Filed under: Fleeting thoughts... | Tags: art, art classes, arts, boston, craft, crafts, decordova, printmaking, woodblock printing
So, this has been a week of ups and downs. I managed to work on Tuesday, which was great. It was one of those days where the stars felt like they were aligned. Things looked great, I was excited and happy. All good. Friday was the only other day this week that I could work. In contrast to Tuesday, Friday was slow and deflating. I’ve been working on a woodcut. It’s taking ages, and my arm/hands/brain ache from it. I’m hoping to use 4 colors, but I only managed to carve out 1.25 of the four colors. SIGH. Also, I was looking at some of my books, at the work that others do…and I was deflated. Everything was so beautiful! I felt a million miles away from it all. I’ve decided that the only solution to that is to take some more classes. Spending time with an artist, having him/her provide suggestions and feedback…is invaluable. I LOVE art classes. I mean…I REALLY LOVE art classes. I don’t love everything that I do, but there are always one or two things that make me happy. I am still taking printmaking now. It’s been great. We only have two classes left! Where does the time go? Now, I’m already scouring my class options for next semester. If only I had Mondays free! There is a fabulous class at the Decordova that I’d like to take. If anyone has taken any great local (metro-Boston) art classes, let me know!
Filed under: Fleeting thoughts... | Tags: art, female, movie, who does she think she is?, women
So, this week I went to Radcliffe to watch “Who does she think she is?“, a documentary on women in the arts. I had been excited by the trailer, then my printmaking teacher had mixed opinions of it. So, I went to see it, not expecting as much as I had orginally.
From the trailer, it seems to be very focused on the inequities between men and women in the art world. Some of the facts presented were really surprising: how few women are featured in exhibitions in major institutions like MOMA and the Tate Modern. I’m not up to speed on “who’s who” in the art world, so I would not have noticed that by myself. It did make me wonder a bit. As these institutions need to draw big crowds in for revenue, it is likely that they are less inclined to show lesser known artists. But why are female artists lesser known to begin with?
There are many possible ways to think about this. I did like that the film did not try to answer that question, as if it was a simple thing to answer! The film focused on the lives of several female artists. For me, the conclusions that I drew were not any sweeping generalities about female artists, but that we are each unique. Each artist was unique, her situation was unique, and her journey through the art world was unique.
I suppose that the only overarching thought that I had, was that we need to really change the way that art is viewed by society. I think that the vast majority of society feels that it is “non-essential”. I can understand this, if you are just trying to put a roof over your head, or get food on the table. But, I think that there are many people who are not in such a place, yet they still view art as unimportant. I think that until we can hold onto art in our educational systems, and make it have significance for all students…not just the artistically inclined, we are going to have a hard time making progress in this realm. This stands in the way of artists, both male and female.
Any thoughts?
Filed under: Fleeting thoughts... | Tags: art, autumn, colors, craft, fall, photography, studio
Ahhh…don’t you just love fall? I’m posting just a few photos of some of the vibrant local colors. I know…we all have pretty fall photos. I’m posting these anyway.
Things have been a bit of a struggle lately. I am really having a hard time not having a “studio”. I feel really disjointed. My stuff, while organized into bins, feels scattered. I have so little time alone to do any work…I’m not so good at working with an audience. I feel inhibited. I’m often not happy with what I’m doing, and I feel so self conscious when someone looks over my shoulder, or remarks on my project. I’m a serious introvert, so this kind of work environment is really stressful. I know…stop whining! I’m embarking on a new phase of life! Still, it feels like I am waiting for some kind of sports injury to heal before I can actually get into the game.
I also know that if I was Picasso, not having a permanent place to work probably wouldn’t obstruct my genius. Unfortunately for me, I’m no Picasso. My artistic endeavour is a tiny sapling, easily stunted by an unfavorable environment. I wish that I had a kind gardener, to help me on my way.
I’ve started a mini art quilt. It’s tiny. It’s also not quite as exciting as I had envisioned it. I’m going to try to keep at it, until I’m happier with it. When I finish, I’ll post it! Comments are always welcome…Happy Halloween!
Filed under: textile forms | Tags: art, decordova, fabric, laura sapelly, sculpture, textile
Hello all! I’m just including some photos of my creations from my class, Textile Forms, at the Decordova. The teacher was Laura Sapelly. SUCH AN AMAZING CLASS! My classmates were an INCREDIBLE group of women…I hope that I can keep in touch with them somehow…they were all so inspiring.
I was the only one in the class that wasn’t an official “artist”. Everyone was so kind and supportive. SO different than architecture school…a place where they want to break you in, break you down, break your work. You can’t get too attached to your work in architecture school. Critics see no problem in scribbling on your drawings, ripping pieces off of models, and tearing your design to shreds, if they so desire. I kind of got used to that hyper-critical world. I found that in my first job, I sort of came on a bit too strong with my opinions. This is a result of being under attack for the past 7 years in school, and needing to constantly stand my ground. I know…it isn’t fair to compare architecture grad/undergrad to an art class. I’m sure that fine arts programs can be just as grueling. I just mean that it was SO wonderful to be in a supportive environment where experimentation was the goal…not perfection. It was amazing to just to let go and see where the material took me. No, I’m not necessarily thrilled with my work. However, I did learn a tremendous amount, just from the few classes that we had.
I’m kind of in recovery mode, from so many years as an architect. Every day was a battle of sorts…a struggle to make it all happen, make it all work, and make it all wonderful. I’m exhausted just thinking about it. Don’t get me wrong…I still love architecture. I just have to take a break from it for awhile…breathe a little…relax…make something messy and spontaneous…and try not to immediately criticize/hate everything that I do.
Hmmm…time for some tea and something sugary! I have such a sweet tooth…
slightly wonky 
