Let's talk about art.

I was writing to a friend this a.m. about art and thought I'd bring over part of our discussion to the blog.

I am part of a very small art critique group started by a friend in Sacramento. Her idea was to have 6 women who would learn to trust each other's opinions enough that we will be honest in our critiques, and also be open to other's opinions. So, far, I'm honest, but I'm not always open to what other people think. I'm wayyyy toooo into my own thing and only want my work to represent my voice. But, each time I come away with something to think about. One day W. asked the group - when is the last time you did something out of your comfort zone? That caused me a lot of thought on the way home.

My altered book style is getting a "we always recognize your work" reponse. Is this bad? Am I getting too set in the way I do them? Will that make them boring? Or is it the "me" that we try to strive for - our own style. Hmmmm.... I'm still considering this. I love to try new techniques in them. But I quite stubbornly refuse to do the little trick things, with lots of pockets and doors, and gimmicks. I'm so focussed on the images and the words and the backgrounds that I think those other things often distract from the impact of the piece, even though they are interesting and fun for the reader. I guess I'm the less is more voice in the crowd. And I still like my altered books to be flat to fit on the bookshelf. This causes a lot of giggles among my friends - who all like thick open books.

The other thing the little group does is bring questions and problems. Like, what do you think looks better on this? Or, what do you think I should do next? These are things that I love to work through myself. Sometimes the harder the problem the more I enjoy the process and the happier I am when I find a solution. So, I seldom ask for help. One time one of the gals suggested a different fabric for one of the book covers, and she was right. I did it the way she suggested and loved it. I was actually happy to know that I could accept help. I wasn't really sure I could. Does any of this make any sense to you?


Now, this business about collecting stuff in our studios. I swear it is a sickness and we need help. I don't think I can use anything else, yet each time I'm shopping with the girls, we all come home with more. I'm trying not to buy things for assemblage right now. Next summer I'm thinking about having a small group for an Assemblage Art Camp. I'm planning to unload lots of my stash there and I'll get to see what people make with it.

Even though I'm trying not to colllect more "stuff" - I'm not having much success with this addiction. I was in the little thrift shop in downtown Capilota yesterday with my friends - and each of us came home with a little bag of stuff. I got three cards (two with great images and one with a cartoon about a cat), three little plastic animals (see how bad I am?), and four little flat tin cutouts of churches and houses. I also went to a local thrift store before Christmas and got a few alterable things. I am so attracted to things that are dimensional to alter. Yet, I just don't get around to doing them. Assemblage Art Camp may either satisfy my appetite for making dimensional art - or it might push me right over the edge into wanting to do more and more of it. Either way, it will be a relief to actually do something about that addiction. I think I am a junk junkie.

Art classes? What for? Why? I like the interaction of students and the attention my work receives. I need the socializing. I really don't want to become a hermit (the mad old lady making strange art alone in her studio for days on end) - and meeting regularly with people is good. Do I learn much? Usually not. But I enjoy them. And I like to see other people's work and how they progress. Particularly the very beginners, who are just opening their eyes and hearts to the possibilities of expressing themselves through art. And struggling to get started and then blossoming as they try new things and actually produce a piece of art. It is so exciting to see this happen. It's like watching a baby learn to walk. I want to clap my hands and hug them. And encourage them to start another piece right away. I like to show my work. I like feedback. I like people to touch my work and be touched by it. I encourage people to find a class or group where you feel accepted and comfortable enough to share what you are doing and enjoy the companionship of others who are interested in art. Our instructor provides a very warm welcoming atmosphere and is very patient with the students. I'm very glad I found this class and hope to join them again this spring semester. Now that I'm well and the puppy is older, I will have free time to get out and about more again.

Now, to clean up the mess on my work table. Yuch!