It was the last meeting of Salon 28 for the summer, and we met at K's Parisian style apartment in Park Slope. We feasted on food and wine and conversation, on goals and expectations as artists. C. talked about the many projects in her life, and how the stress and crazy parts of her life are transformed into her work in the studio. Somehow, it all ends up in the work, through some alchemical process.
M. talked about her experience with the implosion of the Artist Pension Trust, and finding alternatives to the art market, and the art world. Trying to find a new or different way was a theme that came up a few times; the need to find another path, and what that might be. Artists do talk about the soul-hollowing experience of having an art show in a gallery. I've had this experience too. It seems like there must be a better way to share art and have dialogue. What are the non-traditional options?
K. and S. talked about their moods since both of their recent shows closed. A. reminded everyone how in the 1970's in NYC galleries would be begging artists to show in their galleries-- but many artists didn't want to participate in the capitalist economy. They all really thought that things were changing, and becoming more egalitarian, but turns out change is slow.
I think a discussion topic going forward could be ideas about alternative paths for artists outside of the art world, alchemy in the studio, and other ways life turns into art.