This course will involve an investigation into the nature of artmaking, and the processes and practices of visual and conceptual expression in which all artists engage. Readings, discussions, individual research and personal commitment to your own artistic practice will provide the focus of our work. The course is designed to strengthen your understanding of the practices and processes that support you in creating the work you seek to create, regardless of media or the genre of your work. Understanding who you are as an artist in this moment, and learning to work authentically and responsibly from that place is our primary goal.
This blog will provide most of the resources you will need for the class. Each of you will be asked to create a personal blog that will be linked to the class blog, and there will be specific written and research work that you will be required to do on your blog as we explore proposal writing, artist statements, resumes, etc. We will review these materials at our first class meeting on January 13, at which time this blog will be fully populated with the course resource information you will need.
In the meantime, as you work on drafting a preliminary proposal for your work, I offer the following as stimulus to your thinking about yourself as an artist and your goals for this semester.
The vision we hold of ourselves as artists influences the nature of the work we make. Which role(s) do you feel the most affinity to? Can you imagine different forms of art emerging from these various roles?
- Seeker- learning from the process- always open to deeper understanding and questions
- Visionary- dreaming a better way
- Oracle- foretelling the possible future
- Sage- providing advice for a healthier approach
- Mourner- being present with loss
- Heckler- confrontational and sarcastic truth teller
- Court Jester- truth teller with ironic self mockery
- Trickster- playful surprise- to poke at our assumptions
- Mirror- providing a reflection of what is
- Catalyst - agent for change
- Critic - another agent for change
- Educator - ditto...among other things
Additionally, as artists we generally have an audience in mind when we make our art. This does not mean that we specify limits of age or gender or race, etc. Rather audience is often tied to the context/venue/site in which artists present their work. Below are some sites/venues for presenting art. Consider these sites as you contemplate your own artistic goals!
- Art venue - gallery or museum - cultured/educated folks looking for something to move them
- Non-art related public venue - lobby or facade of public building, courtyard, community park or garden, public transportation vehicles, etc
- Web-based venues (blogs and more)
- Guerrilla locations- public bathroom, along the sidewalk, in the woods, etc
- Personal venues - one's room, as a gift for others, etc
I'm excited to work with all of you! See you all soon!
Amara
