Are We Really In Charge Of Where We Want To See Our Work?

Last class we talked about galleries and if we would like to be represented by them. Choosing galleries is difficult because it involved many factors. One factor is the type of work that you are making, if your a sculptor then you probably shouldn't be represented by a gallery who only shows paintings. Theres also the issue of who is shown by that gallery, and how your work relates or doesn't. I wouldn't see my work being displayed anywhere near a Warhol or a Buzz Spector piece. I have to know the type of work that I am making and find a gallery that will best suit the work. Honestly I think this is one of the most difficult tasks an artist has to learn.

Public Art Programs, Yay or Nay?

Public Art Programs are a big yes for me. I come from a community that isn't closely tied to the arts. I was always told that Art would not get me a job, but I learned later on that it depends on the environment and the community that I am surrounded by. Moving to Sarasota opened do many doors and opportunities for my art. I am constantly surrounded by a community that are active in the arts and appreciate the artists. This helps me professionally as well as personally. It helps me push myself to be the best artist I can be. To those who are artistic I suggest to surround yourself with people who support your cause because it helps you develop.

How is the Crit Useful?

We discussed the chapter we read in 7 Days in the Art World that talked about the Critique(The Crit).
What I really thought about after class was that there are so many factors that can affect the artist and their work. Be it positive or negative feedback, the work could be directly affected. It scared me because I started to think how I would react to a critique that may be negative. It is hard because our work can be personal, or we become attached. However, over time I have allowed myself to take in criticism in a way that I can still make work and not fear the type of art I will be making.

Public Art Programs

This past week we discussed some of the Public Art Programs that we had to research outside of class. What I learned was that there are still communities that want to be involved with the Arts. This makes me so happy because I come from a community that tries to do public art programs, but simply due to budget cuts they go un noticed. There is also the discussion that if you plan to become an artist then you will never have a job. For me to transition from that type of environment into Sarasota, it was a major difference. This community is so involved in the arts and loves for the public to participate. This brings the community together and spreads the art. There needs to be more communities like this out there.

The Interview

Last class we were able to do a group exercise of mock interviews. We were split up into a panel section and an interviewee section. I happened to be one of the interviewee's. Even though this situation is a fake one it can still make you nervous. Being observed by other people and being aware of their presence is nerve rattling. I think that as we move through school we sometimes assume that an interview will come easy to us, even if we don't practice. Not saying it cant be done, but to me your perceptions change as soon as you enter the room. I was able to complete my mock interview and even had really great feedback. I have to admit for this interview it was difficult because on the inside I constantly thought about how a real one would play out.