Virus No. 1: The Conversation We Need To Have

More Than Six Feet Apart.

This is the first art related essay I’ve written since the complete reopening of Florida. Kinda sorta post pandemic, but not really post anything because at this moment I know someone who is in a hospital ICU struggling with Covid. Not so post pandemic after all. I’ve not felt as troubled about Covid-19 and the variants (though this is horrifically troubling) as I have been about who we’ve become as disgruntled, reluctant, and resistant hermits. During the height of the pandemic, between baking bread, sidewalk chalk drawings, and at home workouts we’ve had too much time to find new things to separate us. We’ve been creative in creating new hurdles for each of us to jump over to prove we are (and I cringe inwardly and outwardly as I write this) ‘woke’. I really hate that word now. Unfortunately for all our newfound ‘understanding’ and additional ‘respect’ of each other, we all seem to talk and truly connect less. I guess it’s because we all know each other so well? Probably not though.

The fear that I have now is of a world where learning how to use chopsticks, lighting incense, doing yoga, and learning how to wrap your head might be characterized at misappropriation where at one point it was seen as making an attempt to understand and experience another culture. I digress though. We need a drum circle and an exorcism to get through a full conversation on race and culture.

The Hardest Art Description I’ve Ever Had to Write…

This is by far one of the hardest work reflection/summaries I’ve ever had to write.

To say that racism is difficult to discuss is an understatement. I personally believe it is even more difficult to discuss among various minorities that may encounter racism. Unfortunately one aspect of racism that isn’t often discussed is the racism that some minorities inflict upon other minorities. I can only speak about my personal experiences but I can also say that most of these issues are universal.

When we address racism and other discrimination we often do it in pieces. We have to remember that those of European heritage/white people aren’t the only individuals that commit acts of harmful racism; even though those acts of racism have had long lasting effects and are pervasive, they aren’t unique in their nature.

We all believe harmful, racist, discriminatory untruths about each other. We have all ingested and digested this racism. But do we perpetuate the stereotypes, the hurt, and strain? Or do we, community to community, work together to find solutions and common ground?

A Different Kind of Tower of Babel.

My concern about how we interact as humans at the moment leaves us in either an echo chamber or an individual silo. Addressing these individual untruths as unique, independent, and seemingly separate issues (Asian and Jewish hate crimes, African Americans experiences with police brutality and the justice system, church and mosque shootings for example) will end up leaving us where we all started: segregated. We must address racism as the cancer it is: You don’t remove it one piece at a time, you cut it all out. If we don’t focus on what unifies all of these challenging issues none of us will truly be communicating. Finding solutions that could positively affect us all will become an impossibility.

The pandemic year has among its highlights some of the most horrible acts of racism.These acts among other things are what inspired Virus No. 1: The Conversation We Need To Have. This piece - a 3-dimensional wooden unicorn puzzle- addresses particularly painful racist encounters that I hadn’t discussed with many people concerning my time in San Francisco. Recently, I ended up in a conversation with two other women, also of minority backgrounds: Filipino-American (Lissette), Mexican-American (Eve) where I discussed these experiences. Until my conversation with these two women I didn’t realize how traumatic this time in my life had been.

Trauma From An Unexpected Place.

A number of years ago, pre-pandemic in San Francisco I spent most of my time looking for affordable housing (otherwise known as homeless) I went to many properties shown to me by people of many different backgrounds. I noticed that each time I was shown a property by someone of Chinese descent there was an attempt to convince me I either didn’t want the space or I was told that it had already been rented right after I was shown the apartment. Another experience involved my mother and I walking through Chinatown. My Mom was hot and a little dehydrated. We stopped in a restaurant to get her some water. We were ignored. We went into another place and no one would serve us. After we found my Mom water and shelter from the heat, I was troubled by a huge ‘what if’. What if my Mom had passed out? Who would’ve helped us in Chinatown, if anyone? Eve talked about how as a very light complexioned Mexican American she was often mistaken for white. Two things often happened to her, she said: white people spoke with her in a disparaging way about other minorities and she was often told by other Mexicans she wasn’t ‘Mexican (or dark) enough’. Lissette spoke to us about her strained relationship with her parents because of derogatory views they’d expressed about other people of color.

As humans we have such a long way to go in an effort to evolve to become better humans. The key is to at least begin the journey down that long road by talking to one another and having tough conversations. Racism to me is the first and most pervasive human virus and no one really seems to be working on a vaccine.

On Trend.

I apply to many art and grant opportunities throughout the year like thousands, if not millions of other artists around the world. Happily. We all apply hoping that our proposals will be accepted. Interestingly enough, I enjoy the learning process that is necessary to understand how to respond to each opportunity. I change as an artist each time, or at least have a better understanding of how to present my work to others. It’s a healthy exercise if you care about the art sharing portion of the business and world that is art.

