A message from the Essential Workforce
Connecting during COVID-19 quarantine feels like trying to signal someone far away, with only a flashlight.
No wonder artists who stream their work or services are now considered part of the essential workforce. Somebody has to provide a reason to stay inside. So on April 3rd, Gallery One and I are partnering for a virtual First Friday art walk, to bring you image and video previews of my solo art exhibit!
Once tech support and I set up the equipment, I can also webcast other content to people on my mailing list — especially those who get these posts emailed directly to them. (Sign up here so I don’t forget to include you.)
Remember, when you tune in next Friday, April 3rd, you’ll be watching videos from the Essential Workforce. If anybody asks, you’re only doing your duty as a responsible supporter of the arts.
The value of throwaway photos
What good is a digital photo if it never leaves your camera?
Forget about digital cameras — when was the last time you actually printed out a smartphone photo? Delete, delete, delete. Paradoxically, I’m finding throwaway photos make it easier for me to be a working artist.
My smartphone has become my other short-term memory bank. Before I leave the studio for the day, I now take a photo, then type a little text to remind me of where I left off. Even an image without text helps. It gets me back into the creative flow, even when days pass before I can continue a work-in-progress.
And that visual reminder saves time too: I don’t need to un-glue a collage element to fix a preventable mistake. As Jacqui Palumbo noted in a recent article: “We are taking more photos than ever today, but do we really value them?“ Oh yes, yes I do… especially when the rest of my life elbows its way past my studio practice. How do you use your ‘useless’ photos? Tell me on Instagram or Facebook.
What does an artist "drawing board" look like?
People keep “going back to the drawing board”… where is this legendary place, anyway?
It was in Washington Hall this week, and on this drawing board were the first sketches of an upcoming art project/ apartment building in Seattle’s Central District. Curator Bill Gaylord went over the initial plans for 12th Avenue and Yesler Way. You might know the location as the old Seattle Curtain Manufacturing Company; some of its remaining fabrics will go into textile art created by the Pacific Northwest African American Quilters.
Civic arts leader Vivian Phillips then introduced the rest of the artist team: Marita Dingus, Juan Alonso-Rodriguez, June Sekiguchi, Romson Regarde Bustillo, Jite Agbro, Jonathan Clarren, Jeffery Veregge, Lawrence Pitre and me.
It’s super-early days for this two-year project. It still needs lots of input from the neighbors so it doesn’t end up just another big box of gentrified property. But I joined this project because I hope the building becomes responsive part of the historic neighborhood, like the Liberty Bank Building. Maybe that’s a high bar, but I think it’s possible.