I said recently in a newsletter that I no longer felt isolated, thanks to all the great people I’ve connected with and who have become friends and colleagues. I’ll say once again, this connection was made possible by an and the Artists Talking platform. Every connection I’ve made has been as a result of my blog here. There is another person I want thank too and that is my husband, David. I would not be able to do any of the things I do in London without his support and his belief in my talent and ability. I’m also fortunate to have a very supportive family who encourage me at every turn. To all of you individually and collectively, my heartfelt thanks and gratitude.
Marion Michell, an artist who makes the most arresting crocheted garments and shoes from tissue paper; you may remember her from Extra-Ordinary at Core Gallery; she sent me this message recently, ‘It’s great to see how well you’re doing and how things have changed for you since you started your blog and got involved with Core Gallery. There’s hope for us all.’ It was lovely to receive this note and it reminded me again that the issue of isolation is a big one and one many artist face, and perhaps don’t quite know how to change.
If I could answer the question of isolation for artists, it would be simple – start a blog, commit to it and actively talk to other people on their blogs. It is delightful to receive a comment on a blog and even more invigorating when a conversation starts.
My next piece of advice is get involved with an artist collective and become active and involved in it. This one career move could be the most important one an artist can make because the professional practice and activities of an artist-led space/collective are the stepping stones to broader professional activity. It is also a place where you can explore your interests and develop other professional aspects to your career. It is far easier to make professional connections when you can say ‘I’m Jane Boyer and I’m part of the management team for Core Gallery, I’d like to talk to you about…’ As an individual artist, chances are you won’t get your mouth to the chink in the door to say who you are.
You may think this next bit of advice is obvious, but I don’t think it is; make friends with the people you connect with. All of my friends in London started as comment activity through the blogs. We have made the effort to meet in person, see art together, have a meal and a beer and just generally get to know each other better. It has been the most rewarding aspect of my whole trajectory out of isolation. All of my friends have fascinating lives, unique insight into art and make my time in London some of the happiest time I spend anywhere.
Remember that each step may be a small step, but it is a step forward and may bear greater fruit further down the road. Also, take strength from those who believe in you, they see what you can’t see about yourself.
Congratulations to Rob Turner for his Culture Awards nomination! http://wildartintheblean.blogspot.com/
See Marion and Ros Davis, from Core Gallery, in the upcoming exhibition TWISTED
TWISTED – exhibition
A fresh encounter with contemporary craft
The exhibition focuses on work by seven artists who employ the traditional materials and techniques of textiles and ceramics, but manipulate and twist them into different forms, altered meanings and new directions. Wriggling out of the traditional domain of ‘craft’, these objects escape the plinth, shelf and glass cabinet, occupying the gallery as unconventional wall pieces and installations that you can walk through.
With Kay Aplin, Rosalind Davies, Rosie James, Marion Michell,
Karin Schosser, Isobel Smith, Alice Walton
July 23 – August 21, 2011
Wed – Sun 11am – 5pm
PREVIEW: Friday 22 July, 5 – 7 pm
For details see under:
http://www.phoenixarts.org/exhibitions/265-twisted.html
Address:
North Gallery
PHOENIX BRIGHTON
10-14 Waterloo Place
Brighton BN2 9NB
East Sussex
Telephone: +44 (0)1273 603700
Email: [email protected]
