The Practice of Practice

Selections from the Modulations Series

An artist’s studio practice is such an individual pursuit….each artist must forge their own path, finding a foothold that keeps them steady. Decades of a creative studio life and I’m still finding my way! It’s strange how the last decades have changed everything….social media, technology, and twenty-four hour connectivity. I used to say, in the “before times” that I would always make art, even if no one ever saw it. That was when the only way to get your work out in the world was through exhibitions or a gallery. After art school, I continued to make work, but it took decades for me to feel as if I’d finally slipped into my own skin as an artist….that is to say, I remember when I started making the work that was truly my own….the work I recognized that was made with my own language of mark making. That journey took a long time and there was no social media to distract me from the task.

After more decades than I’d like to admit, I’m still at it, now amid the love-hate relationship with the connected world. So many artists, so MUCH beautiful work to behold…online and in life. How to stay true to yourself as an artist? The practice….the time alone, looking in instead of out. The trick, at least for me, is to stay connected, but be able to close the door and let the quiet of the studio allow the outside influences to fade into the background. Eventually the noise dies down and once my hand starts moving, I relax….and slip back into my own skin. I draw, I paint, I stitch.

And so, the work continues to accumulate around me….drawings, more drawings, works of art, each of which captures the moment of the person I was when I made it. I want and need this art to go out into the world…to connect with folks who connect with the art that I make. Many who offer advice for selling art encourage the artist to identify their audience. Self-promtion is not something that comes naturally to me, nor is it a skill I’ve been able to build all that much….because, well, here’s the trickiest part. The paradox is that I don’t make the work for the buyer, the collector or for anyone else out there….I make the work for me. That’s the only way I can see to make work that is truly your own. But, there’s also nothing more rewarding than hearing from people who connect to my work, who are touched by the marks that I make. And so, while it starts out with an audience of one, ultimately the work is meant to be shared with my community of connection across the globe.

Feel free to be in touch if you are interested in the bodies of work here on the website….only a fraction of it is available at WildHareDrawing!