Art was and is art to me. It was never political for me. Didn't even know it had politics. But I'm learning it does. And then I ask myself, do I need to be political to be an artist. NO. I have always been the rebel when it came to my art.
When my art teacher in HS told me I would never be an artist. I was hurt, stunned, angry and then thought, well, she must know. Her reasoning was that I did not paint like her. I wanted to do my own thing. I could do her technique, but I felt like it was copying, and that was not for me. For several years, I did not paint. I did learn to silversmith, I did learn to crochet, quilt, sew. But it wasn't really what I wanted to do. But I kept hearing that voice, telling me, you won't. My sister Carol was an awesome artist, and it was easier to hide than to admit I hadn't any talent. What a waste of those first years. But it was then I learned, it was MY art. And that my individuality was what made my art, mine. I painted and created what I wanted. If it sold it sold, and if not, it was something I was proud to look at. And that I didn't need to make a statement. If my art spoke to you, fine. If not, it was fine.
I always wanted to work in clay. Had no idea how to do it. Plus, I wanted to learn how to make dolls. I went to the library to find books. Found a lady in our small town who had a ceramic shop. And at that shop there were magazines about the craft.
Over the next several years, I bought a small doll mold from Duncan Molds, and then a oven fired slip to pour that doll. In fact I still have that doll. A kewpie doll that was painted with acrylic paints. All self taught.
Can you imagine what I would have done with the opportunity of the internet? I overwhelm myself just thinking about it. I thirst for the knowledge. And thus I learned enough to finally have a successful ceramic art design business. All self taught. I learned how to pour the slip, I learned about the different paints to be used on ceramics. I learned about the kiln, and even how to repair. I learned how to make the slip, and did so in a 55 gal drum. A lot of these learning skills, were learned the hard way. I never indebted my business. So always working on a very slim profit margin, that went right back into the business. I would have liked to earn more money, but I was happy creating my art.
So what brings up this latest rant?
The last few years, I have noticed this atmosphere of artists leaning to the far left. So far over, that they almost fell over. And to me, was totally taking away from the passion. Now I am not saying that art cannot or should not have a political subject matter. We each have our own idea of art. I am just saying don't throw away someone of something that you don't think has your political ideas. I have found that most if not all my artist friends fall in the category of being a liberal. I say this is not a bad thing. It seems to be the rule. Its ok.
Since moving to Cortez, I have really been isolated from the art world. I miss my work in the mental health art field. But I know that I am not well enough to do as I once did. But I still have tried to find some options to be involved.
While doing this, I was a volunteer at a clay studio for a while. Very liberal. We did part ways, due to differences in how I felt volunteers ought to be treated. And that had nothing to do with a liberal minded person. We all have different ways of running a business. I looked at it as part of a new educational opportunity.
Then I met this wonderful artist, who as well is very liberal, and wants to talk about the political climate of today. I know that politics, problems in the world , social injustices are the big part of her art. I love it. I love the stories behind her work, but I wonder will it effect our relationship? I am currently working on a project that was created so the artist could sell their work on a T shirt or fabric bad, they would have no cash out lay, I would do all the work for a small percentage of the sales. Its a win win for all of us. But I can't help thinking would or does it make a difference what my political views are? I don't talk about my religious beliefs. So why can't it be the same for my political views? Now I won't back down on either of these subjects, but I will not push those views on anyone. Am I naive in all of this?
The conclusion I have come to is this......I don't have a problem working with anyone as long as they don't shove their belief system down my throat.
We live in a very strange world today. One that I am not happy with. It makes me sad. But I want art to live on, to make people feel. To have choices without pressure,
Do you think I am expecting to much?
To all you artists out there. Do your thing, be happy.
bjw
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