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Visual Arts

4/27/20  It’s Been a Minute

Carolyn has been deeply involved in projects, so Tim is stepping in to share a couple of things she wanted to post.

Artists – please check out the Precipice Fund. It is an emergency relief grants for Portland area artists. Applications go live on May 4!

Also, this film “Beyond the Visible – Hilma Af Klint”

“Hilma af Klint was an abstract artist before the term existed, a visionary, trailblazing figure who, inspired by spiritualism, modern science, and the riches of the natural world around her, began in 1906 to reel out a series of huge, colorful, sensual, strange works without precedent in painting. The subject of a recent smash retrospective at the Guggenheim Museum, af Klint was for years an all-but-forgotten figure in art historical discourse, before her long-delayed rediscovery. Director Halina Dryschka’s dazzling, course correcting documentary describes not only the life and craft of af Klint, but also the process of her mischaracterization and erasure by both a patriarchal narrative of artistic progress and capitalistic determination of artistic value.”

Also, some interesting artistic statements adapted to the challenges of the day. Check out this article.

4/4/2020 Updates!

 

I have some updates from previous posts that I’d like to share. First, if you didn’t see it yet – I posted a bunch of resources for financial assistance a few posts back – I highly recommend applying for anything that you are eligible for if you are struggling right now. I have two more great resources I’d like to share. RACC just started the Artist Impact Fund, and you can apply here. In addition, Artist Trust launched emergency funding.

To continue with the humor and brevity, the instagram account I had posted with roommates re-creating classical painting sis part of a much wider social media happening of folks using their homes and items on hand to do the same. This article has some amazing examples. Perhaps you’d like to join in on the fun?

4/2/2020 With your ears this time …

 

I’ve been getting deep into the house chores and fix-it projects. While I’m working with my hands, even in studio – I like to keep my ears busy with a little something else. My general go-to is true crime, but in these strange times that can be a bit heavy. So why not broaden my horizons with some amazing podcasts about the thing I care most for – art!

Lucky for me (and you) the New York Times just published this awesome list. 

And if that isn’t enough for you, you could always get a good book on tape. You can listen to many publications for free with your library card through the Libby App. 

Or, you could always go the old fashioned route and actually sit down with a book and use your eyes instead. Either way, might I suggest the new How to be an Artist By Jerry Saltz, or one of my old favorites Air Guitar by Dave Hickey. If you want to just enjoy some fantastic writing and storytelling about artists and musicians and herself – Just Kids by Patti Smith is one of my all time favorites – you really can’t go wrong with that one.

3/31/2020 Films

 

I saw a hilarious meme yesterday that just said “I finished Netflix.” Anyone else feeling like they are reaching the end of their online video entertainment? Maybe that’s why we’ve all binged Tiger King, and then asked ourselves where that 5 hours of our life went? Well, I’m here with some resources. Hyperallergic just published this article with some amazing links to experimental films and videos.

I’ve been thinking a lot about artists who work in isolation, and how that sort of practice might thrive in a time like this. These two documentaries immediately came to mind: Rivers and Tides the classic documentary on Andy Goldsworthy, and With My Back to the World a beautiful and thoughtful documentary on Agnes Martin.

Of course there are so many more amazing documentaries and films out there. If you have any other favorites you’d like to recommend to others – please share by emailing me.

3/27/2020 A Bit of Creative Humor

 

Being stuck at home can be trying, it can also bring out your creative side. Many of us are turning to humor for some relief from our isolation and worry. Today I thought I’d share a pretty amazing instagram account I found of a group of roommates re-creating classical paintings during their group quarantine. For some laughs, and inspiration – check it out here. 

How are you making space for creativity in your home? I’d love to see what you have going on in your studio or other creative outlets. Feel free to share by emailing me at gallery@columbiaarts.org

3/26/2020 Resources for Creatives

 

Many of us are struggling financially or otherwise from lost income, studio space, gallery shows, etc. While many things are moving to online formats, it can be hard to play catch up. There are emergency grants available nation-wide, and some that are more specific to regions and the type of work you are making.

The first and probably most obvious things to do if you are losing income or have lost a job are to file for unemployment and food stamps. You can do that for Washington here, and for Oregon here. For food stamps in Oregon go here, and for Washington here.

RACC ‘s resource page continues to feature jobs and opportunities, and is worth checking in on daily if you are looking for employment or ways to get your work featured. While new grants are popping daily to assist artists, musicians, writers, and makers – here is my short list for now:

This grant available to Seattle area artists

Sweet Relief Musicians Fund

Craft Emergency Relief Fund

American Writer’s Emergency Fund

Oregon Arts Commission Grants

RACC Grants

You might also consider running small sales on your social media accounts for people to purchase work or goods from you. As we all become more creative, please feel free to share resources and ideas – I am happy to feature them, and you can reach me at gallery@columbiaarts.org

3/24/2020

 

If you need to get out of the house – do it virtually by touring a museum

Because we are all bound to get a bit of cabin fever being stuck at home, you might want to take a virtual tour of some of the greatest museums in the word. There are many museums that offer their collections online, and some that you can virtually walk through. This article has a good list.

Artists in Isolation on Hyperallergic

As a visual artist, I have been thinking a lot about the role of isolation in my practice. Often times, creatives seek out isolation in order to create. Many of us are no stranger to being holed up in one spot for extended periods of time. I’ve been observing many of the artists I follow on social media utilizing this time to create new work.

Hyperallergic has this article on the role of isolation in creative practices.

 

If you need a break – check out these great offerings from OPB

If you’re stuck at home there are so many amazing resources you can find on the web. I really enjoyed these videos OPB put up. Take an “arts break” and check out these great videos OPB has featured on their webpage. I particularly loved the corn husk basket weaving with Kelli Palmer. Check them out here.