Shouldn’t every serious artist have a secret studio, one where
no one else is allowed entrance except for models, intimate friends, and a
loved one? Yes, I emphatically believe this to be so. For me, creating art is a
very private affair, and I certainly wouldn’t like having just anyone think
they could enter into that process or are being invited to scrutinize works in
progress. Helpful feedback in the form of sincere criticism might be what other
artists are looking for when they throw open their space, but for me my studio
is my sanctuary and only those with a special connection to me or my work are
welcome here. I haven’t embraced the open studio concept, mostly because I
don’t care to have members of the general art-loving public traipsing through
my personal space. Here in San Miguel, the San Antonio art community is
actively seeking artists who are interested in joining their group. I imagine
membership entails paying fees to support advertising and other forms of
promotion for their open studio tours. This smacks too much of commercialism and
makes me uncomfortable. I am not a resident of the San Antonio neighborhood,
but even if I were I would be very reluctant to join this group. By nature, I
happen to be a very private person, and the idea of opening up my creative life
to whomever wishes to come inside is anathema to me. If an art collector
happens to be interested in my work a private meeting can always be arranged. I
have no problem with welcoming someone who enjoys my work into my studio for a
private viewing, a one-on-one discussion, and a glass of wine. Today’s fashion
is to display everything in public. I’m not a total recluse, but I do guard my
privacy fiercely, especially when it involves my creative life.
No comments:
Post a Comment