I'm having another reality check - Jim and I are in Portland, Oregon. Jim has a business conference here for a couple of days and I came with him to check out the art scene. There is a hot new area here called the Pearle District - It's an old industrial area getting a face lift - new condos, boutiques, restaurants and art galleries - while Jim is in his meetings, I hopped on the light rail and went into Portland to explore - it's like so many other urban places that have received that shot of young hip artsy infusion - I saw some very wonderful art and that always thrills me - the thing I wonder about is - do I want to shop for a gallery - I'm really questioning this idea - AGAIN!. After a day of visiting many galleries, my question is, would I want my work in any of them and I can honestly say, NO, I wouldn't. There is something so sterile about a gallery atmosphere. The spaces don't have an aliveness to them - quiet! don't touch! just look! don't bother the person behind the desk - they are real busy on the computer with very important clients! for me, I love having my website to show my work, I love my blog and the community that goes with that, I love
flickr and again, the community that goes with that - I like the process of sharing something - my upcoming show is in a savvy hair salon in
Belltown - that appeals to me - the work will be hanging in a space where there is life going on all around it! - anyway, I'm thinking about this whole thing trying to find the solution that works for me. Maybe there is just the right gallery space out there and I just have to keep looking. I want the work to be part of life, not separate from it. Anyway - When I was walking today, I found this fabulous purple door - what I really like about the door is when it was juxtaposed with people walking in front of it - or when a car and driver drove past - I spent about a half hour on the street shooting pictures. Here are a few of the shots I got today.
I have a bunch of car and driver shots. I like the human element because they aren't connected in any way except to my eye, they
enhance one another. The people without the purple door behind them are not that interesting and vise versa, however together they make something less ordinary. Same with the car and driver - alone, not so much, but with the door - interesting. Hope you are all having a great week!
I have a bunch of car and driver shots. I like the human element because they aren't connected in any way except to my eye, they enhance one another. The people without the purple door behind them are not that interesting and vise versa, however together they make something less ordinary. Same with the car and driver - alone, not so much, but with the door - interesting. Hope you are all having a great week!
22 comments:
Hi Jeane,
Good that you're enjoying the trip. The colour of purple for the door is FAB! And it does provide a lively background for more mundane subjects (no offence the them!).
I like your idea of showing your work amid real life but you also don't want to devalue it or make it seem peripheral. I'm sure there must be vibrant, lively galleries/outlets out there somewhere!
the diary of a blue door!! great idea and project that could keep one going for months!!! also feel very connected to your ideas about showing art and new hip areas in town - the problem here in the Uk is that these arty areas which used to house cheap studios to rent are now pricy yuppy places (did I mention luxury apartments! why is everything luxury and untouchable too! Not just the art but galleries and interesting places to live in!
Love the photos! It's interesting how we often think of subjects in isolation, then seeing them against a vibrant coloured background makes you see things differently and count the background in too.
Well Jeane this is one of the things I love about you – enthusiasm! I agree it would be much more fun to have your work in a lively place – it would certainly be more reflective of who you are, your art work and your values. I think our art work does reflect our values so it all ties in together.
And I agree galleries think a lot of themselves seemingly– an unapproachable don’t touch attitude, except maybe on gallery walk nights. That’s what I usually experience when I walk in a gallery. Might be interesting to talk to some gallery owners about how they see that. Sounds to me like galleries could use a marketing make over!
It also sounds like you could do a great job of having a gallery, although I know it might be a bit crazy to do so.
With your web site, your blog, your flicker community you have in fact created your own contemporary “gallery”, full of life and interaction.
Just Do It!
You know me, I am a lover of art, no matter where its displayed .. especially funky street art .... and I want you to visit another blog friend of mine and an artist AND a gallery owner .. San Meredith .. you two need to meet ... http://alifewithaview.blogspot.com/
Gotta love the Pearl District... I used to go there to shop for my art supplies at Utrecht (on Everett). (Yup, I'm a transplanted Portlander if ya didn't know!!) I totally agree with your stance on 'fancy, cold city galleries'. Way too serious for moi as well. Have a great time there! (Check out Oblation in the Pearl... a great stationary/paper/letterpress shop - it dosen't dissapoint. And it's across the st from Oba! A wonderful Tapas/fusion/Latin eatery.)
Wish I could have been there and done the Pearl with you! Love these photos!
I think you're making the right choice for yourself..having worked in a gallery, I found the intrigues and politics pretty scary at times.
By the way, I've left a MeMe Award for you on my blog. Simple stuff, just 7 bits of info about you! And pass it on...Thanks!!
Hi Jeane,
The Pearle district sounds fantastic...glad your having a good time there. Will "google" it.
Ahh yes, the "gallery thingy" :)
Love the purple wall series :)
Jo
xx
I am glad you had a nice time.
Me and a friend were just talking about Portland and I am never been there. I love your shots..
A gallery is sometimes just not correct for the artist. It is about other things.
You are amazing!
