Our member of the week is Tara Quinn. We like to feature members who do uncommon work, and we think you would agree that Tara’s work falls into that category. Tara is a contortionist and acrobat. She not only performs her acts in commercials and live shows, she also makes a living teaching her skills to prospective contortionists, as well as instructing others in yoga and gymnastics. You can see movie clips and still photos of her work at her website, and you can learn more about Tara in her profile and in our interview with her.

1. What has been your most interesting project?

The most interesting project I have gotten to work on was a National Commercial for Wendy's. It was interesting being on set and seeing everything that goes into planning a 30 second spot, from the special-effects people creating artificial rain, to the food artists specially crafting each beautiful burger before the actors gobbled it down. However, the work that I find to be most rewarding is when I get to team up with other artists and have the freedom to collaborate and create something new with them. Recently I teamed up with dancer Christina Johnson to create a new performance piece. Both of us being able to contribute and craft a stronger creative vision together is what ends up fueling my fire. We performed it for the first time Nov. 11th at Tea Dances, a small, intimate gathering hosted by Time Lapse Dance.

2. Why did you decide to go freelance?

I have become a freelance artist purely out of necessity. Upon my arrival in New York, I auditioned for many larger productions, only to find out that my specialties most of the time did not match up with their specific needs for acting or dancing roles. My performance art tends to be unique to my own body; thus, in order to find work in the field and share it with the greater community, I needed to work for myself and create my own work as many artist do.

3. What tip would you give to a new freelancer or someone who is considering going freelance?

Just do it. The privilege of getting to do what you really want to do for a living is its own reward.

4. What is your favorite spot in the city in which you live?

I love the view of city as go over the Manhattan Bridge on the Q train. Just emerging from a deep dark whole to see the magnificent busy city rise before me. An entity contained by a moat of water just bursting at the seams with a bustling rough energy.

**5. **What is your inspiration?

I find lots of inspiration in music. Something that really makes me want to move. I love to close my eyes and visualize how I see the music moving and then become that.