature gives us all a lesson in tough love. In the most intimidating circumstances we all become one.
We all begin to understand that our life problems are minimal and that being happy in life is as easy as appreciating the smell of a rose.
Take a walk today…try to understand Mother Nature.

M: We request your views on , Can art help for a change ?
CS : Absolutely art can help for a change. I felt very privileged when asked to be the official artist of the ‘Time Is Now’ Peace Summit in Israel and Palestine. From the very first day the executive producer, Rodney Anderson, approached me for this prestigious position I have immersed myself in helping to solve the violence and killings in those particular regions. Time Is Now is placing one of my drawings as the back drop for both concert stages in Israel and Bethlehem, Palestine. I am also helping in the organization of the summit because I truly believe it is absolutely amazing.

M: What are your current projects and how is life in Los Angeles?

CS: My current project in LA is broadcast. I am the co-creator, producer, and I will be starring in it too. It is a psychological thriller about sociopaths and I cannot wait for everyone to see it. My life in LA is rather simplistic. I am a home body and I really don’t like going out. I choose to live a normal life and stay out of all the drama. J

M:  Would you mind to tell us about your book project?  

CS : My book is already out on Amazon. It is called “A Glance back at the road less traveled. These are the testimonials behind it "No one better exemplifies poetry in motion than Christine Sawicky. She is one of the most talented up-and-coming writers and artists of our generation. Her new book is a creative masterpiece." ~ Todd

Looney/VP Warner Brothers "Christine Sawicky's collection of poems is the water of life. Her words will help one wonder, or even find their way. "A Glance Back at the Road Less Traveled" is nourishment for the soul and a breath of fresh air." ~ Ray Arco/Hollywood Foreign Press This book was accidental. As I stated before I would only write poetry when I was exhausted from drawing. I never really expected people to like my writing. It was just an outlet for all my feelings and experiences that I was going through at the time. I am very grateful that people appreciate my work.

M:  How do you exemplify the idea ‘the concept of success?

CS: The concept for success is different for every person. My personal way of describing success is being happy in life. If you wake up every day and you are happy, you have more than half of the world beat. I love what I do and I love my life. That is why I consider myself successful. All of my art, poetry, and film concepts are just a bi-product and do not define who I am or how happy I will be.

Life changes every day as fast as I am going up that is how fast I could come down. I know who I am and whether I have a billion dollars in the bank or just two dollars I will always be Christine Sawicky. J

M: What would you like say for aspiring people to perceive of their creative interest in general and try career in Hollywood?

CS: I would encourage anyone to follow their dreams no matter what they are. You live life once and you don’t want to regret your choices that you made. As long as you are doing what you want you won’t regret anything. Live your life for yourself and not for others. Be true to yourself and believe in yourself. You only get one shot so you better go big or go home

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Preity Üupala

A Beauty Queen + an Artist + Modern day Philosopher + -Global Citizen + Love on legs

Interview by Man Ray

M: You have versatile talent and multi-cultural exposure. Would you mind to share your childhood days, schooling and your happy moments with your family?

PU: Hi there, my name is Preity Üupala and I am an Entrepreneur, Philanthropist and Actor based in Los Angeles, California. In a nut shell- I am an Investment banker turned beauty queen turned Hollywood actor.

Well, I have had quite a fascinating upbringing. I feel very blessed to have the most amazing parents who provided me with a loving, supportive Childhood. I blame them for my hopelessly positive attitude in life and the ability to imagine any possible dream.

I have had the extreme good fortune of growing up in 5 different cities. I was born in Dubai, the Middle East, and also lived in Paris, in India and then later on Sydney, Australia. I feel like a true “global citizen” and bring that element into my whole approach to life. I have been to 35 countries so far and still counting!

I have two degrees, Bachelor of Technology and Bachelor of Marketing (honors). I was a gold medalist and was offered a scholarship to study for a PHD, which I turned down to focus on my corporate career. I feel my family values, and cultural upbringing has had a huge part shaping the being that I have become today.

M: Where do you have spent most of your childhood?

PU: I was born in Dubai, the Middle East, and also lived in Paris, and then later on Sydney Australia.

M: You participate in many Philanthropic activities and have your own Foundation, What motivated you in this direction ?

PU: Having had a blessed childhood and parents, I often give back to those less fortunate than me. I have always supported many charities in my life. I was honored to be the face of BEYOND WATER, based in South Africa and my last trip to Thailand and Cambodia, I was really moved by the beautiful children and their helpless state. I thought if I could ever change someone’s life, it would be these gorgeous kids, who cannot help themselves. I was inspired to start my own foundation. I choose to make a difference because I can.

M. You are multi-talented and have different ventures and projects. At what age, you have determined your career into this stratagem?

