Emily Stodola is a NAIT graduate in Photographic Technology, an accomplished photographer, and a skilled dancer/choreographer. Emily’s journey is marked by her ability to seamlessly combine her love for visual storytelling and expressive movement. From capturing intimate portraits and dynamic dance scenes with her business, Stodola Creations, to teaching dance and working at the Telus World of Science, Emily brings creativity and passion to everything she does. Her work spans across nature and landscape photography in her free time, while her current professional endeavors allow her to indulge in both her scientific curiosity and artistic pursuits.

Emily's hobbies and interests not only provide a creative outlet but are also essential to her personal growth and emotional well-being. For her, photography and dance are more than just activities—they are forms of self-expression that allow her to communicate her emotions when words fall short. When she dances, she finds herself lost in the movement, while behind the camera, her focus on the subject becomes her escape from stress. Emily emphasizes the need for balance, as turning hobbies into professional work can sometimes lead to burnout, which is why she made the conscious decision to reduce her dance teaching commitments to protect her passion for dance.

Creative dry spells are inevitable for artists, and Emily has developed strategies to manage these periods. She finds it beneficial to step away from her creative environment and engage with nature or explore new music genres. During challenging times, such as the COVID-19 lockdown, she found herself disconnected from the sense of community in dance and took a break. This time away allowed her to reconnect with her love for dance through playful movement and self-exploration, ultimately reigniting her passion when she was ready to return to classes. Emily believes that sometimes stepping back is crucial for overcoming creative blocks, as it allows for clarity and re-alignment with the project’s original intent.

Emily also highlights the importance of self-help and taking time for healing as an integral part of her creative journey. Recently, she has been focusing on self-care and addressing unhealed areas of her life, which has translated into more frequent and inspired dance sessions. By prioritizing her well-being, she finds herself more creative and confident in her projects. Emily’s approach to healing involves staying connected with nature, setting personal goals, and using helpful tools like the Finch app, which supports her daily self-care routines.

Ultimately, Emily’s story is a testament to the value of balancing personal passions with professional responsibilities while ensuring time for self-reflection and growth. Her insights into the importance of hobbies, managing creative blocks, and taking care of one’s mental health are lessons that resonate not only with artists but with anyone looking to find fulfillment and balance in life.