It’s become more obvious to me that organizations and entities doing the choosing are doing so based on what is on trend. On trend in terms of politics and culture, what people post about on social media the most. Not that these current events shouldn’t be highlighted or that a response to them can’t be profound or nuanced but… Isn’t the purpose of art (most of the time) to push us forward? To bring things to our attention or into view that weren’t even on our radar?

To me it would seem you (an art entity or money giving organization) aren’t creating the next wave of art artist or even predicting it/them but simply riding a wave (of safety) someone else has created which might ensure sales or positive feedback. Of course show attendance and money are important factors of how art is chosen to fund and show. Having assurances in relation to these factors makes the investment of art a little safer. Safety is the exact opposite of art isn’t it?

Just a thought…

#NotAFan But I Really Want To Be.

Opinions Are Not Safe Spaces.

I am not a fan of Beyoncé or Jay-Z.

There. I said it. Out in the rest of the world.

I am saying this out in the rest of the world that has become obsessed with them as individuals, become obsessed with their children, her pregnancies, more obsessed with these two personalities than they are with living their own lives in general. In a world that has become obsessed with only spending time with and interacting with those who only ‘like’ what they like. In a world that has become obsessed with ‘safe spaces’ and a lack of intellectual discourse on why we might individually disagree on why coffee ice cream is the best and agree to disagree having heard each other out.

Sure, I like some of his beats and whoever she has chosen to do the styling and choreography for her videos have powers on the creative scale that are pretty amazing (Pharrell is wondrous), but I am not a fan. I don’t know Beyoncé Knowles-Carter or Shawn Carter. Not personally. So what I am not a fan of are their public personas; Of what they are putting out into the world that will stand as their legacy. This is something every artist has the opportunity to choose and painstakingly craft for ourselves. Our brand. Our public persona. Don’t we? Most of us don’t have a team of 20 to help us do it though.

Voldemort.

I remember a while ago, I said I wasn’t a fan of Beyoncé’s public persona at an art show during a conversation, before I became a little more leary of how obsessed others become with the lives of others. After I said, it there was a sharp intake of air from the guy I was talking to. He choked and sputtered a little bit, gave me a very suspicious once over. His response was not unlike someone overhearing some foolish character in Harry Potter saying ‘Voldemort’. Isn’t an art show of all places a space where we can discuss what we aren’t quite in alignment with and why? Isn’t this where discussions with obnoxiously, pompously smart people happen? Oh… Ok. No? I was obviously mistaken. Pardon my ignorance. Keep my real opinions to myself. Right.

We didn’t talk again after that. Not being a part of the Beyhive to him meant we were incompatible, even as just friends. Call me crazy but I think that’s weird. Since when don’t I have the room in any relationship to not like exactly what you do? Is this who we’ve become as a country. Just joking. That’s obviously rhetorical. Look what’s going on with us politically.

#Sad | #Genius

For the first time, recently, I saw all of the “Apeshit” video. (Sure I’m a little late on this but does it matter?) Heard all of the lyrics. I came to understand that fame is a disease. It is really a monster. I don’t know who said it first but Gaga made it famous: Fame is a monster. It’s dirty. It changes things. The lyrics writhe and revel in the idea of fame and public validation:

“I said no to the Super Bowl: you need me, I don't need you
Every night we in the end zone, tell the NFL we in stadiums too
Last night was a fuckin' zoo
Stagedivin' in a pool of people
Ran through Liverpool like a fuckin' Beatle
Smoke gorilla glue like it's fuckin' legal
Tell the Grammy's fuck that 0 for 8 shit
Have you ever seen a crowd goin' apeshit? “

Have I ever? Umm…well, first I don’t every really refer to anyone really in terms that compare them to animals. It insults animals and people at some point and then you know the history of brown people being referred to as apes and such? Right? Have I ever seen a crowd going ‘crazy’? Sure. For me? No. That group of people is relatively small. Most of us have no experience with playing stadiums. Of course you don’t need the NFL, but you do know what they use those stadiums for right?

If this is all for the sake of being ‘ironic’ or if this is a caricature or parody of a self-centered, self-contained universe and I didn’t get it, well, what can I say? But if it isn’t…

My only question would be if this was all anyone ever heard about you, heard from you, experienced of you…Would you be satisfied? Is this what you’d want others to know and remember?

I loved the video (I am honestly a fan of most of Beyoncé’s videos). Love. What’s genius: juxtaposing yourself (as artist) with some of the most famous and recognizable pieces of art (even for those who don’t study art). Genius: being posed as royalty in a world where the worth of brown skin seems to have taken a sharp nose dive (prison industrial complex anyone?). Genius: cinematography, choreography, styling. Genius: having dance leotards correspond to the color of each dancers’ skin. Therefore giving it value and importance. Genius: using an institution ( the Louvre) that houses some of the most famous works of art in the world, where most of said works of art have those of us whose skin is on the darker side of brown, usually just depicted as slaves or servants and rarely in positions of power. Baby? Haven’t we arrived? Insert The Jeffersons (or something more recent and relevant) theme song here.

