I'm looking for an Art Mentor, someone who is used to working with art students at a degree plus level and who would be prepared to mentor me as I work through my various artistic obsessions. Someone who thinks The Box is a waste of time, never mind thinking outside of it. Someone who will provide constructive critique of my work and who will help me explore both context and push me both technically and creatively.
This is where I started off in April 2016.
Oil on board 3ft x 2ft
Detail
And this is where I was December 2016.
Pen and gouache on paper 8in x 5in
But this isn't all I'm interested in. I'm in the planning stages of a joint exhibition for next year with a friend of mine and I also have an idea for an installation based on thought processes. And that doesn't even describe my thing for sunflowers...
I am doing a handful of hobby art courses this spring and have looked at a couple of MA programmes and I'm in a bit of a predicament. I will only be able to go so far doing the adult education art courses, yes they will bring up my technical ability (which definitely needs to happen), but they won't push me far enough intellectually, they won't give me the contextual basis that makes art greater than creating pretty pictures. The Masters of Fine Arts programmes are happy to take my application, however they are keen to see some kind of fit with my previous BA in Creative Writing. While I maintain an interest in Word and Art, it's not my current focus...the abstracts with sticks are where my heart is...and I'm not prepared to squeeze myself into a box for the sake of it. I don't need the qualification that badly. I'm obsessed by the sticks, but I can't push the concept much further without some kind of input from someone who knows what they are talking about.
If you are able to commit some time and some energy, get in touch. We can discuss rates of pay and expenses. I'm not assuming you work for free and will respect your time.
If this isn't you, but you know who it might be, please pass this on. I'm not a time waster and assume you aren't either. Also, I'm based on the Norfolk/Suffolk border. It'll probably be easier if you come to me first time, so I can show you everything (yes, there's lots more) and see if we can work together.
Thanks
Roses
Have you written an artist's statement? I studied Fine Art at degree level and had to write such things... and essays about what my work was about, which referenced artists who I felt informed my practice. Who are your favourite artists?
ReplyDeleteGood luck, Ms Roses!
Sxx
I haven't, not yet.
DeleteMondrian, immediately comes to mind....but I thought of him after I did my picture.
I love Georgia O'Keef and saw her exhibition at Tate Modern. Also saw Rauschenberg...that gave me some ideas. Love George Braque, Dali, Cezanne, The Delaunays....come immediately to mind.
Rothko is fabulous. James Turrell is certainly informing the work I'll do for next year...
Apparently, I need to know more contemporary artists.
And context. Lots more context.
*sigh*
How long is an artist's statement supposed to be?
xxx
Ha Ha, yes, you will be sent to look at contemporary artists! And discover that the art establishment has rigid rules of its own.
DeleteI'd make the statement as long or short as you want so long as it well reflects what you want to say. Some gallery sites show artist's statements.... they sometimes get very samey. Over the weekend I shall see if I can find some of my waffle!
Sx
Thanks for that hon. I'll have a look.
DeleteIf you don't mind sharing your waffle, I'd really appreciate it.
xxx
Scarlet's given you some good pointers.I hate artists' statements!
ReplyDeleteMs Scarlet is a star.
DeleteI don't know, I'll let you know when I've read a few.
xx
Best wishes on the art quest!
ReplyDeleteMy personal favorites: Henri Rousseau and Johannes Vermeer.
Thank you honey.
DeleteYou reminded me to add Robert Henri to the list!
Like yours though.
xx
Sorry, it's not me. I only look at things, and most often skip what the author / artist has to say.
ReplyDeleteSome objects / paintings / stuff I like and would even like to possess, but these things are very different from each other, in nearly all respects (material, colour, mass, fragility etc.).
Here is a pretty lively art scene, I even know some of them. I especially like what one of them does, a bit difficult to explain, he calls them "Text-Bilder". It helps when you understand what Morse did.
If I had money I'd make him rich, but this is the mad collector in me ...
There are some interesting photographers, even alive - what reminds me that I wanted to do a post about one of them years ago : Black/white, analogue, very pointilistic, love speaks from these pictures.
In the end all I can do is look & observe, but could say nothing about how to "do" something, the way to achieve a goal, reach something. I may be able to see something in the result, but it is questionable if my "seeing" and the artist's "wanting" overlap fully or at least in parts.
Go and look what others do. Look at exhibitions and museums, look who's collecting, have a look at the galleries.
The quest never ends.
I know what you mean, there's much that is amazing and gets you to rethink your thoughts.
DeleteYes, I'm going to exhibitions and galleries and I'm trying my best...but there's only so much I can do by myself, unfortunately.
Good luck with the search. I hope you find whatever it is that you need to achieve your breakthrough.
ReplyDeleteI like what you've shared with us so far. Your creativity is great. This may sound cliche, but I say, Just follow your heart, listen to your instincts, and just go with the flow. You just might surprise yourself (and the world) with what you discover and create. Cheers!
Thanks honey. Your encouragement means a lot.
Deletexxx
This is bringing back memories of being at art school - I was never very good at the "art [is] greater than creating pretty pictures" stuff. I just liked making pretty pictures, so I'm not going to be of any use, sorry.
ReplyDeleteThe fact that you want to, though, should be a great foundation. Good luck Roses!
As I haven't mastered the whole "making pretty pictures' part...I need more than luck!
DeleteBut thanks.
xxx
Be My Valentine!!! [MMMWWWAAAHHH]
ReplyDeleteHow did I miss this?!
DeleteOf course I'm your valentine darling. xxx