...that this is where you are supposed to be? For the past couple of years, I've toyed with the idea of attending a workshop for a week, and hopefully be able to choose someone who is a good teacher and a good artist. Now, here, it appears my search has been fulfilled, because I am surrounded daily by hard at work artists. The energy here is amazing, intense and positive. Other artists echo my sentiment; they accomplish more work in the ten weeks here than the rest of the year. I've truly missed the old art school feeling I remember of pulling all nighters and the determination to create, create, create. I have even found the courage to plunge into a stylistic change which has been lurking in the back of my mind as I've found myself a bit bored with the photo-realism I'm known for. It seems as soon as Framer Dude and I crossed the AZ border, the name Georgia O'Keeffe rose, unbidden, into the forefront of my mind. Now, I have been somewhat familiar with her work most of my adult life. But when I did a Google search the other night on her images, her work resonated within me for the first time. Aha, I thought to myself, THIS is where abstraction meets realism ! I'm not going to say I understand abstract art or "get " it all the time; I'm not too proud to say that I still don't really get Pollock. But seeing Georgia's realistic intimate landscapes (as I have come to call mine) and her consequent progressions into abstractions of the same subject, I see what she's trying to say. It's a catharsis of sorts.
I have met artists here at the peaks of their careers, and they are generous in sharing their acquired knowledge and providing constructive critiques. Understand, I have worked in near solitude for the past 10 years, where productive interaction with fellow artists was brief, few and far between. I couldn't have chosen a better workshop, and paid less, since this is a ten week gig, plus there is the opportunity to make sales. I broke the ice today and sold 2 (small) pieces, with a strong bite from her friend on a much larger piece. Here, the artists have a silly little dance that they all do to celebrate each other's sales (after the celebrant patron has left the vicinity, of course.). I will be inducted tomorrow morning.
Did I mention our Happy Hour? Every day, at 5, a metal artist sounds his gong, and many of us who have been hard at work all day rush to gather at one artist's booth, who takes his role as master artist seriously and master of happy hour very graciously. Framer Dude is in awe of him. He is the consummate successful professional artist who is able to enjoy life to the fullest and is utterly gracious. As Dude stated last night, "He cranks out a %$#^&!@ painting a week, gets paid $%^@& good $$$, and %$#&! parties at night! Why can't you be him?" Or something like that, I didn't hear the rest of it, I pushed him off the log into the fire. (Dude was between his fourth and fifth Jack so he didn't feel the third degree burns til this morning) Anyway...patrons sometimes mingle with the artists during this very informal setting, and they get a kick out of hanging with us. I have met some terrific artists who are terrific people also, and for a relative newbie like me, it's a brilliant view of what one can accomplish in the short-term, as well as long-term for life goals.
Anyhow, I just know that this is where I am supposed to be right now, and quitting my 40K a year job in FL was just a part of it. All my pics are on the Mac right now, so I'll share them later.
Comments
For all of you just picking up on my thread,I'm blogging about the Fine Art Expo in Scottsdale, Arizona, a ten week show and my trip in the RV there and back. Enjoy.
Dann, I do need to get over to NM to see her work in person. That would be a revelation!
I loved your post!!! Brought back many memories from my experiences of art school. And yes, the interaction of many talented artists is an exhilarating experience that can't be duplicated any other way that I know of. Several of us would pick up a bottle of Boone's Farm Green Apple wine and set them in front of the air conditioners to keep them cool in the art studio while painting away at night. While in Santa Fe for one day a few years ago, I didn't want to miss the new Georgia O'Keefe Museum. Only after seeing her work in person, did I finally understand her genius. Same goes for Jackson Pollack. Reproductions in art history books cannot come close to conveying the sheer power, passion and energy in those huge canvases. You didn't say where this workshop is or what it's name is. Mind sharing that?
Caroline - - love this post and the wonderful community of artists you have found. It has to be so reinforcing.
Please do me a favor and edit the beginning of this post and tell us where you are...if one hasn't been following your trek this is a mystery. Put in some details please.