15.4.10

On possibly revealing too much, too soon


This little guy keeps escaping from the dogloo where he hatched. Then he can't get back in over the lip. I've been putting him back in and his moms (there are two hens in there, I don't know which one is his ma) fly at me in a very scary way. Of course, he might be a she, but he seemed like a he to me. I'd like to take more pics of the chicks, but the moms are not having it. Some farmers don't get attached to little ones or name them yet because the world is pretty precarious for someone so tiny.

I've been thinking about actually submitting some needlework to be considered for a show. I saw this call for work over at Joetta Maue's blog. Even though I'm often intimidated by the skill and vision of the fiber artists she features, why not try, right? Especially because I had this idea that fits in with the theme that I'm excited about and am going to do anyway.

And I was thinking, rather than sit here and wonder what to blog about while I'm thinking about all this stuff, why not blog about it? I love when other bloggers reveal their process, but there is this temptation to just unveil new work once it's done, as if by magic. There is this surprise of "Woah, where did that come from? S/he has been *busy*." Or at least that's how I feel. And if I include readers in this process, maybe I can get some useful feedback, or insight too. I'm in my own head way too much!

Then there's the fact that I've been criticized before for not revealing my thoughts or intent behind something I've posted online. And this project I have in mind *might* be destined to cause a little controversy, at least among people who are looking for controversy. Sometimes, it's fair to give some context, especially for a more conceptual work or when you really want your own intention to be part of the viewer's frame of reference.

Then again, maybe it's better not to reveal too much early on. Criticism of delicate, new ideas is always a buzzkill and can even be damaging. And then, if I don't get accepted into that exhibit (which is fairly likely, these types of shows seem to be very particular), then I'll wish I'd never mentioned it here. But I love Alexandra Hedberg's Art as Business series, partly because she shares her disappointments along with her successes. Then again, there are lots of other reasons artists and crafters wait until they have finished pieces to share. What if they never get done? And perhaps a strong piece should be able to piece speak for itself, without the extra baggage, and that draws the viewer into a meaning-making process yada yada.

Back and forth much? I am so often full of indecision. But in this case, I like what I'm working on so I'll definitely share the process in upcoming posts. I wanted to think about all this though because I want to know why artists share or don't share and when. Would love to know what you think.

6 comments:

  1. love the little chick! My black silky bantam hen has gone broody and is NOW sitting on a nest. I was beginning to have doubts about her.

    Sure blog on your thoughts....and don't let the critics get you down!

    You will just love this kid goat that I am now Moma to. Very tiny. I can see progress since yesterday. Her lymph glands are swollen so it makes me wonder if she will make it? Hopefully this weekend we will get the desk top up. I have many photos to share :-) and catching up to do.

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  2. It's your blog! I appreciate reading thoughts on process, but I also love just clicking on pictures.

    If it makes you feel any better, I've got entry forms filled out and sitting around my house for shows, but I get too scared to send them in. It's never easy for me to call myself an artist. I have tons of doubt and fear.

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  3. denise, this goat sounds adorable. i hope you can nurse him back to health!
    looking forward to seeing pics of everyone.

    mmitdr, i really can't call myself an artist either, much more comfortable with crafter. i was thinking of blogging on that too - i'm more of a navel-gazer than anything apparently. i wish i could do self-guided art therapy, except for the "self" part.

    i really think you should submit some forms! (or i could submit them for you! lol)

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  4. I love the chick photo what a wonderful peaceful shot. I really enjoy reading your blog and I like that you have gone back to sharing your life and thoughts. I look forward to seeing your work as you enter it into the show! Just doing it is the challenge enough and the fact that you are going for it and documenting it is to be commended! I will come back to see how it works out for you! Goof luck! Oh and thank you for sharing the Art and Business link - its exactly what I've been getting into! ;-)

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  5. You should really submit your work to my guild's annual Juried Summer Show - we're trying to re-establish it as an amazing collection of fiber art, and I think your work would be a welcome addition, and I would almost guarantee it would get in. If you want I can mail you a copy of our prospectus, or you can download it at http://sites.google.com/site/whitewaterfiberguild/gallery-show -

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  6. You should apply to lots of stuff. the more you enter, the more likely you'll get into something and the more people will be aware of your awesome work. Plus Joetta often posts about the work that didn't get in the actual show, which is almost as good as being in a show!
    I like to share my work in progress on my blog because it's a visual reminder to me of the progress I'm making.It's more for me than for the people who read it. It does provide some accountability. If I tell someone I'm going to do something I'm more likely to actually do it.
    Good luck!

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