Making Connections... Does it Matter?
In the first grade class where I volunteer, the teacher lavishes praise on students who make a connection. If the kids are reading about a figure from history in a non-fiction text, for example, and one points out a similarity to a fiction story they’ve read, that’s a good sign of putting ides together.
This evening I’m thinking about some different recent connections.
Over the weekend, I opened my studio to DeLand’s Annual “Off the Beaten Path” Art Studio Tour. What a great weekend. The two days were filled with conversations, and visitors having the chance to get a behind-the-scenes view of my artwork. Touching a stack of printed yardage and seeing a brayer and a bottle of matte medium are everyday occurrences for me. But, for the visitor, they are a way in to an understanding what textile collage is all about.
At my worktable during the studio tour, surrounded by some of my favorite image-making stencils.. (Thanks for photo Ken Naigus)
When I first started showing my artwork locally, I was nervous about displaying and hoping to sell my work to people I knew. I thought they or I would be embarrassed, and that it was better to sell to strangers. Not true!
The lessons I had learned during my career in the printing business, working primarily with customers in my local community, held true with presenting my art as well. People like to do business with people they know. Learning that was important. If you are an artist: find opportunities to introduce yourself to patrons. If you are an enjoyer-of-art or a patron: don’t be afraid to ask questions and to learn more about an artist and her work. It will help you enjoy the artwork more. (And the artist will be thrilled!)
During the tour, several of my visitors were members of SAQA (Studio Art Quilt Associates) and my local Surface Design Group, Arts. Etc. During those visits, we got to talk tech a bit. Being in a community of like-minded artmakers is essential! I enjoy the diverse methods and creative paths I’ve discovered from companionship with other artists. Some of my art buddies are my best encouragers.
I enjoyed the visit from SAQA member Pamela Burns during the studio tour. (Thanks for the photo))
During the tour, the laundry room was converted into an art gallery when I set up my display panels. “Becoming One With The Night” greeted visitors into the laundry room gallery.
Finally, I am learning that connections with people far away work too. I always enjoy the questions and comments I get from my blog and from website visitors. And, just today, I was featured in this article in TextileArtist.Org. I was honored when they asked me to do the interview, and pleased with the presentation they put together. Already I’ve had some nice e-mail correspondence with some of their readers.
Let’s connect! I hope you’ll find time to put your feet up and have a leisurely read. (Or even just enjoy the many pictures.) Here’s the article:
http://www.textileartist.org/bobbi-baugh-an-expert-in-hand-printing-fabrics-for-mixed-media-collage-design
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