June 4th, 2017
Che of The Town from Rochester works for actor Che Holloway
You first met Che in Rochester works for actor Che Holloway, an impromptu interview and amble through the Neighborhood of the Arts.
An aspiring and successful actor, Che is deeply immersed in the Rochester cultural scene. So much so, we’ve named him Che of The Town!
Exclusively for Talker, Che has solicited and is conducting interviews from about 80 Rochestarians working in a diversity of creative fields.
For the full series, see Che of The Town: Interviews
Tell us a little about yourself, where your from, grew up, what H.S./College you attended etc.
Hi! I’m Taurus Savant! I’m an artsy community-minded being that finds joy in being creative – I write thinkpieces and poems, I make art and music and I get involved in local causes. I’m originally from Far Rockaway, Queens, New York City but raised here in Rochester! I graduated from Dr. Freddie Thomas High School (we went to the same school!) and took a film course at MCC. I like to think I’m a pretty good guy, striving to make my mark on this world!
What inspired you to be an artist? Early experiences worth sharing?
As a child, I always felt like adults were trying to shush me, or when I was in school we always had to be quiet, so to express myself, I would draw… I would draw on EVERYTHING, on homework sheets, my desks at class, even walls! I have a vivid imagination and I wanted to bring it out of my head into the surface. Or how my sister used to taunt me, she would mock everything I say and turn it into a song… I eventually grew up and started doing the same! I encouraged my own creativity
Talk about a time where you have faced adversity/conflict and have triumphed.
Honestly, I feel like I’ve faced adversity all of my life, but the most poignant time in my life was when I attempted suicide in 2013. I felt so overwhelmed and powerless to change what was going on around me, and I was in a very unfortunate and toxic situation… I had to reevaluate my life choices, and really live life for myself. You can’t fly high with everyone else’s weight on you keeping you from leaving the ground! I live life now with a whole new fresh perspective, better mindset and I take nothing for granted.
What do you believe sets you apart from other artists?
I believe I have a unique way of approaching things – once I find something comfortable and effective that works for me, I stick with it… other folks look at me and go, “Huh? Why’s he doing things THAT way? He should do it THIS way!” There are so many methods to achieve the same goal and I do things MY way! I enjoy stepping outside of the box to experiment with new things, and I’m not afraid to take risks. Though some of the things I do aren’t what everyone else is doing, I always hope that no matter what, that it connects with people, that it resonates and that I’m still relatable. I believe everyone in their own way wants that.
Do you have other interests or hobbies?
More than I can count! I did self-study Japanese for a few years, and I’m still not fluent, but I know enough to get me through some anime and native language video games! “Yaa, kono yatsu!” (That means “Oh, this guy…”, ha!) I love to explore, too. One of the reasons I love to walk instead of ride around in vehicles is the sheer amount of secrets and other amazing things you’ll discover just by taking the time to really look into your surroundings. You’d be surprised in what you’ll find!
Any projects you have out or currently working on?
My most recent (and time consuming) project is a full-length music album. I performed an original song at an arts gathering last summer, and I was really nervous, but everyone really loved it. They suggested creating an album, and everyone said they’d buy if I made one, so I am! It’s special to me because I’m doing everything myself – I’m producing the music, I’m writing the lyrics, creating arrangements and melodies, all in my own living room… it’s a lot of myself that I’m pouring myself into and I really hope people receive it well. I enjoy the process! I’m also writing a book of poetry that I hope to have published next year as well. Other than that, I’m committed to various city initiatives and I go wherever my talents and efforts are needed!
Where would you like to see yourself in 5 years?
In five years, I see myself as a man with influence. Though I’m pursuing a career in entertainment, I want to be someone that incites change, especially here in Rochester. I want little Black boys and girls to see someone that looks like them in a position of success, to give them encouragement, hope and to show them they matter, that their dreams and goals are important and that they can overcome hardships and do whatever they put their minds to… I don’t necessarily consider myself a role model, but I do feel like I’m a decent human being that takes action and shares a desire for things to improve, not just for myself but for everyone around me.
What advice can you give to aspiring artists?
Believe in what you’re doing! Don’t be afraid to share your art, your craft with the world! There are so many talented people, especially here, who keep their art to themselves because they either don’t feel appreciated or good enough. You can touch someone with that, you can change someone’s life. I want to give people the confidence to truly be unapologetically themselves, and don’t strive to do the “popular” thing. Everyone always says, “Just be yourself!” and I mean it! Monotony is overrated! The real ones will recognize you, and if no one else sees you, I do!
How can we follow along in your journey? Social media?
I’m present on most platforms as taurussavant, notably Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and Snapchat. My SoundCloud page is taurus-savant. The dash is important! I’ll even be your friend on Facebook! I always like making new connections; you never know who you’ll meet and what opportunities they bring! Thank you so much for your interest! Visit me here: www.taurussavant.com
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