I've been doing research for a magazine article I'm writing. In the process, I've been fortunate to talk to some inspirational people, including Chris Rifkin of the Fuller Craft Museum in Brockton, MA.
The Fuller Craft Museum is an old museum with a new mission statement: To be a significant venue for collecting, exhibiting and experiencing contemporary craft. It's off to a roaring start, with outstanding exhibits under its belt already.
Chris, who wears many hats at the Museum, very generously spoke to me at length about my topic (exhibition proposals) but like most creative people (she is also a stained glass artist), she wove in many other threads--her involvement in other projects, her interactions with other artists, her insights into the world of promoting fine contemporary handcraft.
As I reviewed my notes this morning, I'm struck by the richness of our art/craft world. I'm in awe of the people who believe so fiercely in the value of what we do that they work countless hours, for years, supporting it. Creating new venues for craft, revitalizing old ones, networking, fundraising, constantly working behind the scenes to make this all come together. Working to create opportunities for artists to get their work out into the world. Their passion is astounding.
I've sat in my studio this week slowly melting from the heat, still slightly muddled about whether this reaffirmation of my direction is going to work. (For those of you who have just turned in, my original goal was to pursue prestige by creating the absolute best, most exciting work I can. )
I told a friend I was quite down and she asked why, if I know what it is I have to do. "Because this time I know how hard it's going to be!" I exclaimed. I had enough initial success to think it would be easy if you were good. Now I know that even if I'm good (the jury is still out), it will take hard work, persistence, time and indomitable spirit.
The indomitable spirit part has been suffering a bit. But after talking with Chris, I realized something:
I'm not alone in this.
Although there is currently no patron saint of Luann, I do have people who believe in my work. They support me in many ways--as collectors (always nice!), by encouraging me, by singing my praises to others who could also support me. By being happy for me when I'm succsssful or simply listening when I've hit a wall.
Inteviewing Chris reminded me there's a whole world of people out there waiting for good work to make its appearance. It's my job to make the work.
Then I have to do is get it out there. I used to spend a lot of time doing that, but it fell off as I pursued wholesale accounts. It's time to turn that around.
It's nice to remember that a whole world is waiting. What it will say when it sees the work, I don't know. That's not under my control.
I'm amazed at how this works. I was afraid writing would be a distraction from my artistic efforts. And here it is once again helping me see how this all fits together.
