This past month I’ve had two opportunities to talk about my artwork as part of a panel of artists. What great experiences!
First things first… I’ve got to give deep thanks to the organizations sponsoring the talks. Visions Art Museum created their panel discussion as part of “Visions 2020”, in which I have a work exhibiting. SAQA created their video of selected artists from the “Beyond the Mirror” exhibit as one of their works in the series, “Textile Talks.”
To Museum and organizations an galleries who are going all out to promote artwork and artists virtually and every other way they can think of… T H A N K Y O U !
(Screen shot from the zoom video created by Visions Art Museum)
Next big thing… I know well that in the heart of many artists there dwells a dark and ominous dread of having to talk about their work. Your first thought may be OH NO! (It’s like being afraid of being called on in class! When you haven’t really read the assignment. Not that I’ve ever done that.)
If this fear speaks to you, I encourage you to get over it. I don’t mean that as a flip retort. I mean that as sincere advice. Learning to get over the fear of talking about your work is one of the most helpful things you can do as an artist.
Talking about your own work helps you to understand it better.
Talking about your own work will reveal to you where you’ve missed some things or haven’t gone deep enough. (You’ll know because you get that “Oh no, I’m just tap-dancing now” feeling.)
And talking about your work is the best way to connect with art-appreciators and patrons.
The way to do it is just like the way to get to Carnegie Hall: practice, practice, practice. I am a big fan of talking aloud to yourself alone in a room, or talking to yourself in the mjirror. You can also talk about your art out loud to your dog or cat. The process of forming words and making sound come out is actually a cognitive process. You will be creating and refining thoughts in the “out loud” mode that are more developed than just thinking them inside your head.
If you are interested in taking a look, the links are below. In each video, I am the first artist speaking. (The advantage of being a “B” in alphabetical order.) But, I encourage you to listen to all the artists. They represent a fascinating array of styles and artmaking perspectives. Put your feet up and enjoy!
This is from Visions Art Museum. I am talking about the work, Look Through to the Memory.”
Detail - Look Through to the Memory
This is from “Textile Talks.” I am talking about “Becoming One With the Night.”
Finally, as we end 2020 (at last!!!) I want to thank those who are faithful readers and those who send me notes and comments. I just read an essay in which the author reminds us that the word “encourage” means to “give courage.”
Your encouragement and interest do that for me.
Please accept my heartfelt thanks.
bobbi@bobbibaughstudio.com
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