Ian Garrett: Reimagining How We Live.
Skene Staff
Ian Garrett explores the future of theatre design through ecology, technology, and care, redefining how art connects to the environment.
Ian Garrett explores the future of theatre design through ecology, technology, and care, redefining how art connects to the environment.
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There is a striking clarity in the way Jennifer Gonzalez approaches light, a sense that every cue is an invitation to look deeper. Her work feel like discovery, shaped by a young designer actively building her voice. Jennifer first encountered lighting and media design in a college classroom, but the spark that began there has grown through curiosity, cultural exploration, and a desire to uplift stories that do not always receive the visibility they deserve.
As an emerging artist, she builds her process through instinct and collaboration, allowing each project to reveal new possibilities. Jennifer understands that there is no single correct way to create and that growth comes from experimentation, risk, and trusting the ideas that feel true to her. Her designs carry the resilience of her parents, the strength of her community, and a belief in storytelling as a form of empowerment.
Her path unfolds with curiosity and intention in this edition of NEW TALENTS.
My story sparked in my lighting design class in undergrad. My undergrad mentor spoke about lighting design that piqued my curiosity. I wanted to learn more, so I continued to learn from him and work on as many shows as possible. I graduated at the peak of COVID, so I was unsure of what my next steps were. The industry was impacted greatly and there was a lot of uncertainty if theatre would survive. I chose to continue my education and grow as a designer by going to graduate school in Texas. I was given the opportunity to work on different types of stories that helped me to decide what kind of designer I wanted to be. In my final year of undergrad, I designed Facing Our Truth and in my final year of grad school, I designed RENT. Both of these stories were important in my growth because these stories were new to me. It actually frustrated me that I had not learned about these stories throughout my time studying theatre. These stories, among many others, give underrepresented communities a voice and I was given the opportunity to uplift these voices. This is where my journey has taken me and where it will continue to grow.
My favorite work so far has been In the Heights by Lin-Manuel Miranda. Going into the production, I had never seen the production before and watch the film that was done on DisneyPlus. This story means so much to be because of how much it brings visibility to my culture. Growing up, I didn’t have the traditional Mexican upbringing as others. My parents didn’t teach me Spanish or allow me to visit Mexico as a child as a form of protection. I learned Spanish on my own and have made my own journey in discovering more about my cultural history. Designing In The Heights was important to me not just for my journey but it’s also important for so many others. It gives representation and a voice to our community and shows them that we deserve to be seen and heard.
My biggest challenge as an artist and as a human has been self-doubt. In my journey as an artist, I encountered ways of doing things that I new to be the “correct way”, however, there are many “correct ways” to do multiple things. Every designer and artist goes through their own journey and has their own diverse background and no one is the same. I used to think that I had to do something the way I was taught, but I quickly discovered that wasn’t the case. I have learned to trust my gut and to trust my instinct after making so many mistakes, but you can’t be afraid to make those mistakes. Making mistakes is how you make discoveries. I continue to make mistakes and kill ideas in order to discover better ones that best fit the storytelling. I heavily believe that an artist never stops learning.
My parents and my community inspire me the most in my life. My parents have both raised me to be strong and independent and my family has always been my #1 priority. My community has shown their strength and independence within the current state of our society. I try to show that within my work by giving a strong sense of emotion through light and imagery. I am very passionate about giving underrepresented communities a voice. I identify as a female and as a Latina and that has not always allowed me to have a voice.
I go into projects hoping that people leave asking questions and wanting to learn more about the story they got to see. I know that whenever I see a new show, or even a revival of a show, that I want to ask a million questions and wish that I could have been in the tech room.
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