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October 01, 2009
Visible
Unseen. Invisible. Veiled and obscure. Hidden - out of sight. Something that is unable to be seen, even when it is right there just waiting for that glorious moment - when someone or something looks at it!
Sort of reminds me of the saying, “ If a tree falls in the forest, does it make a sound if no one is there to hear it?” Assuming that only humans matter, which is the other issue this question brings to the surface – the kind of shallow thinking that makes invisible all of those animals, plants and insects who occupy this same forest. Every living creature that exists in this natural habitat is quite capable of experiencing the tree falling, and the surrounding forest with all its’ other earthly sounds, smells and visual displays.
Without getting too far into the short comings of human thinking, my real point in this posting has to do with my inability to expose my art to a wider audience – perhaps this is getting back to that “human thinking” aspect, and in this case, my lack of it.
If art hangs in a gallery, does it get seen if no one comes to look? I think the answer to this question is obvious (critters aside, and there could be and probably are a few roaming the floors of the gallery in the night).
I should clear this up be saying that many did come to view this show, and for this I am most grateful. The opening reception had a healthy turnout, with what seemed to be some very positive responses, as well as a few sales. What artist would not be pleased with this kind of outcome?
But, I think I am aware that what I am trying to communicate through my art needs a different kind of exposure... maybe even the kind of audience that does not normally go to art galleries. Definitely this is not something I can target too easily, but getting the news out to a larger group would be the best way to avoid having to choose.
I believe I have not really “come up to the plate” to complete the steps necessary to make this actually happen. I have been dragging my feet a bit, actually feeling like they have been stuck in some heavy, Texas mud – not hard to come by in this neck of the woods.
Many have said that it was the “Mercury in retrograde” dilemma, which apparently just ended on the 29th of September. This planetary alignment that usually lasts a few weeks, seems to play havoc with communication (lack of press releases) and connection in general – often leaving us feeling out of it and just plain misunderstood. This could explain my odd, postpartum-like blues. Also, the show comes down tomorrow.
Well, I am all for looking at any aspect that may hinder or help the energy around me, but in truth, this is about my inactivity to promote this show. This kind of feels like a public spanking, but I believe in writing about my truth, as it becomes a viable way to learn, heal and grow... possibly for others as well. Ah yes, such are these purposeful struggles that come our way in life.
Opportunity follows struggle. It follows effort. It follows hard work. It doesn't come before ~ Shelby Steele.
There are people out there that could find my art to be a healing experience... perhaps just leaving them with a warm feeling that they cannot really explain. Maybe some would find it slightly altering ... catching them off-guard and perhaps pushing them to an edge they didn’t really know was there. Others may just find what I do offensive, but maybe they cannot stop thinking about it and wonder why. I would hope that “offensive” doesn’t happen too often, and maybe just “not moved” would be the better result of the two. I always prefer the “feel good” response.
I think each artist ideally creates what makes their sense of purpose seem justifiable. It actually took me years to understand why I was driven to paint what I feel. I mean, getting past the benefits of the child-like quality of playing with paint or other media, why, in this lifetime, am I an artist? What human being does not wonder or question their real sense of purpose – why are we here now and what are we to fulfill?
So, in retrospect, why would I not give my all to this purpose, including a zillion sent out press releases, photos, announcements, invitations and all else needed to get the news out there? “This is your baby”... as I heard a respected art critic/journalist once remind her entire artist audience, “ and presenting it should be done with great care... and a lot of love.”
I feel much better now... ready for the next time.
Posted by kay at October 1, 2009 11:25 PM