The one to watch -- stream it today!
This is it, y’all, this right here: the art documentary series I’m in is now streaming on Amazon Prime Video!
Nearly a year ago, I was interviewed for the Seattle episode of “The Story of Art in America.” The series takes an in-depth look at artists producing work outside the New York art scene. You might remember the video shoot was at the Northwest African American Museum (NAAM). You — yes, you — voted for me in NAAM’s social media contest to select an artist to represent Seattle’s Black community.
Photo credit: Legit Productions
Would you be willing to help me one more time? I’d like you to go to Amazon Prime Video and leave an honest review of the Seattle episode:
Watch episode 10 of “The Story of Art in America”
Go to the video listing on Amazon Prime Video
Scroll down and click on the “Write a customer review” button
Please keep it simple and to-the-point (Amazon deletes overly positive reviews)
Ask your friends/ family/ followers to do the same: watch the episode, then write an Amazon Prime Video review.
It’s a lot like reviewing a book on Goodreads or Amazon: the more reviews, the more likely people will see the docuseries — and the first weeks are crucial to getting the word out. Enjoy, and remember to tell other viewers what you think about it!
How to survive the current plague
Bravo to those who braved coronavirus exposure to attend the opening of “20/20 Vision” art exhibit! I was surprised (and relieved) to see collectors and artists crowding into the gallery for First Thursday.
But I’m also a little concerned about the people I didn’t see at the art walk. So here are my totally unscientific, Top Two Tips for surviving the current plague, whether you’re making or appreciating the art.
First: Artists can’t live in ghost towns.
Artist Susan Derrick gets a better look at “They Don’t Really Feel Pain” by Lisa Myers Bulmash
As you see above, art galleries are still open, and so are many artist studios. They rely on foot traffic, to some degree. If you’re still feeling pretty healthy (no flu-like symptoms, not coughing or sneezing into your elbow), go out. Go to the next art walk or performance, whether you’re in a spending mood or just showing up to support a friend.
Second: Fill your cart from home.
Maggie Jiang’s paintings at Koplin del Rio Gallery, Pioneer Square
The lovely thing about collecting art online is that there’s no risk of COVID-19 infection. It’s just you and the germs you’re already carrying. (Psst: wash your hands, kids.) Try browsing your favorite gallery or artist website and see if there’s an artwork you just can’t live without. Email/ direct message/ text the artist or gallery and arrange to pick up the work when you’re feeling better.
And in case I forgot to say it earlier: WASH YOUR HANDS WITH SOAP AND WATER. The longer you stay healthy, the more art events you can attend.
In training for an Art Marathon
Getting down to the wire this weekend, as I prep for my first (art) marathon.
Friends of mine have participated before in this fundraiser for the Center on Contemporary Art (CoCA Seattle), but they have lots more experience creating work in front of a live audience. Me, on the other hand… I’m usually holed up in the studio muttering to myself as I work. So it’s a bit of a personal challenge. I’m honored to be working alongside 19 other artists, including painters Braden Duncan and Jazz Brown as well as kinetic sculptor Casey Curran.
But wait — there’s more! You’re invited to stop by and watch the paint fly on September 20th. This way, you get a special preview of the brand-new artworks to be auctioned off at the gala on September 22nd.
I’ve sketched out ideas, but details always change in the process — come see!