PU: My Journey has truly been a fascinating one. A couple of years ago, I was a different Preity  Uupala. I was working as an Investment banker in Sydney, having some big ambitions to study for an MBA or PHD and perhaps have my own consulting firm one-day. As a child, I had different aspirations, but I guess the universe had a different plan for me. The entertainment path really fell into my lap. I would say, 2 years ago, I started this path.

M: What was the motivation & inspirations behind your successful career and life?

PU: Something was missing from my life. I was earning 6 figures and traveling around the world and had a very prestigious title- even at age 21. Can you believe it, this was my first job out of university!

But my job did not give me joy or purpose. Luckily I had a divine intervention and the universe got me out of where I was and onto my path. Scary as it was, there was an immense feeling of excitement and adventure and an inner knowing that I was on the right path toward my destiny.

I have made several very tough decisions in my life, which altered the course of my destiny. I feel lucky to have made bold choices when I was younger. Today, my choices are made through my intuition and from a place of love and strength.

M. Have you ever gone through any desperate situations or difficulties on your way to success, if so, how did you overcame them?

PU: Absolutely, I would be lying to myself if I claimed to not have any obstacles on my path to fulfilling my destiny. Because I hope for the best, I would like to think that it has been a rosy path, but life is not always “Preity”. I meet many people who have little or no faith in their own greatness and hence do not see it in others. Because of my own spiritual radiance and Optimism, I’m often attracting negative, toxic people who want a taste of my light and it’s a constant job for me to keep myself clear and with the right mind set.

I overcame my difficulties through faith and trust in the universe and the divine plan. Magic happens whenever I choose to do that.

I have had miracles happened just because I had faith in the impossible and the certainty that I would come out triumphant in the end. I’m enjoying the journey more now.

M. What is the most joyful and remarkable moment in your life and what is your idea for success?

PU: I had the great honor to be invited to the Asia pacific film festival in china last year. By the grace of the universe I was awarded 3 prestigious film awards on the night.

I have walked many a red carpet here in Hollywood, but the largest one yet is still the awards ceremony of the Asia Pacific Film Festival in China last year. China is a booming nation and any event they put on there is always of gigantic proportions.”

“I became an overnight star in China last year. I experienced 10,000 people screaming before going into the shrine where they had the film festival.”

“Then I found myself on the front page on the newspaper the next morning when immigration recognized me at the airport as I flew out of china. They mentioned that it was ‘an honor’ to meet me.” It was the most exhilarating, yet humbling experience of my life.

M. Women is always a metaphor of Earth and beauty, how would you justify the concept of woman as beauty and woman as an earth?

PU: Mother Nature and the divine feminine have always been more or less similar in my eyes. Real beauty comes from the heart and soul of the woman, not from what one wears, or looks like. Real beauty is much like nature: raw, natural and nourishing.

M.  You are the titleholder of "Miss Photogenic International" 2010. Would you please share your joy and experience about this success?

PU: Miss photogenic happened early in my career; it was based solely on photographs and was very affirming to me the titleholder.

M: You have achieved many Beauty Pageant titles, what was the first one? And would you please share your experience about that achievement?

PU: I have had the great privilege of competing in and winning different National and International pageants. I really feel like I have managed to Embodied Class, elegance and grace as I won the Coveted Miss India International titles and others. My first pageant was the Miss earth Australia.

I made history of being the first candidate of Indian or Portuguese origin to ever be a finalist in the Miss Earth Australia competition since it started.

Like many other events in my life, this opportunity as well found me. The founder of the pageant had come across my portfolio on some entertainment site and contacted me expressing her interest in having me compete. And so I was compelled to. Little did I know that the small decision I made turned out to be such a huge milestone in my life, opening many doors later on.

M: Among the many Beauty Pageants you have participated in , what was the most inspiring & memorable one?

PU: Out of all the ones that I have won or competed in, I would say my latest title, The Miss Earth Australia was most memorable one, as I had the opportunity to do my sexy salsa routine in front of thousands of people. I even won the talent section. I made the decision to become the face of a charity based in South Africa, Beyond Water, which was most inspiring even for me, to see what difference I could make. This sparked a lot of future philanthropic activities.

M: You have won National Finalist in Miss Earth Australia 2009 beauty pageant. What are your inspirations about Earth? How do you distinguish this Pageant from others?

PU: Miss Earth pageant is a beauty competition with a twist, they focus on environmental activities. We had to do several activities on behalf of the planet and were encouraged to team up with a local charity. While competing in Miss Earth, I realized what we, as mankind were doing to the planet, and quickly coming to the conclusion that time was really running out. At the same time I could see the power that even one person has within himself or herself to make a huge difference on the planet and change lives. That was inspiring in it.

M: Would you like to do any more projects that support Green Earth?

UP: I am very actively involved in several philanthropic organizations here in the US and abroad.

M: You have won many Modeling achievements. How did modeling career start off for you? What do you consider most about it and what you don’t?

