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.
Abandoned Places (and Things) + Overwhelmed Spaces
I saw some things on a short walk in Orlando.
I took a walk in Orlando not too long ago. I was near the entrance to Disney. On one thoroughfare less than a mile long I came across these spaces:
About 50 abandoned bikes in front of an apartment complex all locked up and chained together. Bike spokes intertwined and overgrown with plants. How or why this many bikes would be left here is a mystery to me. An art project? Statement regarding expensive bikes?
A restaurant victim of the pandemic. I love the branding. The vintage signage gas pump and light. There was a time these type of things were so appreciated for their…I don’t know…innate coolness and history, someone would have stolen them. Yes. Theft does imply value. Weird to say but true. Right now I don’t know if society is in a place of not valuing history, not wanting to acknowledge it, wanting to erase it, being ashamed of it or some limbo place of all four that’s ripping us apart. It may also be that people in Orlando just don’t steal things…
The last place I came upon was a parking lot so crammed with cars and people I was overwhelmed and I remember my one wish was to get photos of the space with no people. Almost got hit by a car twice. The parking lot was shared with an IHOP, huge Florida tourist shop and hot pot restaurant with a Buddha sculpture.
Art Changes Things...
An Art Endeavor
The Aesop Project started as an art endeavor I was working on with a group of artists I’d worked with in the past. The Republican National Convention was on its way to Jacksonville. One of the artists I’d worked with previously called me up and said she felt like we needed to do something; something to present Jacksonville artists to the world. She was hoping to use the spotlight that would be shined on Jacksonville to showcase us as artists. I agreed but added that the political nature of the timing couldn’t be escaped. I didn’t want us to squander an opportunity to speak up on several important cultural, civil rights, and human rights moments that had taken place over not just the past year but spanning the entirety of the Trump administration (and further back honestly). I felt we should speak on these issues specifically and not generalize and coalesce into a unity/kumbaya moment. Not that there is no place for it, but it is simply wasn’t the right time. It is because America has eschewed discussing the difficult things, talking around race and other important topics, I believe that we are where we are right now.
…art changes things is my point. It not only changes spaces and surfaces but it also changes perspectives, mindsets, and relationships.
To make a very long and overly dramatic story short, the rest of the group disagreed and in the most disrespectful of ways. I thought it ironic considering they wanted a show of unity. Sad. Considering at that point I’d already shared a number of my project ideas with the group.
Still Compelled
Though a little salty, I still felt compelled to continue forward to complete a project that spoke to current events. I still wanted to work collaboratively with an art crew, so I reached out to other art friends whose work and ideas I’d loved over the years but hadn’t had or created the opportunity to work together and a few folks said yes. Some felt, I’m guessing, that to create artwork in this way would be too political, polarizing, or negative. I didn’t take their desire to not participate personally, simply a manifestation of the culture we live in. People are so often ostracized for their personal opinions; right, wrong, or indifferent. I understood. None of those designations really matter though. To stand up and use your voice for what is right is never a comfortable position. This election is like no other I’ve ever seen. There is no sitting on a fence this time. There is no decision not to participate. We are in a fight for our democracy. This isn’t about politics at all.
My biggest reason for facilitating this collaborative project is because I truly believe that art changes things. I believe that when artists approach a problem or concern they see things from such a unique perspective.
This project to me and the way I have chosen to disseminate the message isn’t about speaking in an echo chamber with those I know who already agree with me, it is about reaching out to those who may be looking at things with an obscured viewpoint.
Dissemination Is The Way
The ways I’ve chosen to share what Aesop has created:
Asking people to share the first video of a video diptych, I Can’t Believe This Is Happening with their friends, family, and network.
Projecting I Can’t Believe This Is Happening on abandoned and dilapidated structures (intentionally symbolic of how we’ve abandoned who we say we are as Americans) also changing these spaces where we project the video with art. Which is also kind of my thing.
Live-streaming I Can’t Believe This Is Happening on Facebook and Instagram
Asking others to join the movement to not only vote in this election but to be more engaged civically and as humans.
There are other things I’m doing as well, but I digress, art changes things is my point. It not only changes spaces and surfaces but it also changes perspectives, mindsets, and relationships.