It takes bravery, even when you’re already loved and accepted as a certain type of artist to do something conceptual and different. To play the long game and go a little deeper. Like any other artist, it’s taking a chance that some will get what you are attempting to convey and others won’t.

What’s sad for me though: the lyrics; for both of them. Their work together and separately. That’s it. Nothing else I really don’t like. But isn’t that all? Aren’t lyrics everything? Or at least a huge part of the music experience? A great beat has its place, but I digress…I believe in everyone’s right to express themselves and not give a sanitized version just for the sake of public consumption. We are multifaceted beings. But. You have to take a bath a some point don’t you? Clean your house at some point, right? Face the sun at some point. Or don’t I guess…But I say show your smart self. Use the vocabulary that some don’t believe brown people possess. Evolve. Do more. Be more. Be something other than a stereotype. Being something other than a stereotype does not mean becoming something that is simply easily digestible and that doesn’t shake people.

Here is a word puzzle/analogy/SAT word association: Painting is to hanging on someone’s wall behind their coordinated sofa as Popular Music is to elevator music.

What artist strives to simply hang on the wall in someone’s kitchen (I guess it might depend on who’s kitchen to some) or be Muzak? Not many. It depends on what your goals are. Most artists want to be relevant. Not just part of a conversation but the entire conversation or those who change the conversation. When I think about music I think of playing it in my car and the people next to me hearing it, am I proud of what I am playing at eardrum bursting decibels? I think of young impressionable children being influenced by it. Are they encouraged to change the world, be creative, love…or “go apeshit"? It is the same way I feel about the art I create. I want to meet people where they are and take them on a journey. When people ask me to explain my work and speak about it intelligently I need to be able to do so without putting up walls that others can’t see around or get over don’t I?

A pet peeve of mine with other artists though is feeling that you have to put negativity into the world in order to add gravity to its meaning. In order for people to understand that darkness exists you don’t have to use the vocabulary of darkness or inject it into everything. For people to pay attention. Not only the dark side is meaningful. The balance is the meaning. Negative is already there. It always is. Without me or anyone else creating more of it.

The words! It’s about the words! You can’t change history. Even something as powerful as art can’t change it. You can paint it differently. That’s all. It is just a fact. Just like you can’t erase slavery or turn it into something positive, you can’t take n**** and turn it into a ‘positive’ word. It’s not my word. It’s not your word. It is hate manifest as a word. For me it affects the way I absorb anything.

Be More Than The Brand.

What I am a fan of as far as Beyoncé being and entity unto herself, Jay-Z, and The Carters as a partnership is the business sense. The branding. The polish. The vision. Magnificent.

My challenge to them and any artist honestly is to forget about the hubris, fame and all of its trappings. Do your work. Do good work. Be more than the brand. Be deeper. Be more than the polish. Understand the legacy. Be more than the words. Convey meaning. Be more than just Hip-Hop royalty, the manifestation of a bygone era that benefits from hierarchy, caste, women bumping and grinding/staying in their place, and stepping on the neck of someone else to validate a sense of self-importance. Be regal and be artists with a conscience and a true understanding of how what they make affects the world around them.

Could You Be Standing In Your Own Way Creatively?

TALENT: An Interview with artist Jo DeSerio Jones

Right now ‘recycled art’ is a trend that can’t be denied. There are many artists making the move toward incorporating recycled components into their artwork…for now anyway. More than likely a large number of them do it because all of the other cool kids are doing it. But what separates those artists who say they recycle because it tugs at a potential customer’s heartstrings from those who recycle because they care? I talked a little to artist Jo DeSerio Jones about what separates her from the pack and how she's saving the planet one piece of art at a time.

Atelier: What type of work do you do? What's your favorite media?

JO:  I'm a mixed media artist making mostly jewelry. I find inspiration in many forms. At this time I am particularly fond of metal, fossils, concrete and leather.

Atelier: How do you incorporate fossils? Do you use a special process to prep them?

JO:  I'm currently making molds from fossils, then casting in concrete or resin and adding many patinas until I get the look I love. So I'm creating new fossils that look old!  I later incorporate them into my jewelry as layered components. 

Atelier:   What inspires your work for Jomama? I've noticed a number of influences; steampunk, nature... What influences you the most?

JO:  My biggest inspiration is from nature in the form of materials such as wood, pods, shell, and fossils, [also] patina from weathering and rust; as well as shapes that only nature could create.

Atelier: I love that you incorporate nature into your work. Is there a deeper meaning when adding it into your pieces? Spiritual or otherwise?

