Today we’d like to introduce you to Ben Saunders.
Hi Ben, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I first picked up a video camera because my friend brought one to summer camp when we were in high school. As I began an ongoing journey of awareness about the ways that systems of oppression operate in our world, I felt compelled to use video as a way to tell stories and motivate people into consciousness and action for social change. I moved to Nashville in 2012 and met my friend, Kyle, as we were both at Vanderbilt Divinity School. Soon after graduating we started Adelicia Company with an ethos of “co-creating meaningful media.” We create documentaries, promotional videos, and curriculum in collaboration with nonprofits and other organizations working towards a more just and equitable world.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
All of the above! In some ways, and in no small part due to my access and privilege, things have fallen into place nicely and the road has been fairly smooth, so far. We exclusively rely on word-of-mouth and (thankfully) projects keep popping up that keep us employed and fulfilled. I can’t underscore enough how grateful I am for that – to not only have food and a roof but to enjoy my job. I realize that’s rare and I try not to take it for granted. That being said – even though I’m not nearly burdened to the same extent as so many by our context of capitalism, it is also my daily challenge. Not only collectively in terms of the need for mutual liberation, but also as an artist and individual. The structures of capitalism might affect each of us in different ways, but there are two that immediately come to mind for me: 1) the engrained cultural mentality of “production being tied to our worth” is killing us. Even as someone who loves my job, I struggle with this. Certainly, the system doesn’t afford everyone rest, but I don’t believe that a work-til-you-drop orientation allows for full human thriving. For the sake of my mental, emotional, and physical wellbeing, I try to practice habits that resist the urge to overwork or strive for (unattainable) perfection…and 2) the challenge of art as a commodity. I understand creating images and telling stories to be art forms. And I also rely on those art forms to survive in this world. I’ve found that it can change your relationship to the medium when the pressure of production is attached to survival. Because of this, I’m in a continual process of redefining my relationship to my art. It requires trying new techniques, falling in love with the camera again and again, and acknowledging the reality of the mundane, as well. Especially in Nashville, I know I’m part of a long history of artists, mostly in music (business), who (consciously or not) have a triangular relationship with their art and capitalism.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Adelicia Company?
Our ethos is “co-creating meaningful media.” We see every project as a collaborative process. While we have the technical expertise and bring creative ideas to the table, you are the expert in your story (and have creative ideas, too!). So, we listen and do the best we can to understand your vision for telling your story before making any other moves. Much of our work is creating videos with a variety of nonprofit organizations – most recently with a focus on education equity, environmental justice, and disability rights. I’m definitely proud of the quality of work we produce and I’m proud that we’re continually learning and growing in our craft, but I think the way we focus on relationships with our collaborators is what sets us apart. It’s an honor to help someone bring their story to life and we take that privilege very seriously. It’s imperative to us that no one is exploited in sharing their story and that everyone is represented authentically and with dignity and respect. So, I’m proud of what we do, but I’m most proud of how we do it.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
Wow! Wasn’t expecting this one! It’s so important to reflect on this, though, so thank you for the question. Having experiences that remind me that I’m alive and interconnected with all of existence typically makes me happy. And by that, I mean anything from going on walks and appreciating nature, to basic small-talk with strangers, to thoughtful conversations with loved ones. There’s a lot that makes me happy. In the context of a world full of tragedy and pain and injustice, it feels healthy and honest to feel a wide range of human emotions, and it also feels important and necessary to lean into the simple joys of life as much as we can – and to share them with others.
Contact Info:
- Email: ben@adeliciacompany.com
- Website: www.adeliciacompany.com
- Instagram: @adeliciacompany
- Facebook: facebook.com/adeliciacompany
Image Credits:
Ben Saunders
Kyle Jonas
