Without getting into a debate on whether Facebook has changed our socio-psychological aspects; I will say that once you immerse yourself into the vortex of social networking you do get to peruse a panoply of quite wonderful photographs posted from all over the world. 
And, if you find yourself delving a little deeper by joining specific groups that relate to your particular interests, then its inspirational asset becomes apparent. This is the case under a specific facebook group defined as, “Sculpture.” It is in this group that some diligent volunteer quarries archival photographs of known artists in their studios and posts them for folks like me to see. Photos such Arp in his studio surrounded by backlit maquettes, Moore in his working world, Brancusi, Rodin, Hepworth, and more, all in their inspirational spaces, surrounded by tools, maquettes, sculptures, light, stone, wood, etc.
Now, while these photos are most certainly staged, it might be useful to ask yourself some questions about where you work. What does your studio space look like? It is a place that defines you as an artist. Is there room to move? How do you work best? Is your preferred method a labyrinth of material, and tools? Do you need things clean, or cluttered? Do you require several projects at the same time or are you more definitive in your working style? We all work differently and our working spaces should be part of our creative process, defining us, and inspiring us to be productive. Food for thought when you head out to work today.
Gerda Lattey
If you have been lurking around the fringes of NWSSA events for the past few years, it's time to get that extraneous dust off your tools and come to both of our symposiums for a well-ventilated taste of the real thing.
In July, "Camp B" celebrates its 25th anniversary offering a this-year-only early bird rate of $100 off for full-time attendees (including campers) who sign up before June 1st.
We have a lot lined up for you this year. Monumental sculptor George Pratt will be hosting a granite carving workshop. Figurative abstractionist MJ Anderson teaches us the wily ways of Italian marble. The acclaimed contemporary jade and granite sculptor, Deborah Wilson delves into the mysteries of jade. And Richard Hestekind will offer an inspired design workshop. Plus, comprehensive tool talks with Tom Urban, and more. Big celebrations and prizes will be companioned with old friends and new. And let's not forget the best - good, old fashioned, dirty fun.
And if that is not enough to pique your interest, we finish off the symposium season by bringing back world-renown sculptor, Kazutaka Uchida to Silver Falls Symposium in August. Uchida's elegant and sophisticated forms have inspired many a NWSSA artist to new directions. Paired with the much admired figurative sculptor, John Fisher, this is an opportunity any artist would be crazy to miss.
So if you have copper pennies, save them up because they are worth four cents. We know that you will come home from each of our events with a bright, refreshed outlook that'll carry you through the rest of the year.
Gerda Lattey
Call it what you will- economic
downturn, recession, or monetary
slough. For those of us who
create things that are not necessary for
everyday consumption, things are more
challenging than in happy money times.
Unlike some of you more reserved folks,
I tend to complain out loud. While vociferously
venting financial and artistic
frustrations has some possible long-term
health benefits, it also welcomes advice
from every corner. Here is some of the
feedback that I have received: 1) Make
sculpture that is more accessible. 2)
Replicate work. 3) Choose a different
medium. 4) Give up and get a real job.
5) Innovate.
Personally I like number 5. The world in
shift is a good time to think differently,
try new things, and push boundaries like
never before. Art can and should reflect
the time that it was made and provide
a social commentary, insight, and/or a
narrative into the mindset of the community
that it was made in. And so while
the rest of world is choosing reserve
while it continues to consume the same
reserves, we have an opportunity to conceive
new ideas, break new ground and
lead through innovation and inspiration.
And so, here is my suggestion for you.
Try something new… what have you got
to lose?
-Gerda Lattey
Call it what you will - economic downturn, recession, or monetary slough. For those of us who create things that are not necessary for everyday consumption, things are more challenging than in happy money times.
Unlike some of you more reserved folks, I tend to complain out loud. While vociferously venting financial and artistic frustrations has some possible long-term health benefits, it also welcomes advice from every corner. Here is some of the feedback that I have received:
1) Make sculpture that is more accessible.
2) Replicate work.
3) Choose a different medium.
4) Give up and get a real job.
5) Innovate.
Personally I like number 5. The world in shift is a good time to think differently, try new things, and push boundaries like never before. Art can and should reflect the time that it was made and provide a social commentary, insight, and/or a narrative into the mindset of the community that it was made in. And so while the rest of world is choosing reserve while it continues to consume the same reserves, we have an opportunity to conceive new ideas, break new ground and lead through innovation and inspiration.
And so, here is my suggestion for you.Try something new… what have you got to lose?
-Gerda Lattey