JO:  I've always said I feel a connection with the earth. It may come from childhood where I spent a lot of time outdoors where I lived in Northern New Jersey. I look at items that nature offers as a gift, not a byproduct. 

Atelier:  Right now there seem to be lots of artists incorporating eco-friendly components into their work, what separates you from the crowd and makes your work different?

JO: Being an environmentalist is a way of life for me first. I'd have to say that my work is a byproduct of my lifestyle. I'm not just creating eco products, I'm living it. Not only do I recycle items and work with found objects, but I also search for products that have the least environmental impact as well as buying things that are local or made in the USA. All being important aspects of sustainability.

Atelier:  That's awesome that you take all of those things into consideration when creating your work. Do you feel like it might be only the job of a few of us (artists) to incorporate eco-sensitivity into our work while others focus on other things? Or can we all do our part?

I think we can all incorporate eco-consciousness into our work, but your eyes have to be open to the opportunities around you, no matter what form they come in. 

Atelier:  So you do commissioned pieces as well. Talk a little about what goes into completing pieces for clients.

JO: Typically when someone commissions me it's because they like the uniqueness of my style. So going into a project I know that I can be me. However, I ask questions pertaining to their likes and style, such as colors, a feeling they want it to reflect, or incorporating personal items or family heirlooms into the piece so it is a part of them as well.

Atelier:  Which do you prefer doing, work for others or your own personal projects and why?

I'm an artist, so I definitely prefer working on personal pieces that don't have limits. There's satisfaction in that freedom and it shows in your work, making it more desirable.

Atelier:  What do you feel is our responsibility as artists in educating the public about recycling? Do we have a responsibility specifically as artists? I know this is kind of a repeat of my earlier question, but can you talk a little bit more about your perspective?

JO:  I feel we have a responsibility as humans. I have come to realize through the years that there can be a lot of unnecessary waste in the art world that every artist should try to be aware of. I think if you are an environmental artist that you should most definitely educate people about the ways of your work and items used. That is how we educate, inspire and open people's eyes to new ways of thinking. People are amazed by some of the things I reuse. I see the intrigue in my work all the time when I do shows and it's very rewarding. I love when I inspire others and get them to think outside of the box!

Atelier:  Any projects you working on at the moment?

JO:  I am currently working on more steampunk ballerina sculptures for and art exhibit I will be participating in this fall called "The Lucky Ones". 

Atelier:  Tell me a smidgen more about the show. What's it about?

JO: The exhibit will be curated by an artist who is very involved in the community. Last year's event was covered by PBS and the local cultural division [where I live]. The common thread amongst selected artist seems to be color and texture, including photography and paintings.  

If you want to find out more about Jo and her work check out her site www.shopjomama.com

 

Art Clique. Art Crew or Art Cruel?

 I think clubs are great. Not the dancing, loud music kind (though those are awesome! Who doesn’t love dancing??), but the ones where like-minded individuals who have similar interests get together and bond. This doesn’t mean that you all think exactly the same things and execute your artwork in the same way. It could be something as simple as you are all writers or sculptors; or it could be nothing at all except your desire to share a space. Whatever has brought you together has the potential to be a great partnership.

The Rise of the Collective…Again.

Over the past few years there has been a steadily growing trend of artist collectives and cooperatives for various reasons. Artists coming together and forming communities is nothing new though.

Sometimes ‘more’ is just ‘more’, but in the case of artists combining their assets, so to speak, ‘more’ can definitely beneficial.

The More We Get Together…

Not all cliques are bad. Artists get together to share studio space, do collaborative projects and performances, panel discussions, and create educational programming. All events and situations can go just a little bit smoother when working ensemble. When we as artists come together we can exchange ideas, be inspired by one another and have the opportunity to create so much more.

Throughout history artists have also come together as a response to being excluded from the more mainstream and conventional fine art circles.

A few examples: The Eight was a group of artists (mostly) associated with the Ashcan School; The Anonymous Society of Painters, Sculptors, Printmakers etc. organized a showing of art that eventually became the Impressionist Movement. Afri-Cobra was an artist collective that came about as a response to the turbulent and revolutionary 1960s and 1970s. They were a group of artists bound together by their political and social commentaries. See? As groups and collectives these artists ended up being much stronger initially than going solo.

Here Come the Cons…(the Opposite of Pros, That Is)

As the universe would have it there is a yin to every yang. There must be an opposite and opposing force. So just as getting your own art crew together may have its benefits there are also possible side effects or crappy circumstances that develop. Sometimes we are absolutely oblivious. So here’s are a few hints that your once super and supportive art crew has gone art cruel:

When Your Art Buddies Have Gone Bonkers.

