How nice to have a chance to talk about art!

If you follow this blog, you know that I WRITE faithfully about artmaking every week. I don’t get nearly as many opportunities to TALK about artmaking. When the opportunity does arrive, it’s always meaningful.

Yesterday I recorded an artist interview with Artburst Studios. The link is at the end of this post, and I invite you to take 20 minutes to listen if you can.

We talked about all kinds of stuff! Colors and palettes. How I go about building up layers. The power of stitch as a design element. We even flipped a work over to show the hanging pocket on the back and talked about how important that is. It was fun!

 (Note: This was my make-up interview, because the one I was scheduled for and promoted for ten days ago was postponed when Hurricane Milton ate our internet for a few days. I’m first in line, then two additional artists are interviewed – Jeweler Kim Harrell and Painter Gregory Gorham - also well worth a listen.)

Whether or not you are able to listen to the interview, I’d like to share just a few takeaways about art talking.

Talking about your artwork is good for artists! Putting thoughts into words helps you clarify your ideas. Putting your process into words explains things that might be obvious to you but are mysterious to art lovers. Patrons and collectors really enjoy learning more!

Listening to talks about art is good for art lovers! Attend art talks whenever you can. Ask questions of artists you meet at Festivals and openings. Don’t be afraid of asking dumb questions. Artists understand that the meaning and understanding of work improves with knowledge. Almost all artists are gracious and happy to explain things.

Practice helps!  If you are an artmaker and have not had much opportunity to talk about your art, it can be intimidating. Just like any other speaking. The best preparation is practice. Writing about your own art is helpful. And if you can’t find an audience for your talking, practice talking to yourself. Really. It’s a great way to occupy your mind while taking a walk or while working in the studio. Don’t just think the words inside your head. Actually form the words and say them out loud. In time you will like what you say more and more.

During the interview, I showed two works I’ve created for the Artburst Show. Holding up a piece of art to the camera in a zoom call is not the very best way to view artwork. So, I’ll preview them here in an easier-to-see-the-details environment.

Finally: many thanks to Jennifer Steck from Artburst for scheduling this re-do for me and for being such a thoughtful and engaged interviewer.

OK. Got your popcorn popped? Enjoy the interview. View it here:

 https://vimeo.com/1019045542?share=copy

. . . . . . . .

For all the artmakers: Happy creating
For all the art lovers: Happy appreciating

Thank you for reading. I always enjoy questions and comments.
--Bobbi

bobbi@bobbibaughstudio.com

How I keep in touch:

BLOG POSTS  - once a week:  Mostly about what I am creating in the studio. If you would enjoy receiving blog posts by e-mail, please subscribe here:  I post and send by e-mail each Sunday evening. BLOGS-BY-EMAIL

NEWSLETTER – about once a month: Mostly news of exhibits and my way of introducing new work. You’ll get FIRST LOOKS at new artwork and members-only discounts. You’ll hear from me about once a month.  NEWSLETTER