Meet Katie Lynch | Circus Artist, Instructor, and Owner of Ethereal Arts Northwest

We had the good fortune of connecting with Katie Lynch and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Katie, how does your business help the community?
This is a question that I believe I’ve really learned the answer to in the last year. When I started my business it was simply because I loved aerial and everything about it. I loved sharing it with others and watching my students surprise themselves with the things they are capable of. It wasn’t until I opened in our own location and we really started to grow that I saw the effect it had on the community. Our student count increased exponentially; predominantly in women. It’s been amazing and inspiring to see so many women of every age and athletic background come in and increase their strength and confidence! I believe we’ve created an amazing community within the studio that has spread into the community we live in. I continue to see examples of people we’ve positively affected because they’ve taken our classes or enjoyed the art we share in our shows!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I have been an athlete for most of my life, and circus has given me the chance to embrace that while starting to learn and express myself as an artist. It took me several years of performing to break free of my athletic mold and mentality before I began to actually express who I am and the emotions that come to me when I’m creating an act. I was a gymnast for most of my childhood which was a very rigorous way to grow up. I was strong and persistent at a young age. I knew how to work hard for what I wanted and my body learned how to handle the abuse. There was so much pain that came from that sport both physically and emotionally, but I’m so grateful for the experience. I believe it made me the business owner and artist I am today. Getting too where I am today certainly wasn’t easy, but I knew what I wanted and never quit. I persisted when people shot me down, and pressed harder when the answer was no. Circus in general has always felt like an amazing and inspiring group of misfits. Every artist I’ve met has an incredible work ethic and the talent to match it. Personally I feel like the art I create speaks for strength and grace. I feel like after seeing myself as a gymnast for so long and placing my value entirely in the feedback of my coach and judges; I had a long ladder to climb to reach the confidence level it took to place myself on a stage. And every time I step on a stage I have to remind myself of my worth and why I deserve to be standing there. It isn’t until the end of my act when I can see the emotions I’ve invested in those 5 minutes reflected on the faces in my audience that I understand why I do this. I want people to feel understood and heard in those few fleeting moments I have with them while I’m on stage. I want them to understand that I’ve felt what they do and they can create something beautiful with every one of those emotions whether its absolute bliss or raging anger. I think the most important thing I’ve learned is that we have an amazing community to rely on. Having the support of students and other artists is amazing and what makes all of this as wonderful as it is. What I want the world to know about me is that I love aerial for what it can do for people. Seeing the increase in confidence in my students when they surprise themself with a new skill and the joy that comes with each success. How supportive the entire class is of each student. Circus creates an amazing and supportive community and I honestly think it makes everyones life better!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Oh gosh I live in Gig Harbor and quite honestly there isn’t much exciting about this place in the sense of going out on the town. What keeps me here is how quaint and beautiful it is! If I had a friend visiting over the summer I would take them out on the water either kayaking or boating! We’re surrounded by water and have an amazing view of Mt. Rainier! If it was more fall or winter I would take them to the mountains for some hiking or snow activities. I consider this a very active and outdoorsy place to live which is why I love it! There are a couple of breweries and wine bars that are fun for socializing at too if you are looking for some in town time!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I owe my shoutout to my mom. It’s because of her I found aerial and because of the community she was a part of that it consumed my life in the best way possible! She started training while I was in college and after watching her perform I immediately decided I was not going to attend graduate school and began training in circus arts as much as possible. I fell in love with it and with the support of my mom and amazing coach at the time I made it my life. They helped me see that a career as a circus artist was indeed a potential reality. And today my mom takes my classes and coaches by my side! And my first instructor, Pamella Inveen, moved back to her hometown of Charleston and opened a studio there! I visit her as often as I can!

Website: www.etherealartsnorthwest.com

Instagram: @katelynnnoelle

Facebook: Katie Lynch

Other: Personal Website: https://katienoellelynch.wixsite.com/mysite Business Instagram: @etherealartsnorthwest

Image Credits
Sam Sanderling Pete Salutos Claymore MacTarnaghan