I am learning as I go about the process of working in group shows and on deadlines as an artist, and CORE is my first go with this sort of thing. Working with Anne Carmack has been a wonderful experience on my end, and I think she should create a tutorial on how to organize a group show! Gathering artists and their creations together under one roof is just too much fun. I thrive on the bonds made in artistic communion, it's just heavenly! It helps to remedy the isolation that occurs when I hole up in my studio and just push myself to go through everything alone.
Creating work on a deadline meant that there were moments that I had to disappear (sometimes a bit guiltily) when my kids, husband, dogs, the preschool, friends, needed me. When I'm not minding a clock, I still have to carve out time, but I typically squeeze it in during everyone's off hours. Having a "due date" definitely turned the fire up under the family skillet. It very much spotlighted how in demand I am as a mom- how I imagine most moms must be, whether we feel it or not.
I have another project coming up in two weeks and the medium is closer to what I normally use, but get this...I only have 48 hours to create it from start to finish! I can't wait to tell you about it, it's a really neat concept.
I know that I am energized by the feeling of gestation and giving birth, but what I didn't realize until now is that I've created a profession in which I am giving birth left and right. This is what it feels like to be an artist: fresh sweat on my brow, exhilarating, anticipation, trust, and wonder. Not unlike the birthdays of my sweet babes, which felt like I was being given amazing treasures, but who are also my offerings to the world.