See for Yourself
Take a look at “I Can’t Believe This Is Happening”
Pre Corona
When I think about the things that seemed unusual or extreme before Coronavirus it seems odd to me now. I was at Dollar Tree (one of my favorite stores) and I saw this gentleman. I had gone to look for water and other supplies. I took these pictures March 5, 2020. #perspective
Another Art Crush.
A friend in Philadelphia told me about Stephen Powers’ work and I’m so in love 😍😍😍
He’s an artist that’s works heavily with typography and if you know me, you know that’s my fave. His project, Love Letters is so inspiringly simple, it’s genius. Mainly bright colors and sentence fragments from would-be poems, the words leap from the wall. Why hasn’t anyone else done anything like this? Just proves that the perfect idea doesn’t have to be complicated Or multilayered, just one that resonates.
Established Establishment
Oh. Hey.
Hello there.
Maybe I’ve taken a wrong turn somewhere.
I thought I was applying for funding alongside those who are emerging and established artists that hadn’t yet been nominated for a Pulitzer Prize.
Obviously I took a way the f**k left instead of going the way I was supposed to…whatever way that was.
Well.
Since I’m here. Can you tell me if it’s truly possible not to be biased in favor of someone putting in a grant app right next to me who’s already done a show at Carnegie Hall and a group that made a movie with Spike Lee?
Me? Oh. No movies yet or documentaries. Or articles published about me by BBC or New York Magazine. Yet.
Ill just keep working on that grant app…
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…
In Love With This New Work Of Mine…
If I hadn’t mentioned it I work with primarily recycled materials. The pedigree of these pieces are “I used to be a rain suit.” and “I used to be a grocery bag.”
The Dragonbox Art Subscription. A Fun Way to Collect Some Art…
“If you ignore the dragon, it will eat you.
If you try to confront the dragon it will overpower you.
If you ride the dragon, you will take advantage of its might and power.”
Collecting art can be an intimidating process.
Navigating the art world to understand what to buy, knowing how much it should cost can not only be time consuming, but maybe even a little boring until you get to the art that interests and excites you. But the desire to be more culturally developed is always there like a dragon in a dark corner lurking.
But maybe this dragon isn’t scary at all. Maybe it just needs to be understood. Maybe you just need a guide. Maybe, you just need a little help on the journey to learning how to ride a culture dragon.
I think art should be fun. Always. Learning about it, making it, and of course collecting it. That’s the idea of Dragonbox.
People have often approached me and said they don’t know anything about art, least of all collecting it. Let me help. You like art from The Urban Atelier? That’s what you’ll get. I do such a wide variety of work, it will always be something interesting and it will always be a surprise. Right this moment I’m working on a photography project, 2 soft sculptures, and a book. I also sold 2 really great adornment pieces recently.
This is one of my most favorite ideas! It’s a fun way to share art and for someone to collect art. There’s power in collecting art. Let me help you to harness it.
I’m Bored…
We are in the middle of an impeachment trial and Americans are bored.
It’s sad and frightening that we expect to be entertained by Democracy.
It’s frightening to think this is who we’ve become.
Four Ways to Establish + Maintain Your Personal Rep As an Artist
A positive professional reputation in any line of work is hard won and important to keep.
Artists already have it tough sometimes, considering the pervasive and often comical stereotypes floating around out in the ether that are hard to dispel. Artists are often pigeonholed as weirdly eccentric, difficult, or simply unable to communicate effectively; of course this isn’t true of most artists- some of us, sure- not most though. How do you ensure that you aren’t heaped in with those artists that don’t observe the most basic professional guidelines for running their business?
A positive professional reputation in any line of work is hard won and important to keep.
Artists already have it tough sometimes, considering the pervasive and often comical stereotypes floating around out in the ether that are hard to dispel. Artists are often pigeonholed as weirdly eccentric, difficult, or simply unable to communicate effectively; of course this isn’t true of most artists- some of us, sure- not most though. How do you ensure that you aren’t heaped in with those artists that don’t observe the most basic professional guidelines for running their business? Let me share a story with you.