1. When You Are No Longer Allowed to Be an Individual. Just because you are a part of a group it doesn’t mean you are supposed to do exactly the same thing as the artist next to you does. If you are being pressured to copy someone else’s style or technique. You aren’t being allowed to develop organically as an artist. No chemical fertilizers necessary ;) 

2. When Other Artists Spend More Time Bad-Mouthing Other Artists Instead of Producing Work. High school and various non.elective work situations are toxic enough! Why would you choose to subject yourself to negative gossip fests about other people who are more than likely…wait for it…working!? Plus talking bad about other folks makes you feel yucky inside. We don’t want yucky insides do we?

3. Is This an Episode of “The Young and the Artless”? If there is drama in your workspace or every time you and your crew get together this could be a drain. When you are drained you aren’t focused. When you aren’t focused you don’t do your work. When you don’t do your work you aren’t happy. When you aren’t happy you make other people miserable. Don’t make other people miserable.

4. You Feel Less Creative. Who wants to be a part of an art group that makes them feel less like creating new work? Working with others has the potential to infuse new energy into your work and career, especially if you’ve only worked solo. So if you no longer want to make anything or do anything while associated with your group, maybe you should rethink the group thing.

5. When Being Apart of the Group Yields More Negatives Than Positives. This art collective/cooperative thing should be good for you. It should be a positive thing to say the least. If dues or rent have become a strain, you are pulled into secrets and intrigue (Who really wants to live in a Clancy novel? Read yes. Live no.), or if you are plain old unhappy, let it go.

Here I Go Again On My Own.

All of this talk about groups making you feel lonely? No need. If you work best on your own there’s nothing wrong with that. A lot of us artist types love to go off and do our own thing and that’s great. Just keep in mind there’s a whole other world of collaboration out there. You just have to know when it works for you and when it doesn’t.

I’d love to hear what you think. Are you a part of an art crew? How do you feel about it?

Encourage someone else to ‘get reincarnated’! If you liked what I wrote feel free to pass it on. Thanks for reading.

The Fear Factor. What Would You Do If You Weren't Afraid?

The Fear Factor. What Would You Do If You Weren’t Afraid? 

Though I haven’t read Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg’s book Leaning In yet (it is on my reading list), one of the main ideas central to the book that I’ve been hearing about has resonated with me: fear. Fear of what people think of you. Fear of what you cannot do. Fear of what you haven’t even tried yet. Fear of taking a first step. Fear of trying something never attempted before. Fear.

It is amazing how something intangible can control us and mold us. It is impossible to believe that it isn’t a walking and talking entity isn’t it? Physically holding us back and blocking our way. 

Oh, the Things You Could Do….

There is a quote: “To get something you’ve never had you must do something you’ve never done.” How is it possible to do anything with fear standing in your path? What would you be able to do if you didn’t allow all of those silly things you are afraid of get in your way? The answer honestly is not much if you allow it to stop you dead in your tracks. What I’ve found is that the root of most fear grows from thoughts of what someone else is going to think about you. My question is why do you care so much about what someone else thinks about you? Attempting to read someone’s mind is a tiresome exercise and rarely yields the results that you hope for. Why not care more about how you will feel knowing that you missed a great opportunity because you were scared to take a chance?

What would you do though? Would you take those tango lessons?  Would you talk to that chick in Accounting? Would you start your own business? Would you sleep later? Would you wear a hat? I’ve been amazed at the things that people have told me they don’t do or wouldn’t do all out of the fear of it ‘looking stupid’. Really? It’s a little sad when you limit your life and your possibilities in that way; all reduced to how something will ‘look’.

A BA Degree In Fear.

When I was in college I was known for hanging out in the library. Before every graphic design project I would go and gather around 30 books. It was my ritual; my research…or at least I would tell myself that. Don’t get me wrong. I did and still do adore books, but I would spend over half my time ‘researching’. Then I would finally come up with my idea and then get started executing it with much hesitation. I never had enough time to finish my work so therefore many of my design projects sucked more than they should have. Looking back I realize I was scared. Scared my work wasn’t going to look as good as Ali’s, not be as well thought out as Maria’s, and my exacto knife skills wouldn’t match Isobel’s. I was pretty frozen and left undone by comparing myself to others and being afraid I wouldn’t match up.

I realize now how silly that all was. It is sad to think I wasted so much time being scared. It has definitely made me a little more of a risk-taker when it comes to trying new things with my artwork. I know it sounds dramatic but I’ve vowed to not allow my fear to stop me from creating or being creative. No matter how coocoolicious others believe me to be. Doesn’t matter. I’m being true to myself. That’s more important.

There are some pretty serious repercussions to allowing your fear to take control. Here are a few:

Five Consequences of Fear Ruling Your World.

