Attending the Sluice Art Fair and panel discussion and other art events in the past few weeks has confirmed a shift in feelings.
There is always that struggle between the reality of being an artist and the need to make, show and be surrounded by art regardless of that reality. I’ve always felt shame knowing that I will always make art regardless of how much £’s I do or don’t make. It’s been really refreshing to hear others admit that too. Its especially difficult to explain to someone who is uncreative, I feel, they feel I am an idiot. What? You will work for nothing? Perhaps the use of ‘uncreative’ is wrong, the ‘un’ implies a lack – and there are people that aren’t ‘creative’ that understand. Although usually they are passionate about something that doesn’t feed into the capitalist ideal/nightmare.
I have also heard a few people suggest that artists need to question what the value of their work and practice is, value other than the financial sense. It feels like there are positive changes starting to occur in the British art community. One being the realisation that we are a community, and perhaps we could be a better one. Perhaps we are all looking a little more outward. I am attending Artquests discussion What are we worth? Artists and the Economic Crisis. It will be interesting to see what the vibe will be there.
‘The art community’ – I like that. That’s what it should always be referred to not the art world.
Here’s a link to thoughts around the Sluice Art Fair and the artist led route, by Cathy Lomax (Transitions gallery) who was on the discussion panel with Alistair Gentry and Jasper Joffe.
