March 2023

I am an Artist

This is a complicated statement to make.  It’s been three months since I started this residency and the feeling that someone else might have been better suited to be here lingers in the back of my mind. Perhaps someone younger or with more talent. 

It could be the lack of formal training that caused my hesitancy to make such a declaration.  It turns out that this problem is rather universal.  I met wonderfully talented, trained, and successful artists in March and found that most share the same sentiment.  They expressed feelings of not quite being full-fledged artists early in their careers.   The gauge was different for most.  For some, it is when they sell a piece, when featured in a magazine, or have their first exhibit.  It was interesting to hear their perspectives on the matter and I concluded that we must decide this for ourselves.  It’s not something external.  I think Robert Henri says it best.  “ The object isn’t to make art, it’s to be in that wonderful state which makes art inevitable.” 

By those standards, I am an Artist.  <deep breath>

Grants and other risky business

I submitted an application for a Grant through the ARROWHEAD REGIONAL ARTS COUNCIL.  It’s part of my “be BOLD” plan.  Well, after much overthinking and worry and doubt. I got the news- I was a recipient of their award! 

I felt my knees get weak and the heat from my body seemed to raise to my head and leave my toes cold. It was the oddest sensation! Then the panic set in. What in the world did I just do?  It was such a shot in the dark that I never really imagined the enormous responsibility.  I had a bold vision and I laid my heart bare in the request. I was dreaming big and likely high on adrenaline and caffeine when I was writing the grant proposal. Now, the time has come to make good on the project.

My First Artist Talk

The Topic is Earth, Water, and Life…seems vague right? The idea came about because I wanted to incorporate Clay, Watercolor, and Fiber arts as part of the Proposal.  I have been working through a difficult situation in my life through clay and art. I have made little figures out of clay just to feel that I could control a part of the situation. The clay is hard and I add a little water to work out the details and get the figure to come to life as it is pulled and twisted and rolled.  I even beat it sometimes with a wooden paddle. 

Wet felting requires the same kind of effort. I have felt the soreness of my arms after felting a large piece. The process is simple, but not always easy.  The fiber is wet with soapy warm water and the fiber is rolled and beat until it finally becomes something recognizable- Art! 

I made the connection that the only thing that makes these works come alive is the agitation mixed with water. That is all I can share here, but the projects will be displayed and the talk is in outline form with revisions being made until the moment I present it. 

Save the Date

For my friends who cannot join in person, I will do the unthinkable and record my talk to be uploaded and shared here. Another “Be BOLD” initiative!