i'm one of this week's profiled artists on urban cusp, a lifestyle magazine highlighting progressive urban culture, social justice and global awareness. it was started by my stanford colleague and friend rahiel tesfamariam, and i'm super excited about it! enjoy. --AL.

"Being a dancer has taught me the most about writing and filmmaking —- about being present and open, establishing a pace and rhythm, trusting in my ability, being courageous, and, above all, remembering to breathe. Every day I do my morning pages, a technique out of Julia Cameron’s book The Artist’s Way that involves writing three pages of text as soon as I get out of bed. Cameron also writes about filling one’s inner well with things that inspire creativity, like taking long walks in nature, visiting the museum, and listening to music." --Iquo B. Essien