There is an elephant in my room. But its not grad school. Unlike this picture, the elephant in my room has been creativity. I was trying to ignore it. I was trying to pretend to be solely an academic. The elephant grew. My focus in Arts Management classes is on papers, projects, readings, and tests... as it should be. But recently, struggling with the lack of creative time, it was suggested that I find some sort of collaboration or accountability to try and help make the time.
Fortunately, around this same time, a fellow visual artist in my program and I started to share about this issue we both face. As we talked, we naturally began to collaborate and compare "notes," spurring each other on to draw and create. Our mediums and styles are so different. He works primarily in metals and his drawing style reflects the engraving principles in which he trained. It is inspiring to see his work and watch him create.
While it would be great to use this inspiration towards some interesting collaboration and work in ceramics, I don't have consecutive days to devote to pottery. Certain steps in the pottery process require consecutive days. So, until I get a handle on that, I've been drawing and creating in mixed media. While a bit rusty, I think I'm getting into somewhat of a rhythm. I'm trying to do anything with composition, color, and line, easing myself back into the world of creativity.
It is amazing how I try to be an island, and yet, how, over and over again I am shown that it is along side of others that we all really thrive. The act of reaching out, both to seek help and to support someone else, is essential, especially in the seemingly solo world of art and craft creation.
Recent work in completed/progress:
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| Leaves and Leaf Stems, Book pages and Maps, Paint and Paper. |
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| Urban Population Map of the DC Area |
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| Nature. |
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| Detail: Stack of stones. Each of these is labeled with location and date. |
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| Detail: Stack of sticks. Each is labeled with location and date. |
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| Smooth round stones painted with acrylic paint. |
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| A commission for Robin. Slate garden sign. |
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| Mini Chairs. |
Such a wonderful reminder that it is only together that we can really grow. This is especially important to remember on the heels of an election that demonstrated how divided we are in this country regarding many ideas, beliefs,and strategies. So thank you. I wonder what it would be like if you collaborated with a performance artist or poet? . . .
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