Monday, March 23, 2009

Our own lives


My Poppy jug and beakers at Cairns Regional Gallery

I love doing this blog but it is time-consuming (sometimes thinking of something intelligent to say is a real effort!) I do it for a couple of reasons, the first is that I really believe that artists and ceramicists in particular don't tell the wider world clearly enough what we really do. I want people to have a greater insight into the artistic process, most particularly how entwined the process of inspiration and making is in everyday life. Also I think many people in Australia think of art as a "hobby". Through this blog I want to illuminate the work of an artist, the day to day organization and show that thinking of wonderful ideas is just the tip of the iceberg.

The other main reason I write the blog is for our obscure little corner of the art world. I think if you can speak you should. Being and artist is a lonely profession, especially if you live in the country. We need to talk more amongst ourselves. Question each other, examine each other's work. I find there is often a reluctance to engage in discussion about the arts bureaucracy, competitions, others people's work, govt funding etc and really believe that a lively community full of discussion and disagreement makes us all stronger. Many potters feel that if they "criticize" something they are damaging our chances as a community of getting more funding or, being negative. I think the insidious pressure not to speak about our own art, our own jobs and our own lives is way more damaging.

9 comments:

andrew widdis said...

Well said!
Totally agree, just don't be negative about my work. lol!
aw.

carole epp said...

eloquent as always my dear! i'm in agreement. the same moods are pervasive over this side of the pond as well.

Anneke de Rooij said...

Good points! I do love being able to hear what other artists and particularly other ceramicists are thinking. It gives me a bit of courage to keep going.

Linda Starr said...

I totally agree, I am out in the country and bloggers and forums are a great resource, inpsiration and sounding board for me, thx for being there; we all do need to talk more. I see things coming around though or maybe I'm coming around, who knows.

Anonymous said...

Hey Shannon, I've just rediscovered your blog, I used to always read it and it was great to hear news of your studio upgrade as well. I wld luv to put you on my blog sight as well, as I've just started one up! your work is beautiful as always..Janet K..The Manly Gallery

Anonymous said...

nice jug and beakers... i agree, sometimes it takes effort to say something that is even interesting

Damon Young said...

It's also nice having skilled craftspeople talking about their passions, ambitions and achievements.

The blogosphere is filled with "so N txtd me and, leik I ToTlly sed fck u looser" and "liberals/feminists/capitalists/women/men/penguins suck".

It's refreshing to read informed, focused, effusive writing, on matters intimate, tangible and worthwhile.

Whitney Smith said...

Could not agree more, dear. Keep writing and talking.

judsculpt said...

Your blog is always great to read and well said.Judy