Love the purple door and the driver shots. The door reminds me that I once saw some street performers who were dressed in old style shop overalls carrying a 6ft by 8ft empty picture frame right through the crowds with all the excuse me and mind your backs banter going on, causing havoc. When they stopped, they would "frame" a conversation or someone sitting at a street table having a coffee, someone leaning on a doorway, like we should take a look. While some of their chosen moments were hysterically funny, there was something very moving about it all. Anyway, there is an artist collective shop gallery here called IO which you might like to take a look at. I'm wondering if there might be such a collective in your neck of the woods....www.iogallery.co.uk/
good morning Derrick - your peripheral comment really made me think - and what I'm thinking is, I want the work to be part of the pattern that creates the energy we live in and how to do that is the question - thanks Derrick :)
hello Rosie - well, as far as I can figure out, the hip areas want to feel artsy, they just don't want the artists - we don't have money!
Hi Raph- I'm always interested in how the ordinary can be raised to the extraordinary - new ways of seeing what is in front of us - thanks Raph, :)
LOL! Leslie - a gallery of my own, well actually, I do have one and that is my website that is open 24/7 and I'm always available! - my goal seems real clear now and it's about the integration of my work into the everyday - climbing outside my own box to see a new way of showing :)
Hi Daryl! - I'll check her out!
good morning Brenda - a Portlander? well I enjoyed the Pearle, but I live in an area that is pretty much like that - I did hit Utrecht and got a good buy on my three fav colors, paynes gray, white and burnt umber - big tubes - yeah!
oh Katherine that would have been so fun - next time! thanks, :)))
Hi Lyn - mmmmmm, I know what you are talking about - galleries, very small worlds with huge politics - so not what my art is about! a meme?, will check it out :)
hi Jo - yes, the gallery thingy - ugh! I think I'm getting closer to my own personal goals - I like the purple door idea too!xxo
Hi Katelen - well, if you like urban, you would have a good time I think :)
Mark you are so funny - the most amazing thing I do each day is dray my old lady self out of bed every morning - it's coffee time buddy!
Annie I have seen the exact same thing here! isn't it amazing what that little square makes you see! thanks for your idea, will check it out!:)
I used to live near Portland OR and love the Pearl District. Though I have to say I have never seen that purple door but I can see why it is an 'eye' grabber--- especially your artistic eye!
You have such a great eye, Jeane. The purple door photos are striking. The thumbnail pic immediately got my attention.
About the galleries... some of the galleries here are very sterile and off putting but one in particular is warm, relaxed and interesting. Its an old Victorian house filled with art of all persuasions and the owner is genuinly interested in her customers and artists.(I'm lucky enough to have my work here). Keep looking, I'm sure the right gallery is there ... somewhere.
Jeane--I love your thoughts about having your work in a sterile environment. Just why is that supposed to be an artist's ultimate goal?? Perhaps the solution is to open your own and do it your way. Lotsa work, though--and when do you paint?
I can't wait to see how you use your purple door series in your work.
good morning Donna! another Portlander - it was a fun way to do art for that day :)
Hi Robyn - I think you are so right that the right place is out there for everyone's work - finding it is the goal - your gallery sounds wonderful :)
Hello Elizabeth - well that's my question to myself for sure - I know I don't want to open my own box gallery, but the internet has huge possibilities - actually the purple door was my art for that day in Portland, but it did give me an idea for a project this winter :) good to see your here
Your post really resonates with so many artists, including me. I am so glad you wrote your thoughts on gallery representation. I'm right there with you.
Someone recently contacted a gallery to see if there was an opening and the gallery owner said that she gets 15 portfolios per week! She now has someone else look at them. Her gallery is so full of work that it is a bit difficult to transition between the art work. However, this may be because she is one of those who really wants to work with the local art community.
There must be a better way. Perhaps each of us will carve out our own best place. I know that for me, it is very difficult submitting work to galleries. Much better to do the work and let others enjoy and buy as they feel so moved...I know, not very market driven, but...we're about the work. Another approach is to submit works for exhibits, build a resumé and build a presence in the art community.
I agree that the internet provides an alternative. I'm so glad you're online and pursuing what fits best with you!
Sigh,,,,the 'ol dreaded gallery scene.
(although I'm sure some good ones must exist, all are very expensive)
Never ever underestimate an upscale hair salon. That's where my very best sales have been!
Online just feels good,,,and many do very well. You've got a super presentation on your site,,,hang in there!
good morning Melinda and yes, I think you are right - we each have to carve out our own niche and know that gallery representation is only one way to show our work :)
Hi Babs -yes, I agree, there are some very good galleries out there, but I sense there is a change in the air - the salon is a fabulous venue and I'm thrilled to be showing there :)
i've had this very same dialogue with myself. I love doing the alternative type locations because I like to be part of the community, part of everyday normal people's lives. Art becomes part of everyone's life and can influence someone who may not even be all that into the arts. I just love that! Most of my friends/acquaintances are not artists......and never stepped foot into a gallery. They have told me that it intimidates them. A lot of people are like that. So that also makes me like to be in alternative venues. You can reach a wider audience.
Also it doesn't hurt that the alternative venues usually don't take as huge of a cut as galleries.
But then on the other hand, it is really nice to hand off your paintings to a well run gallery and know that it's in good hands. I don't have to handle transactions or put up or take down the work. It's also good for one's career, right? Ultimately, my goal is to be in galleries. But if showing in interesting and exciting alternative venues pop up, I'm not going to say no.
that's my 2 cents! :)
you should post these on Urban Ready Mades . . . www.urbanreadymades.com
xo!!
Post a Comment