1.  You Over-extend Yourself. Simply put, you don’t know how to say no. You are scared that others will believe you are mean, so you say yes…to everything. But does saying ‘yes’ to everything really make you nice or simply scared to say no? 
2. You Don’t Dream.  You are scared to dream for fear of what you consider ‘eventual’ disappointment. You have to dream. Hopes and dreams are what strengthen our spirits when it seems like the chips are down. They are our light at the end of the tunnel, the silver lining of that cloud, the sun that comes out tomorrow, the…well you get the picture.
3. People Don’t Know Who You Really Are. If you are afraid to share your feelings and thoughts concerned others with have a problem with them, how will others know how or what you really think about things? 
4. You Don’t Fall In Love. Don’t need to say much here do I? Love of anything or anyone leaves you vulnerable. Most of us don’t like to be left that wide open. But I know if I hadn’t fallen in love with art at such a young age I wouldn’t be the person I am today…and I definitely like me.
5. You Can’t Reach Your Full Potential. Fear leaves you in such a weakened state; it compromises your potential to succeed. Using up so much energy worrying about problems that don’t exist and cowering in corners leaves you pretty spent and a little too tired to follow through when it comes to getting things done. 

I’m not saying that you aren’t ever going to be scared. Of course you are. Fear is a natural reaction to challenges that we sometimes face. It is what you do in spite of your fear that can define you today, tomorrow, and for a lifetime.

No one likes a pretentious traveler…or artist.

We travel to understand others and to understand ourselves better. I believe the same is true of art: by pursuing, studying and producing art we develop the potential to understand ourselves a little better, if we allow it to happen.

Recently, I was reading the founder’s monthly comment in a travel magazine. Absolutely love the magazine. It’s beautiful as well as informative, but the founder said something that irked me a bit. Here’s the excerpt:

“This summer, I was sitting at a café on the Amalfi Coast, talking with a waiter about what I do for a living. “Did you start a travel magazine just so you could travel the world for business?” he asked. I laughed. That would hardly be a reason to start a travel company. Besides, I traveled for business long before [my magazine] began.”

I know to lots of people this would hardly be offensive. But honestly, why couldn’t ANY reason be a reason to start a company? A smidge condescending. I really had a vision of him patting the waiter on the top of his head. Why not learn something from the question? Love or passion, not money, as a reason to start a business? Hmmm… A novel idea. We should do an article on that. (This is me having the one-sided conversation in the founder’s head by the way). Maybe if he’d seen the waiter in a different light instead of focusing on his ‘more sensible’ reasons to start a business, maybe they would’ve had a different kind of conversation.

Art ≠ Superiority Complex.

This is also the problem with some of us art types: we sometimes see ourselves in a superior position to those who aren’t ‘us’. Our condescending and dismissive attitudes towards those who aren’t artists or even towards other artists can work to alienate us from our potential audience, fans, buyers, and even others within the artist community. It really doesn’t make you look mysterious or interesting when you act like a jerk.

If someone doesn’t understand your concepts, ideas or techniques use it as a teaching opportunity, not as a chance to be snarky. If another artist doesn’t do things the way you do things it doesn’t mean your way is the right way. Talk to people human to human. I don’t mean preach or talk at people either; I mean really have a conversation. Use art as a vehicle to connect to other people. Remove your ego from the equation.

When you are at a show, yours or anyone else’s, to avoid the dangerous pitfall of being a jackass (even an artistic jackass is a bad thing) you should ask questions of those you are speaking to before giving your personal opinions. Here are a couple of examples to get the conversation going:

• What type of art do you find yourself drawn to? Literal images or things more abstract.
• So what do you think about the work? (Simple I know. But it works.)
• Do you know anything about _________ (fill in your media, process or artist name here)? I can share a little bit if you are interested.
• What other interesting shows have you been to recently? This could also be a great opportunity to plug your work or the work of another great artist you know.

Keep your ego in check. Ask a question. Listen to what someone else has to say. You might learn something…or just have a great conversation.

I'm interested in your feedback. Do you enjoy speaking with others about your art or simply art in general? 

Haters Gonna Hate...

Have you ever had a friend in your life that you loved spending time with and loved talking to, but alternately did not feel that you could truly trust? A ‘friend’ that you spend time with that, instead of making you feel great, your self-esteem takes a hit each minute you are in their presence?  A special artist colleague you share ideas with, who says they’ll never work and turns around and uses the same ideas they criticized? Sounds like you might have a frenemy.

How do you know when someone is a frenemy?

Frenemy, (spelled alternately frienemy) is defined as enemy pretending to be a friend or someone who really is a friend but is also a rival. The term is used to describe personal, geopolitical, and commercial relationships both among individuals and groups or institutions.

Personally, I don’t believe in the idea of frenemies. I believe that people are primarily encouraging or discouraging forces in one’s life; friend or enemy. It has become quite the trend to think of a friend or two in one’s entourage as a frenemy (just watch reruns of Gossip Girl or Work of Art: The Next Great Artist). Eventhough the phrase has been around for a while, it seems as if the idea of having a friend that doubles as an enemy really has taken off in the past few years and is even seen as acceptable. But truly it is difficult for a friend and enemy to exist in the same space. There are a few who do believe it is possible though.

