Blog Archives
Pearls from artists* # 692
*an ongoing series of quotations – mostly from artists, to artists – that offers wisdom, inspiration, and advice for the sometimes lonely road we are on.
Claiming space, money, and time to do our work requires fortitude. We need to say ‘no’ to projects and people fighting for our attention. We just follow our work through changes, even when it is comfortable, or in other people’s interests, for our work to stay the same. If we want to expand our careers, we get rejected… a lot. But artists are like sharks; we must keep moving to survive, creating authentic, original work as we outgrow it to evolve as human beings.
Kate Kretz in Art From Your Core: A Holistic Guide to Visual Voice
Comments are welcome!
A: Would you agree that there are more opportunities for women artists these days?
At Salomon Arts in Tribeca
A: It’s true that there are more opportunities now for women artists. Indeed, there are more opportunities for ALL artists. Social media has helped immensely in that it allows artists to take charge of our own careers, making us less dependent on the approval, largesse, and/or validation of art world gatekeepers.
However, at the highest levels of our profession, there are many inequities. As more women become art museum directors, collectors of contemporary art, and leaders whose taste matters, the status of all female artists is bound to improve to become more aligned with that of males.
Comments are welcome!
Q: What advice to you have for younger artists who are just beginning their careers?
Barbara’s studio
A: I have two pieces of advice:
- Build a support network among your fellow artists, teachers, and friends. It is tough to be an artist starting out. Also, be sure to read plenty of books by and about artists. All have experienced similar challenges.
- Do whatever you must to keep working – no matter what! Being an artist never really gets easier. There are always new obstacles and you’ll discover solutions over time.
Comments are welcome!
barbararachkoscoloreddust.com 