Ghost of Earth: A Fusion of Art, Movement, and Other Worlds
- Taylor Duff
- Mar 18
- 5 min read
Updated: Apr 25
Written & Photos by Taylor Duff
Ghost, a Gemini artist, channels her experiences with depression, anxiety, and body dysmorphic disorder into her art, blending natural and otherworldly elements influenced by her Midwest upbringing and childhood spiritual encounters. Inspired by Björk, The Cell, and Of Montreal, her work strikes a balance between planning and spontaneity. She processes emotions through pole dancing, yoga, and burlesque, aiming to integrate these practices with her artistic and teaching pursuits, seeing them as essential to her creativity.
On Her Artistic and Personal Identity
I spoke with Ghostofearth, an artist blending visual art, poetry, and movement. She described herself as a Gemini, a dreamer, poet, and mover, interested in movement and feeling like a guardian of the underworld in her work.
She elaborated on her struggles with depression: "I've been depressed for as long as I can remember, and not wanting to be in this world has influenced my art. That's how I started poetry. I now identify as a guardian of the underworld, understanding my depression and suicidal thoughts led me to realize that nothing matters, so why not just exist?"
She said, "This lets my imagination and dreams deepen when the world feels overwhelming. Despite current challenges, history shows humans have always faced trials, which makes me feel less alone."
Art Influenced by Nature and Otherworldly
Ghost, reflecting on her childhood in rural Michigan, explained her fascination with blending natural and otherworldly realms: "Growing up surrounded by plants, trees, and forests sparked my interest in natural history. The natural world is where I feel most at home."
She shared her connection to the otherworldly: "I've had many experiences with spirits, not just ghosts. The spirit of nature, like trees, was comforting. A tree in my backyard, my 'crying tree,' cradled me whenever my parents fought."
Ghost shared, "I had an imaginary friend and felt something was always with me, not ominously. As a child, being sick and in an 'in-between' state, my parents worried about me dying, which might have influenced my experience."
Influences and Surrealism
Her work, often described as ethereal and surreal, is influenced by a variety of sources. "Björk had a huge impact on me from age 16," she said. "I started with Post and was thrilled by both the music and videos, which evolved with the music. It influenced me visually as someone interested in Surrealism."
She cited The Cell, especially Eiko Ishioka's set design and costumes, as an influence: "Seeing it at 12 or 13, the surreal costumes and otherworldly elements deeply impressed me." Her love for music significantly influences her work. "Of Montreal has been a favorite since I was 16. Their early 2000s performances were psychedelic and fantastical, featuring DIY costumes. Kevin Barnes, the lead singer, blends autobiographical elements with fantasy, a balance I strive for in my writing and art."
Ghost explained that fear has influenced her creativity: "Surrealism and the natural world inspire my art, but overcoming fear is my main drive. Initially, I was scared to perform or read my poetry publicly. By pushing past these fears, I've been able to express myself more freely and explore new avenues. Staying in my comfort zone would have limited my creative growth."
She explained the transformative power of fear: "I've always wanted to share my art to connect with others. People have told me my work describes their feelings, which means a lot. It's about sharing experiences and creating connections."
When asked how she navigates the balance between the natural and surreal in her work, Ghost said: "I don't balance them. Balance is important to me in many ways, but I try to lean into how I'm feeling at the time. Sometimes that means immersing myself in nature, writing, and drawing from that. Other times, I feel more connected to the surreal, especially when I'm in the city. I like both, and sometimes they meet in the middle."
She stated, "Art, beauty, and experiences are values I cherish. Understanding myself better over the years has led me to focus on grief in my work. Our finite existence makes me appreciate all experiences, both good and bad."
Creative Process and Media
Ghost described her approach to new work: "I like structure and planning, but I've learned to loosen up to create. Sticking to perfectionism would hinder my work. With poetry, after 20 years of practice, writing flows naturally without structure." She said, "When unsure, I feel insecure and intimidated comparing myself to more experienced people. I need a plan to feel safe and let my creativity flow."
She explained her media use: "With 15 years in photography, it's integral to my visual art. I plan projects, but ultimately, it's about play. I often draw and paint digitally, with a focus on texture and depth. I also create Oracle-typewriter poetry, crafting unique pieces in five minutes based on conversations, emphasizing feeling over structure."
Movement, Mindfulness, and Connection
Ghost stays inspired through movement, highlighting pole dancing as a blend of strength, grace, and creativity, akin to writing poetry. Yoga, a 20-year practice, provides a space for emotional processing and body awareness, especially in tough times. She expressed interest in burlesque, having tried out last year and wanting to pursue it further. She is also drawn to spending time in nature.
Ghost finds that creating through movement, drawing, or painting helps her process emotions. She explains, "The physical act of creating—whether through writing or movement—helps me process things I can't express verbally. Sometimes, I need to move my body, whether at the pole studio or just being in my body, as it's a form of expression different from writing."
Discussing the relationship between her poetry and visual art, she said: "I often need a visual stimulus to inspire my poetry. But sometimes, I write about deeply personal experiences, like the poem I wrote after helping a friend through her battle with cancer. Other times, I use Oracle cards for inspiration. Poetry, for me, is more about uncovering otherworlds. It's a map of sorts, revealing new realms as I write." She added, "I don't always resonate with others' poetry, as I've always embraced my unique approach. Perhaps it's because I wasn't deeply exposed to classical poetry, but I've always felt more aligned with my style."
Looking Ahead
Ghost envisions her future projects as a deeper convergence of her practices: "The movement piece is the missing link. Using my voice to teach movement, especially in yoga, feels empowering. I've been afraid, but now I'm embracing it. I always thought I'd be a dancer in another life, but now I realize I already am."
Ghost's work evolves through her connection to nature and the otherworldly, revealing layers of her creative expression. Her debut book, Labyrinth of Mind, intimately explores emotional and psychological landscapes, blending poetry, art, and insight. Embracing movement, visual art, and poetry, she creates uniquely powerful works. Rooted in personal experiences, her journey promises more creative exploration, with a new book forthcoming. Through visual storytelling, movement, or words, Ghost is committed to using her art to process, connect, and inspire, expressing the complexities of the human experience.
Want to see more of Ghostofearth? Check her Out Here:
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