Curriculum Vitae

Artist Bio

Artist Statement

I am a social practice artist and ritualist working at the intersection of nature, community, and ancestral wisdom. Rooted in Slavic and Animist traditions, I use music, storytelling, and somatic practices to create participatory experiences that foster reconnection with self, others, and the living world. My offerings range from intimate one-on-one rituals to large-scale community gatherings. At The Telegraph School in Cherry Valley, I host events like Drumming Circles, monthly Open Mics, Women’s Red Tent Gatherings, and Grief Rituals. My larger efforts like the Cherry Valley Water Project and Koliada invite collective engagement with nature and spirit through creative and embodied practices.
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I am gradually becoming a wise woman at the edge of the village and the woods, where I listen closely to the whispers of the crossroads and the spirits that dwell within. My art unfolds as a ritual, deeply rooted in the interconnectedness of nature, humanity, and the self. Through these rituals, I channel balance, connection, and warmth, inviting others to embark on a transformative journey of reconnection.

As an interdisciplinary social practice artist and community builder, I utilize song, dance, storytelling, puppetry, and movement to make meaning. My offerings take many forms—workshops, performances, circles, and community projects—ranging from intimate rituals shared with one person to large-scale events that foster collective participation. I listen deeply to the voices of the natural world—streams, springs, earth, and trees—responding to their needs as well as those of individuals seeking reconnection with themselves and nature.

My somatic practices include Contact Improv, the Non-Linear Movement Method, and Authentic Movement. At The Telegraph School, I nurture a creative community through events such as Open Mics, Red Tent gatherings, Grief Rituals, and the Wild Women Retreat—spaces that promote healing and collective creativity. My initiatives, including the Cherry Valley Water Project and Koliada, invite community engagement to deepen our relationship with nature.

Inspired by my ancestral Slavic and Animist traditions and the wisdom of the Kanien’kehá:ka caretakers of the land I call home, my work honors ancient knowledge and the rhythms of nature. Drawing from my family’s artistic legacy—being the daughter of avant-garde jazz pianist Paul Bley and video artist Carol Goss—I strive to create art that resonates with the vitality of the earth and the memories of loved ones who have passed.

For more information, please visit dzeli.com and thetelegraphschool.org.