Maintaining objectivity & direction
Validation and other stuff that causes ... doubt
Inner Voice - Inner Conflict
It's been an interesting time head space wise since the last posting with many a revisitation to my core values as an artist. Questions and more ... .... questions.
I have been involved in number of open studios and these have enabled me to see the work in a different environment ( always a good thing - the studio possibly being a subjective environment, not always easy to see the work afresh) First up was as part of the CB Art Trail at the Haining in Selkirk. The scale of the room making the works look smaller than usually perceived; it gives you an understanding of why early works were initially made a certain size for larger environments ( Churches & Palladian mansions) otherwise they would lose any impact. The event was well attended, I met a number of interesting people and engaged in enlightening conversations about the work & it's starting points. It is always interesting to get another's take on the work and what it means to them; it's important that the work is open to an individual's interpretation and whilst I know what it conveys to me, it should not exclude another's translation.
Of course, sometimes the work means nothing whatsoever, as was the case with the mature couple where the woman said to her husband, "I'll not be needing you to get your cheque book out." That was me told.
Onwards to the Open studios of Tom Hawson & Jenny Ozwell. Great venue and really interesting to put my work up in the workshop, I think it worked quite well seeing the work being shown in a non traditional set up. Great conversations with Tom, whose work is very desirable and Jenny's pottery - that was three more pieces that made their way back with me.
So, those questions .... questions about direction that the work is taking and its validity. Relevance. Just how relevant is the work and how do you judge that? What barometer do you apply? Hmmm... now there is a conundrum. Measurement in terms of number of sales, feedback, peer review, exhibiting, awards, popularity, personal integrity? How much value do you place over another? Should they be in equilibrium or should some values take precedence over others? In what sense do you apply this? As a governing factor in the direction the work is going or as a governing factor in the direction the work should be going? And, if you chose one over the other is it because, you think it's what you should do, be expected to do or ... refuse to do? QUESTIONS, QUESTIONS & MORE QUESTIONS!
Self doubt is a necessity, it is there to avoid complacency but ... just how do you ... here we go again! Sometimes I realise that maybe I mentally beat myself up too much, then again, maybe I don't do it enough? Core values, those things that I hold dear about the world of Visual Culture; the very things that ignited the passion and desire to create, this is where the dilemma arises because sometimes, what I witness around me, it makes me want to close the door and hide. Put simply,it makes no sense. Then again, why should it?
And hey, who cares!
Still, on another note.
Preparations are underway for the extension onto the studio to house the Inverleith press from Edinburgh College of Art. Thanks to Brian ( a real engineer - knows what he's doing!) the press is now awaiting uplift on the 28th. I decided to undertake the construction myself, for three reasons: 1) saving money - always a good idea when you haven't really got it in the first place ( majority of the stud work is salvaged from renovation work), 2) I couldn't afford to miss out on the press - having missed out on other printmaking equipment whilst in talks re space & its non materialisation I wasn't going to lose this too and 3) hey - everyone should make a den.
I just hope I know what I'm doing! I can visualise it in my head, asymmetric roof with north facing roof lights (see above), big back wall for painting etc..
The main issue is around understanding insulation & prevention of condensation - reasonable concerns given our solar challenged environment.
Conversations continue to be open to change, enabling the process of reflection.
I have been involved in number of open studios and these have enabled me to see the work in a different environment ( always a good thing - the studio possibly being a subjective environment, not always easy to see the work afresh) First up was as part of the CB Art Trail at the Haining in Selkirk. The scale of the room making the works look smaller than usually perceived; it gives you an understanding of why early works were initially made a certain size for larger environments ( Churches & Palladian mansions) otherwise they would lose any impact. The event was well attended, I met a number of interesting people and engaged in enlightening conversations about the work & it's starting points. It is always interesting to get another's take on the work and what it means to them; it's important that the work is open to an individual's interpretation and whilst I know what it conveys to me, it should not exclude another's translation.
Of course, sometimes the work means nothing whatsoever, as was the case with the mature couple where the woman said to her husband, "I'll not be needing you to get your cheque book out." That was me told.
Next on the agenda was the Open studios of Dave Watson & Morag Eaton at Foldyard alongside a number of artists including Peter Hallam whose work I have plenty of time for, it was good to exchange a few art thoughts. It was an enjoyable weekend and Dave's enthusiasm and esoteric Hi-Fi filled the venue with joyful energy!
Onwards to the Open studios of Tom Hawson & Jenny Ozwell. Great venue and really interesting to put my work up in the workshop, I think it worked quite well seeing the work being shown in a non traditional set up. Great conversations with Tom, whose work is very desirable and Jenny's pottery - that was three more pieces that made their way back with me.
Self doubt is a necessity, it is there to avoid complacency but ... just how do you ... here we go again! Sometimes I realise that maybe I mentally beat myself up too much, then again, maybe I don't do it enough? Core values, those things that I hold dear about the world of Visual Culture; the very things that ignited the passion and desire to create, this is where the dilemma arises because sometimes, what I witness around me, it makes me want to close the door and hide. Put simply,it makes no sense. Then again, why should it?
And hey, who cares!
Still, on another note.
Preparations are underway for the extension onto the studio to house the Inverleith press from Edinburgh College of Art. Thanks to Brian ( a real engineer - knows what he's doing!) the press is now awaiting uplift on the 28th. I decided to undertake the construction myself, for three reasons: 1) saving money - always a good idea when you haven't really got it in the first place ( majority of the stud work is salvaged from renovation work), 2) I couldn't afford to miss out on the press - having missed out on other printmaking equipment whilst in talks re space & its non materialisation I wasn't going to lose this too and 3) hey - everyone should make a den.
I just hope I know what I'm doing! I can visualise it in my head, asymmetric roof with north facing roof lights (see above), big back wall for painting etc..
The main issue is around understanding insulation & prevention of condensation - reasonable concerns given our solar challenged environment.
Conversations continue to be open to change, enabling the process of reflection.
