Lately I've been thinking about my place in the arts and I have come to realize a few things...
Early on in my art journey I did the "group" thing. I felt I needed help, encouragement, direction and opportunities. I soon realized that groups put a bad taste in my mouth. Despite me playing well with others- there was always someone who was "in charge" because they were controlling, had ego issues, enjoyed being a bossy bitch but still unhelpful. These people usually couldn't take any constructive criticism to make their relationships with others better and really soured me on the "group" experience. Add into the fact the GOSSIP that comes with groups because that's what groups do. Henpecking parties. I thought I was supposed to be creating art - not fighting off drama and feeling like I'm on a particularly terrible episode of 90210.
And if you were labeled a bad egg because you didn't do the sheeple song and dance to appease their ego... You were excluded. Can't be in the show. Sorry all full!
None of that was productive to me making art. Most likely I hadn't met the right supportive collective that had studied zen, let the ego and baby poop go... But I also couldn't afford to buy into the studio spaces, pay memberships or go to meetings. I was just trying to make real art dammit...now I'm supposed to pay for a team to get behind me?
So to make a long story short- I'm a one gal gang who actually does play well with others- providing the others aren't fake bullshitters who are only interested in the ego stroking and plastic side of life. I'm sure I'm labeled as an art snob because I shy away from groups in favor of my hermit retreat- my studio.
I'm only concerned with making the art, making the art as real and from the heart as possible and making the art.
As a one gal gang my only posse has been my supporters, collectors and you. No gallery representation, no collectives with built in shows and opportunities. Me and finding the good ones out there has basically been my experience out here in the Wild West of the Arts. So thank you for being my posse and true of heart. I'm doing it all the hard way but you guys are a great reward. DIY for life- and this isn't to say that I wouldn't pair up with a great collective or gallery but you have to have my interests and career in mind- not just yours.
♥️
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