I gave my first artist lecture yesterday morning at Walter State Community College in Morristown. Considering I had to wake up at 5am to prepare myself and drive there, I think it went fairly well.
My friend Brian teaches an Art Appreciation class there, hence why I was asked. I wasn't too nervous about it because, although I don't know much about most things, I do know quite a bit about the work I've been making for the past decade or so.
It was beneficial for me, too, to look back over the paintings I've made the past 7 or 8 years and see patterns and everything coming together currently. It's also nice to realize I've been an art making machine this year.
^ Self Portrait
mixed media on paper
2004
The beginning of something grand for me...
I also now know what it's like, as a speaker, to see people's eyes roll to the back of their head as they fight off sleep. I was a little shaky at the beginning, so I don't blame them for not being engaged, but as I warmed up, I think they did, too. They asked some good questions and shared helpful feedback. I really appreciated engaging with people about my work in this manner.
Brian walked me to my car afterward and told me he finally realized what I've been doing all this time (in regard to my artwork). He has a great way of summarizing the work artists' make into one sentence, a thing you apparently learn to do in grad school. He said I am a conceptually minded illustrator.
It's given me something to think about.
My friend Brian teaches an Art Appreciation class there, hence why I was asked. I wasn't too nervous about it because, although I don't know much about most things, I do know quite a bit about the work I've been making for the past decade or so.
It was beneficial for me, too, to look back over the paintings I've made the past 7 or 8 years and see patterns and everything coming together currently. It's also nice to realize I've been an art making machine this year.
^ Self Portrait
mixed media on paper
2004
The beginning of something grand for me...
I also now know what it's like, as a speaker, to see people's eyes roll to the back of their head as they fight off sleep. I was a little shaky at the beginning, so I don't blame them for not being engaged, but as I warmed up, I think they did, too. They asked some good questions and shared helpful feedback. I really appreciated engaging with people about my work in this manner.
Brian walked me to my car afterward and told me he finally realized what I've been doing all this time (in regard to my artwork). He has a great way of summarizing the work artists' make into one sentence, a thing you apparently learn to do in grad school. He said I am a conceptually minded illustrator.
It's given me something to think about.