Some might argue that having a friend who isn’t afraid to critique and criticize might make you a stronger person able to defend your ideas, but when that’s all your ‘friend’ does it knocks any relationship off balance and tips the scales more toward the negative.

Friendships already require lots of work. Why have friends that make you feel bad too?

It is true. To be a good friend is a job; usually one worth having. But when the negative and positive aspects to a friendship aren’t balanced you might feel that having certain folks as friends is more work than it is worth.

As an artist, surrounding yourself with those who will encourage and positively influence you is a must. It is even more important because the positive or negative feelings influence you and how you work. It is great to have someone in your life who challenges you to try new media, take an idea to another level, or open your own studio, but when the ‘challenges’ tip the scales more toward the negative then maybe a reassessment is in order:

Maybe you have to choose. I am not saying that you have to, but an article about the cause of frenemy type relationships I read recently points the finger at a lack of space between professional and personal lives. Maybe you have a friend that you share a studio with, live with, and hang out with. Maybe a little space and separation is in order. If you are living and working with someone, hang out with another group of friends when you leave the studio. Hanging out and working together? Perhaps change your living situation. The fact remains; changes might need to be made to salvage the work relationship or the friendship. Sometimes spending 30 hours a day together just doesn’t work.

Know the difference. Know the difference between someone that is purposely hurting you and someone who is simply a clueless bumbling idiot when it comes to their interactions with others. If your friend is of the bumbling idiot persuasion tell them how you feel. Hopefully that will nip things in the bud.

Understand what and who affects you and how. Went to dinner and a movie with Chip and now you feel like crap. Either you have food poisoning or Chip might be a little toxic. If conversation usually hovers around the energy vampire level (that is sucking all of the good energy and light out of a room) every time you are together then don’t ignore the obvious: Chip makes you feel a little queasy. Pay close attention to how you feel when in the company of others. Why spend time with people who make you feel not so great? Life is too short.

Accept challenges, not disrespect. If someone is challenging you do become a better artist and or person don’t confuse the fear of change with actual straight up ugly toxicity. When a person you hang out with is not respectful of you, and your ideas and feelings it is obvious, you will feel it.

Know when it is time to kick someone to the curb. I know it sounds harsh, but the simplified version of the story is: This person is negative. They make you feel bad. You need to leave them in the dust. The end. If you’ve already made attempts to express your feelings and work on a friendship and they’ve been ignored, you might have to move on. The end (again). Your call.

I'm Just the Messenger... 

Listen, I am not telling you to dump all of your friends. With every friendship there are ups and downs; nobody is perfect.

I am just saying be observant of how those you spend the most time with affect your being and your spirit. Keep those who encourage you, love you, help you to grow, support you, and help you to expand your horizons close by. You might notice a difference in the way you feel and the artwork you produce.

Giving Thanks For What You CAN Do.

I would be a better artist if I was more like {fill in the blank}. 

We all experience it.

Every now and then we all have that..not so artistic feeling. You are having a bad day. You begin to focus on your weaknesses and the things you aren't so good at executing. The ball keeps rolling, you start looking at all of the things you think you do wrong and BOOM! You are depressed. The next thing you know, you are eating a whole pint of ice cream and now you are eyeballing that bag of chips...  Well stop it! Right this minute!

As an artist I've said many things to myself too. Honestly, mostly positive and encouraging things, but every now and then a not-so-great thought slips through and my artistic self-esteem drops. Not so different from what we do to ourselves as everyday human beings, except as artists, how we treat ourselves on a daily basis affects our product; what and how we produce. The insults we most often hurl at ourselves is comparing our talents/life/productivity/perceived level of success to someone else's. Though everyone has their bad days and this is a natural thing that we do, it is counterproductive. Sitting around crying in your beer (or latte or tea) about what someone else can do and you can't doesn't change things. 

So what CAN you do if you are feeling particularly low and need to pick yourself up a little? Say thank you, that's what.

Psst...I've got a secret...

A year ago this week I read the book "The Magic" by Rhonda Byrne. The same chick that wrote "The Secret". A couple of things about the book struck me right away. First, the title. I love anything to do with magic and mysticism. To my dismay (and delight) I found that there was no fairy dust or warlocks. Second thing that got me is the concept: if you say thank you and show gratitude for what you already have, it opens the door for more opportunities to come your way. Pretty amazing. Just say thank you. My personal theory is that if you are so busy saying thank you (which is positive) you don't have time to complain (which is negative). The other stuff that Ms. Byrne mentions is a bonus for me. Saying thank you simply stops the negative thoughts from coupling and having 'negative thought babies'.

