Fur In The Paint

Full figured gal that I am, support is always a priority. However, that is not the support of which I speak.

Last Saturday I spent the day with my artist group. My group consists of between 6 and 12 women. I don’t think it was ever planned to be all women, that is just how it evolved. It started many years before I joined. (I have been going for nearly 10 years) We are officially called 20/21 (something to do with working in both the 20th and 21st century.) But most times we just refer to it as “group,” as in therapy. And that is just what it is, art therapy.

We generally sit around, drinking our beverage of choice and discussing art and whatever else is going on in our lives. (Loads of cat stories, and No it isn’t only me.) Some sketch, but mostly it is just talking. We all live quite a distance apart, so we only see each other during our meetings. We bring our most recent work and critique it, if asked to do so. We occasionally exhibit as a group but mostly, it is what it is. A group of women artists who have become friends, while sharing their passion for art.

The artists in my group are of a variety of talents. We are all so very different. We work differently. We use different media and inspirations. I am the only self taught artist, and the only one who sells what I do to make my living. Most are art teachers. Others, like the previously mentioned Connie Herring, are primarily installation artists. For her it is about creating a powerful message through her work. Saleability does not enter into her process, (a weird concept for me.)

The differences can sometimes cause friction between members and this has led some, to drop off for awhile. But, in the end most come back. I believe our differences can also make us stronger. It is because of my association with some of these women, that I felt confident enough to go ahead and work on a selection of paintings destined to become an exhibition. Though I have had solo showings at galleries, without group, I doubt I would have considered creating a themed exhibition.

As artists we tend to work in isolation. (I actually prefer it. Give me a critter or two and some diet coke and I am set for the afternoon.) But we all need support, and other artists are really the only ones who can fully comprehend what it is we are going through. Joining an art group, whether it be local or online can offer so much help and support. I think one of the best things an artist can do to further their education in all things art, is to join a group. Truth is, I have no extra time these days. And it gets harder and harder to attend these meetings. But most days I come away feeling it was sooo worth the effort.

So … umm… it is Sunday. And today, no matter what, My 2007 Christmas card design will be called complete. At least as far as using it for a card. I settled the red thing by adding purple and removing both the pink and the orange. I fell back to using my old mantra which is, when in doubt…add purple. And it worked. Well it worked sufficiently. I will post a picture as soon as I scan it for the cards.

I am sitting here, occasionally blowing on my fingers. I just came into the gallery and the place is still quite chilly. I’ve got Oliver the gallery cat draped over my left shoulder for moral support and proof reading. My warm and purring fur muff.

Speaking of frostbite in the gallery. Yesterday I had my art group over for our get together. I had the heat cranked way up and yet everyone had their hands clasped tightly in their armpits as they hunched over in the fetal position, swearing repeatedly that the room temperature was just fine. (Sigh) The problem with a big brick building plopped on a large cement slab in the middle of winter, is that it just doesn’t warm up. I can have the thermostat at 80 and the room temp in the front room will be 65. Now, I have been in this building for almost 8 years, so I just take it in stride. Sorry girls. I should have provided thermal undies or something.

Anywho, back to group. It is officially called 20/21 which has to do with women artists creating in both the 20 and 21st century. We are around 10 artists (some come and go) of all very diverse backgrounds and artistic styles. I am the only self taught amongst them. This can occasionally become uncomfortable for me. But that is only because of my issues, not anything anyone else does. We try to get together every month but lately it is closer to every 2-3 months. Most of the time it is a real joy. We bounce ideas off each other, show our latest work and talk art in general. It not only gets me in the mood to create, but to create better art.