For some time now I have adhered to the discipline of writing and posting a blog on Sunday evenings.
It has become a rhythm of my week. It’s a time to look at what I’ve been working on and to reflect. The process of showing and explaining enhances my own understanding of my work.
This week I’ve got nothing to show.
It’s not because I haven’t been in the studio. I have. And I believe in future weeks my new work will take shape and I’ll be ready to talk about it.
This week, though, I need to be about the business of listening.
This has been a grueling week for our country. I cannot remember being as stirred and as stirred up since I was a teenager and we protested both civil rights issues and the war in Vietnam. This week as America has reacted to the murder of George Floyd it has revealed so much still unchanged, so much that needs to be done, and so much that needs to be heard.
In the midst of issues and policies that are unresolved, I have been grateful to be part of the arts community. Art — the process of making it, the insight derived from absorbing it, the voice-giving that it entails — is more important than ever.
Our local Art Museum, Museum of Art – DeLand, stated this is an e-mail:
MUSEUMS ARE NOT NEUTRAL
We stand against crimes of intolerance, hate, and injustice
And Studio Art Quilt Associates shared these words with its members:
“ SAQA’s core values of integrity, inclusion, excellence, and innovation compel us to stand with those fighting against racism and injustice.
We condemn the violence against Black Americans and strongly oppose discrimination of any kind. We mourn the countless lives that have been lost at the hands of racism and police brutality. We support the right of all Americans to protest and seek justice for those affected by the continued inequality that plagues the US.
Art is the expression of an individual’s heart and soul. SAQA’s goal of supporting diversity includes welcoming art and artists from marginalized communities including Black artists and all artists of color. We believe they are integral to our mission of promoting the art quilt.
As an international organization, SAQA explores ways to exhibit, educate, and bring more voices to the forefront, in an effort to promote discussion and understanding in our communities.
All humans have a voice. It is time that they all be heard.”
I agree.
For now, this evening, that’s about all I can say.
I will continue listening.
Thank you for reading. I always welcome questions and comments.
--Bobbi
bobbi@bobbibaughstudio.com
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