"Now what do you say....?" 

How many times as a toddler or teenager (or adult)  have you been prompted by that phrase? "Now say 'thank you'. "  Now it is your turn to prompt yourself. When you are busy saying 'thank you' for what you can do, you spend less time whining about what you can't do. Therefore more positive energy doing something positive. 

So I ask you, what do you say when you have one of those days where you feel like you can't do anything right? Give thanks for the things you can do right and work towards improvement in other areas. Check out the ideas I have for ways to say 'thank you' for your talents.

Five Ways to Show Gratitude for Your Gifts:

1. Share Them. Volunteer with an organization that allows you share your artistic talents. A Boys and Girls Club, after school program, or non.profit organization might be just the perfect fit. Why not teach a class or donate a piece of art to an auction.
2.  Make a list of at least 10 of your artistic skills and why you are grateful for each one. When you make this list I guarantee you will be surprised at all you can do. You might even find that your list is longer than 10 skills.
3. Make a list of 5 things you've had the opportunity to do or experience because of your talents. What are some things that you would've never experienced if you weren't an artist? Maybe it was a trip or meeting a great friend.
4. Look at 3 of your best pieces. Find something uniquely wonderful about each one and write it down. There is something in each of those pieces that only you are able to execute with a certain flair.
5.  Think on 2 aspects of another artists career that you admire most now think about how you are on your way to making comparable achievements. For example: "James Dowerson has exhibited in 17 galleries this year. I have exhibited in 3 shows this year." This exercise isn't really to compare yourself to another artist but to show you that, in the words of one of my favorite inspirational speakers Wayne Dyer, "When you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change." When you give weight to your accomplishments and acknowledge them it makes a difference and validates your efforts. It acknowledges that you are trying, and that is what is important.

Write all that you've discovered you are thankful for down on a piece of paper. Carry it with you and pull it out when you are feeling a little less than accomplished. It will be a reminder of how awesome you are. 

The Artistic Perils of Constant Agreement

Please like me. 

In the world as it exists at this moment, there a millions of us that determine our self-worth by how many 'likes' our last post received, how many 'friends' or 'followers' we have or how many people click 'favorite' for something we've done or said. Honestly, who doesn't want to have the warm glow of a spotlight shined on them from time to time? This should be o.k. , shouldn't it? 

The sad reality is that we love those that are saying what we want (or think we want) to hear and completely cut out of our lives those that push us to think a little more about what we believe. In the end, not only do we miss out on the much needed pro/con balance that we all should have to make well-informed decisions, but we also miss out on the mental and emotional exercise of thinking progressively.

But what about when we as artists allow what has become our need to be liked to temper the work we do as well as our personal opinions and preferences when it comes to addressing certain subject matter? A little disagreement and discourse are what make the world go round, right? Of course, not to the point that it becomes destructive (Also known as filibustering. But that is, ahem...a whole other topic entirely.), but there is nothing wrong with disagreement. The world of art is built on the act of disagreeing.

A World Built on Disagreements.

Have I totally lost you?

Well, just think about it. I am going to scare myself now by actually remembering things that I learned in school: If you've taken any 20th century art classes, do you remember the day that your professor talked about the Impressionists? What about Pointillism? These artists had a decidedly different way of looking at the world that most traditional artists and art aficionado didn't agree with in their time. Most people thought they were crazy (well in the case of Van Gogh he was a smidgen kooky, but I digress...) What about Dada? People really thought those artists had lost it because they'd wandered so far from the path of the traditional. Of course now we all have the benefit of 20/20 vision. We can at least respect their way of looking at the world and the act of art-making if not their genius. More than likely, if these artists had been on Facebook, Pinterest, or Twitter their artistic self-esteem would have been in the toilet. No pins. No likes. And definitely no followers. What would we have missed out on if these artists hadn't had the courage to stand by their decision to disagree? You got it. Probably no Impressionists. Then what would we have put up on our dorm room walls in college if not cheap poster reproductions of "The Scream" and "Water Lilies"?

It's Our Responsibility. 

It is one of the many responsibilities of artists to disagree. We have the opportunity to be reporters, truth tellers, messengers, therapists and psychologists. We see the world differently. It is meant for us to help others see things differently as well.  And a lot of the time people aren't going to be so happy with what we tell them. When we choose to RESPECTFULLY disagree, we expand someone's world a little by (hopefully) prompting and exchange of ideas. Because I truly hope that someone would ask me why I think the way that I do instead of stomping off in anger. That way we can chat. I can learn something and they can learn something.

Next time... 

So next time you click the 'like', 'favorite', 'pin', 'follow', 'friend' or whatever the button may be, think a little more about why you do it. Why not go ahead and click favorably even when we don't agree but appreciate and respect when someone has challenged us intellectually and made us think. Thinking is good.