Little Islands
Dorothy Shinn’s (Art and Architecture Critic) art review in the Sunday, June 20th Akron Beacon Journal hit the mark, especially the last 3 paragraphs.
To quote, “But what’s really needed is a forum with local speakers …to thoroughly explore contemporary art issues. That’s the only way local artists will be able to measure their own interests against new developments.”
You can read the entire article at: http://www.ohio.com/entertainment/shinn/96745374.html
And, yes, it’s hard to find the time, the room and sometimes, the desire to work on one’s chosen craft, let alone to set aside the time to go to a meeting.
Personally, I feel like I’m always trying to squeeze in bits of time during the day to actually be able to work on my jewelry.
Keeping the website current, managing the money, trying to update the social media like Facebook, getting ready for shows (and everything that entails), coming up with ideas for classes, keeping in contact with other artists, gallery owners, promoters, guilds, groups, new products, new designs. It all eats up big chunks of time.
And, hey, on top of that, somebody’s got to do the dishes.
It’s easy to become isolated. As Ms. Shinn so succinctly wrote, “Otherwise, each artist is just on his or her little island as new ideas on the horizon sail on by.”
I really don’t think it’s all about the networking, although that’s certainly a big, important part. It’s about that spark. That bit of life. That “ah ha” moment. That energy.
Especially that energy.
It’s how we grow. It’s how we deepen our understanding of the world around us.
I started the Ohio Arts Community with the idea of opening an avenue for networking, and discussion, between the different aspects of the art community. We’ve done the networking to a certain extent, but I think the whole idea of a discussion deserves examination.
Whether you’re able to actually attend a meeting, or take the time to comment via this website, you’re input makes the energy to move this areas art community forward.
Let’s keep it rolling.