UP: I have a funny story to share about modeling; I was never interested in it. I won a lucky dip prize when I was 15 and got a free photo shoot with a top studio in Sydney. I did the shoot and the photographer was blown away and encouraged me to take it up as a career. So I modeled professionally for 2 years in Sydney before moving to LA. What you like and dislike about the modeling is that the camera never lies. If you don’t feel it, the lens does not capture it. I was always very comfortable in my own skin and camera never lies, so I have always immensely enjoyed my shoots.

M. What is your most marked modeling project till today?

PU: I have had the great privilege by being painted by a famous artist in Bali- Roland duluc. He is a famous Dutch artist who resides in Ubud, Bali and when I visited his studio he had offered to paint me.

M. You have great passion for films and done many film courses from remarkable institutes. Would you please share about this?

PU: I have had the great pleasure of training with the very best. Once I left my corporate career, I auditioned and enrolled at the famed NIDA- National institute of dramatic arts in Sydney, Australia. With the past students such as Mel Gibson and cate Blanchet, it was a great training. I also trained with a Russian acting coach specializing in Stanislavsky and Chekov technique.

I then won a scholarship to study at a top acting school here in LA. This is what brought me here to the states in the first place. It has been amazing to learn from great teacher and study amongst very talented, gifted, artistic students who are in it, like me, for the art of it.

M. You have made a Hollywood debut. How would you share your happiness and what are your most favorite films?

PU: Since moving here to Hollywood, I have appeared in a number of feature and short films, commercials and Music Videos. My favorite films are the Italian mafia genre- The godfather, 1 2 and 3.

M: If you are offered to act in Short films, how do you respond? If yes, whether it would be Independent or experimental films?

PU: Absolutely, I’m open to any film project, with a great script and good message to convey.

M: You have received three awards on behalf of the Indian delegation. How was the experience and Do you have any plans for Indian films? 

PU : Last year, I had the honor of being on the jury of the Asia pacific film festival in china.

“Cinema is Cinema, no matter where in the globe. Having said that, the world is truly becoming a smaller place, as we all are so interconnected these days.

“The entertainment industry, I believe is now more global than ever. Look at the world today. I can be an Australian actor of Indian/ Portuguese origin in Hollywood on the jury of a film festival in China. I think it’s fascinating.

I’m always open to amazing projects. As I am truly a “global” artist, I look forward to working anywhere in the world, where they work call on me.

M: What are your current projects?

PU: I just finished shooting for a show in the Netherlands. And prior to that I shot for a TV show in Paris, a project that came from my presence at the Cannes film festival 2011. I’m continuing to manifest amazing projects globally.

M. You have achieved your Ph.D. What projects motivated you for this Ph.D research? 

PU: I graduated first class honors from my degree and was offered a scholarship to study a PHD research project in E-marketing in tourism industry and studying consumer behavior. I decided to defer it in order to start my corporate career. It was a tough decision I had to make, but I know it was the right one, as it put me closer to my higher destiny.

M. You are in position for Investment banks and International consulting Firms in Sydney, New Zealand and the UK Entrepreneur, How were these corporate experiences and are you still continuing as Entrepreneur?

PU: I never regret any of my experiences and feel privileged to have lady corporate stint. It gave me a degree of security and stability emotionally and financially that most aspiring artists do not posses.

I feel like a grounded and full human being.

M: We would pleased to know about your Üupala Foundation and your future plans for this foundation.

PU: In Late 2011, I was inspired to start my own foundation. I had been involved in several charities around the world and on the board of one in LA, and the face of another in South Africa. But I thought I should consolidate my energy and have one in my own name.

I aim to do some heavy-duty fundraising to benefit the children of the foundation.

M. Would you like to collaborate with any other foundations or projects that are of similar interest?

PU : Absolutely, I often attend several fundraising event here in Los Angeles. And look to combining with another possibly more established organization to raise money for the benefit of the foundation.

M. Finally, with so much of work and versatility how do you manage your time? Finally, with busy work schedule, how do you manage your time?

PU: LOL- I have a knack of multitasking and have the capacity to do much and do hence, manage to accomplish a lot. I practice yoga and meditation to keep myself at peace. So I don’t burn myself out. I also often take mini- holidays and travel a lot to recharge myself.

M. What would be your message for aspiring & creative people?

PU: I would say BE YOURSELF- you shine every time you are. Remember there is only ONE YOU- I swear by this philosophy.

M. A few words from you in regard to Earth, Peace and harmony.

PU: We the people do have the power to come together and do the right h=thing, by the planet and also for each other. We must find the peace in our heart and radiate that forward. Then only, we will be living in harmony.

Thank you for your time for this interview and we wish you good luck and big success for your artistic journey

Thank you!

The pleasure is mine. Please look at the website to keep updated of all my activities:

www.preityuupala.com