I recently took an artist workshop recently and loved it. The artist who taught it was from another city and had been invited into town to teach. The artist expressed a desire to teach more workshops in the city but needed a place to teach. I loved this workshop so much that I told the artist I’d be more than happy to look for a venue if they contacted me with potential dates for another course. I’d help facilitate things. Also, this artist planned to do a follow up online meeting with the original attendees of the initial workshop I attended. An email was sent out to the group and a time was set for 5pm the following Saturday for the online streaming session.
I was very excited for the session. I put it on my schedule, moved other things out of the way to make myself available and was where I needed to be by 5pm. As I sat in front of my computer ready, five o’clock came and went. 5:15. 5:20. 5:30. At this point, I checked my email to make sure there wasn’t an email I missed to reschedule the session, make sure I had the right day and right time. It just never happened. Over the course of the next couple days I waited for a follow up message and explanation to come; it didn’t. For something to be posted somewhere; it wasn’t. I wrote an email to the artist to ask what happened it wasn’t answered. It wasn’t until I sent a message through a social media network that there was a response: the artist had decided last minute to accept a work offer which conflicted with the follow up session time, so the session and the 13 students got kicked to the curb. The artist felt no excuses needed and therefore none were given. No apology. Nada. Just didn’t show up for what was essentially a business meeting with 13 clients, a week passed and there was no follow up communication of any kind.
I decided right then that it would not be a smart idea to enter into any future agreement with this individual. Why? Number one: Rudeness, but several other reasons loom large: this person wasn’t professional, not trustworthy, and valued their time more than anyone else’s. I will never suggest this artist’s services to anyone. Am I interested in subjecting someone else to that type of inconsiderate treatment and having them come back to me to share that they had this type of experience? Nope. Absolutely not.
This is a cautionary tale though. Don’t jeopardize your business, your brand, and relationships unnecessarily when just basic practices could ensure success when it comes to interacting with clients, patrons, and your tribe. Just a little consideration of others goes a very long way.
Here are four very easy ways to maintain your sense of professionalism under almost any circumstances as well as establish great working relationships from the start:
1. Treat clients and supporters with respect.
As an artist or creative entrepreneur your clients, supporters, patrons, and fans are your tribe. They are the people who love you and love your work. They already know you, so this is by far the easiest rule to observe. Treat your tribe and your crew with respect. Simply stated: don’t be a jerk. Be considerate when you meet them in person. Be decent when you interact online. There’s nothing wrong with being honest and truthful; it is possible to show respect and be honest. Being respectful is a whole lot easier than being the opposite.
2. Everyone’s time is valuable, not just yours.
For whatever reason, some individuals believe their time is more important than anyone else’s on the planet; time passes faster for these individuals and is somehow made of gold. Totally not possible and definitely not true. We are all human. Time is important to all of us in some way. That said: if you have an appointment, get there at least 5 minutes early. You have a deadline over estimate how much time you might need to ensure you finish on time if necessary. I know most would advise observing these practices because you potentially jeopardize future business, I advise these practices because they are considerate of other people and we should all endeavor to be so…at least most of the time.
3. Communicate.
One major problem with most humans is that they are silent when they most should speak and speak when they should remain silent. When someone sends you an email or leaves you a voicemail asking you to show your fabulous artwork, dance your amazing dance, or do whatever makes you fantastic and be handsomely compensated, now isn’t the time to be uncommunicative. Respond to the email, call people back. It takes just a few minutes. Communicating also extends to social media. The point is to be social. It offers the opportunity to connect with people anywhere in the world. If fans post on your page, are excited about your new work, or congratulate you on your new collaboration, take a moment to acknowledge them.
4. Follow Through.
This is one of the most important components to being an artist for hire/artist entrepreneur/creative professional and a practice that some artists have a tough time with. What you produce is your business. Your art and your creativity are your products. If you don’t fulfill a client/customer contract or if you aren’t dependable when it comes to a commission or delivery of a piece, this is a problem. Clients might feel that they can’t trust you; if you don’t have trust, it’s kind of difficult to move forward from there. Adhere to contract times, deliver work according to agreed upon schedules or come up with alternative solutions to issues if necessary.