"There's No Place Like Home", Mixed Media/Collage Journal Page, June 17, 2011
It Ain’t Over ‘Til…
Many people think that now that Pieces of Me III is up and the opening is over that my job at the Atrium Gallery is done. Now I can just sit back, relax and bask in the glory of it all! But this couldn’t be further from the truth! There are still a myriad of tasks that need to be done during an exhibition…
There’ve been thank you emails and notes to write to those who made it out to the gallery and opening. The opening itself has led to several lunch, dinner and other engagements this month and next (one of the great perks about re-connecting with friends and visitors during a show). I’ve also been corresponding on a daily basis with those wonderful folks who’ve been sending me their thoughts related to the show and letting me know what their favourite pieces are. The “Tree Whisperer” and “First Memory” continue to intrigue many while “Body Talk”, “Mrs. S” and “Black & White” have struck quite a chord with others. Many of these people are also curious to learn the stories behind the stories of creating these pages which I’ve been happy to relay. I’ve also been very pleased to hear peoples’ own interpretations of my pages – I learn so much from their views. There’s been a flurry of enthusiastic calls and emails from those who are interested in purchasing the works or taking my vision board and journaling workshops. One such includes a high school guidance counsellor who wants me to introduce the basic concepts of journaling to 20 or so students – I’m just thrilled to take on this challenge; I believe there’s a no more turbulent a time to journal about our pains and insecurities than when we’re in the midst of our teenage years… although this late 40-something artist knows how a mid-life crisis can also strike up the need to journal one’s anxieties away! With this latter thought in mind, to those kind souls who’ve cautioned me not to turn to alcohol to quell my troubled spirit, no worries… I assure you that making art through journaling and collaging is definitely my tried and tested true drug for dealing with the painful moments of life. But all this stuff is nothing compared to my most important job related to the Gallery … keeping it presentable!
Gallery Ghosts & Controversies…
My sometimes most frustrating job is my twice weekly visits to the gallery to make sure everything’s in order*… the pieces are intact; the spotlights are working; the biz card, workshop brochures and show information sheets are replenished; ensuring the information binders are still there and making sure that the pen and comment book (which are chained down!) are still attached to their holders. Now I may seem a little paranoid about this to you, but after someone stole my comment book from my last show, I’ve become much more diligent about this task. So far one English information binder and five pens have disappeared … it appears someone out there’s making a little stationary supply of their own with supplies from my information desk! … spotlights have gone out and been replaced and several items from my display case have been toppled over by a mysterious mover. When I get troubled by such goings on, I realize this is the reality of showing in a pubic space; it comes with its ups and downs. For instance when my good friend Olive Jones remarked I must be getting such wonderful comments in my book, I had to enlighten her! Although most of the comments have been overwhelmingly positive (even glowing!), there are a few people, who have “not been impressed” by the show; some have not found beauty in my sorrows; some have asked for happier pages next time and one person said they’d hide all their favourite magazines if they ever invited me to their home! One person even noted that a kindergartner could have done a better job than me at collaging– Holy Moses! After I read that I had to laugh (hysterically, I might add)…. but I see it as all great fodder for more journal pages and further contemplation. As I nurse my slightly bruised ego, I acknowledge these people are entitled to their opinions; I view all comments as a challenge to make the next show even better and more inclusive. Plus Olive reminded me, being compared to a kindergartener means that my work is in the same league as artist Barnett Newman who was chided for the expensive price tag his painting “Voice of Fire” commanded at the National Gallery of Canada in 1990 – with some remarking that a child could have done that painting! Fortunately the positive elements of the show have far outweighed the negative ones. It’s been fun and games minding the gallery so far… I’m going to miss all the excitement when it’s over this Wednesday (November 30, 2011). Let me leave you with an anonymous comment that really made my day…
Dear Michelle
You seem like a very strong and beautiful woman. I would like you to know that your pieces of art have inspired me to explore the secrets within myself I have hidden away for so long.
A High School Girl
I wish you the best in your journey High School Girl, please feel free to let me know how it goes.
* Many thanks to Gallery Coordinator Penelope Kokkinos, the Atrium Gallery building maintenance and security guard staff for assisting me with these gallery tasks as well. They do such a great job!
If I were you, I’d think about altering the comment book! Make art from the nasty comments while keeping the comments that encourage you. Try not to take it personally (I know how hard that is) after all, there are people who don’t like Picasso (or insert famous artist X here.)
Your work is self expression in the purest form and NO ONE can take that from you.
Ha ha ha Kelly, your idea about the comment book is great! I hope I didn’t sound too much like a cry baby… at first it surprised me… and then I got used to it. I mean I’ve thought some really critical things about some artists shows but I’d never write them down in a nasty way in their comment book because I know how much work goes into putting on an exhibition. What irked me was someone saying my work was crap or no good and then leaving me hanging with no explanation as to why it didn’t speak to them. I think it’s only fair to say why at least. While studying art I was trained to accept both good and bad comments about my work when they came in the form of constructive criticism… so I don’t mind people disliking my art… you can’t please everyone. I do want to know why though so I can have some kind of meaningful discussion with the viewers/interactors of my art to further understand their point of view. Once we have our work out there as artists, we have to develop a thick skin for these type of comments so I’m working at developing mine. Thanks for your concern, understanding and advice. I really appreciate it. xo Warmest wishes, Michelle
It’s so hard to develop that skin! I’m still working on it. There is a difference between someone not liking the work and someone being a troll about it. I’m sorry that you had to experience the latter.
You didn’t sound like a crybaby at all! I would dismiss the negative comments that aren’t helpful or constructive and just keep doing your best! You really do make gorgeous, heartfelt artwork! 🙂
Thanks so much for your supportive comments, Kelly. I’m looking at the big picture and am just really pleased to have had the opportunity to have a show in such a great space and get my work “out there”. I’ve learned so much from doing it. Thanks for getting me going with journaling … your online journaling A Life By Hand and Prompt a Day courses really boosted my creative spirit! Your thoughts about my work mean so much especially seeing as they come from someone who’s such an incredible journaler and artist themself! I highly recommend your blog: http://kellykilmer.blogspot.com/ to my friends and students! Thanks so much for dropping by again! xo Michelle