RESOLUTION....

Back to back inspiration...



Went to the Montclair Art Museum (MAM)Thursday night to see artist Nick Cave. An American fabric sculptor, dancer, and performance artist. Nick is best known for his Soundsuits: wearable fabric sculptures that are bright, whimsical, and other-worldly. He also trained as a dancer with Alvin Ailey. He resides in Chicago and is director of the graduate fashion program at School of the Art Institute of Chicago.

Recycling remnants for his work from thrift shops -- you know he is a man after my own heart. What really inspires me most about his work is his desire to keep it completely intuitive. He said his work is to remain open to new ideas, and to not over think them. Maintaining a stress free environment is also an important element of that process. He follows the flow without trying to analysis where it came from -- or, more importantly -- where it's going. The results are amazing. Unique. Inspiring. Unconventional. Completely imaginative...
The other shot in the arm came yesterday. Back at MAM (an institution I am very pleased to be associated with I might add), I went to view "Who Does She Thing She Is" (Available on Amazon.com). A riveting documentary by Academy Award-winning producer Pamela Tanner Boll (Born Into Brothels), which features five women who navigate some of the most problematic intersections of our time: parenting and creativity, partnering and independence, and economics to create their art. Through their lives Tanner Boll explores what it means to nurture children and family, and still keep the creative fire burning within. The film ultimately explores how women went from ancient muse to contemporary second class artists. Really an important film for all women artist to see....

If in fact we end up where we need to be at the moments we need to be there, then I am affirmed. At peace with my course. I left both events thinking of my own work, with the resolute conviction to celebrate who I am as an artist, and not to impede where it is heading....

IMAGE RIGHT: At Play 2008,
Study: Mixed media papers w/vintage lace,
5"W x 7" H. Collected