Had a great time in Gatlinburg TN at Arrowmont! This past summer, I applied to attend the Figurative Association Symposium. All the presenters were wonderful artists whose work is thoughtful, technically proficient and soulful. I couldn't wait to hear about the wonderful ways the figure is being handled in contemporary art. Not one of them let me down! I came away from it so full and eager to apply what I'd learned from their approaches. It was heartwarming just to be among all the artists Arrowmont draws.
An extra blessing was that, upon receiving my application to be an attendee, I was asked to give the closing keynote speech. I am so pleased at its reception. Folks said they especially appreciated my closing remarks which I'd like to share with you, my readers.
While I still lived in New York City, I had been approached by a gallerist who offered me a solo show. She felt that ten pieces would be adequate. But, since my works take on average a year to complete, that number required a 10-year commitment to fulfill. That was what precipitated my move to Mississippi where there was nothing between me and the required focus. That focus cost me the company of my closest family and friends as well as all the benefits of living in New York. On top of that, amassing a collection - even one as small as that - required that the work could not be sold. That limited my income. Focusing on small sections of a piece, seated hour after hour, is also hard on the body. I was willing to do it all. But now, after 9 years, I realize that that approach - while good for production - was a form of violence to the Self. I recommended that artists aim for some amount of moderation. Art is only part of our lives and even art is benefitted by healthy minds and bodies.
An extra blessing was that, upon receiving my application to be an attendee, I was asked to give the closing keynote speech. I am so pleased at its reception. Folks said they especially appreciated my closing remarks which I'd like to share with you, my readers.
While I still lived in New York City, I had been approached by a gallerist who offered me a solo show. She felt that ten pieces would be adequate. But, since my works take on average a year to complete, that number required a 10-year commitment to fulfill. That was what precipitated my move to Mississippi where there was nothing between me and the required focus. That focus cost me the company of my closest family and friends as well as all the benefits of living in New York. On top of that, amassing a collection - even one as small as that - required that the work could not be sold. That limited my income. Focusing on small sections of a piece, seated hour after hour, is also hard on the body. I was willing to do it all. But now, after 9 years, I realize that that approach - while good for production - was a form of violence to the Self. I recommended that artists aim for some amount of moderation. Art is only part of our lives and even art is benefitted by healthy minds and bodies.
Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts
556 Parkway, Gatlinburg TN 37738
Phone: 865-436-5860
www.arrowmont.org
556 Parkway, Gatlinburg TN 37738
Phone: 865-436-5860
www.arrowmont.org
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