Laura Chapnick’s passion for the arts is infectious. She seeks opportunities to promote new ventures and projects in fashion, visual art and culture through the diverse range of publications she contributes to, both at McGill and in Toronto. Her enthusiasm for writing and for all forms of artistic expression is immediately apparent to anyone listening as she speaks about what she calls her many different “creative outlets,” Laura spent much of this past summer interviewing an enviously colourful array of influential Canadian women—and this week, Her Campus McGill had the chance to sift through Laura’s own collection of memories and experiences as an active member of Canada’s artistic community.
Can you list all of the different publications you contribute to?
Sure! At McGill, I am a Fashion Columnist for Leacock’s and a Staff Writer for The McGill Daily. I also have contributed to Toronto’s Women’s Post and I proofread for The Literary Review of Canada.
Can you tell me a bit about each—and why they are important to you?
Leacock’s is my creative outlet. For me, it is important to stay on top of student trends and cutting edge aesthetics—Leacock’s keeps me on my toes in that sense and exposes me to the Montreal fashion community by way of attending Montreal Fashion Week and contributing to the Campus Spot section of the site.
I began writing for The Daily over a year ago and am primarily involved in their Culture section. I tend to choose pitches that help promote grassroots art ventures—student art galleries, start-ups and small McGill arts organizations—because I think that those types of endeavours need extra attention and greater publicity.
In terms of Toronto publications, I interned at Women’s Post last summer. It was a very busy two months, but an incredible learning experience. I had the opportunity to interview some very influential Canadian women such as Jeanne Beker, Dina Pugliese, Valerie Pringle, and Melony Ward. I found speaking to each woman to be particularly inspiring. I now write for their magazine whenever I can.
I began proofreading for The Literary Review of Canada shortly after my internship ended. I thought it would be interesting to contribute to a publication in a different capacity than as a writer.
How did you get started writing?
I’ve been a creative writer all my life. I was always writing when I was younger—conjuring up stories and writing short descriptive pieces. I loved my English classes throughout elementary and high school, so I was constantly reading, mimicking the writers I admired, and learning from teachers and mentors. When it became time to apply to universities, I knew that English lit was what I wanted. After two and a half years I am now a U2 English lit major and art history minor.
Why is writing important to you?
I see writing as a form of artistic expression and a great means for publicity. For me, I like to write about events or people in order to project a certain image or publicize specific endeavours—especially for the arts. Writing is a wonderful way to give that attention through a creative medium. Also, I think that writing is important in terms of leaving behind cultural artifacts, for it is invaluable to see history through a personal lens.
Is there any writing experience you have enjoyed the most?
Out of my work so far, it is difficult to choose a favorite. Each interview I conduct is different and stimulating in its own way.
If you could interview anyone—dead or living—who would it be?
My favourite artist: Mark Rothko. I would delight in the opportunity to know more about the intentionality behind his art, about his thought-process.
Do you want to continue writing once you are finished your degree?
I definitely want to keep writing in the future! That said, right now I also want to keep my options open.
What’s your perspective on online magazines vs. those in print?
I think that online publications are great in terms of their accessibility and in that they are also environmentally friendly! Personally, however, I will always prefer the tangibility of print magazines. It’s kind of embarrassing but as a kid, I would read fashion magazines with a pen in hand, and “fix” what I thought needed improvements. You just can’t do that kind of thing online! But, in all honesty, I am nostalgic when it comes to print. There is something so special about holding a glossy magazine in your hands. It can last throughout generations.
Favorites:
• Poem – Milton Acorn’s “I Shout Love”
• Author crush – Michael Ondaatje or Jonathan Safran Foer
• Spot on campus – the Arts Steps
• Place in Montreal – Musée des Beaux-Arts
• Fashion trend for Winter 2011 that you’d like to see on campus – Toggle coats; I own two!