“Every artist was first an amateur.”
– Ralph Waldo Emerson
A few months ago, I took that leap out of corporate life. A one-year career break to travel and paint. Although I have been painting for years, I was a newbie in the art world. Since I penciled out going back to school, I decided to become an artist-in-residence in different places. That way I can have the best of both worlds – travel and paint. So these are my takeaways:
1. The Basics
AIR (Artists-in-Residence) programs are institutions that provide a conducive place for artists to live and work. Free or for a fee. Some even charge for the application alone. Sometimes, there are even grants available. It took me several tries but as a newbie, I focused on the ones that do not charge for application. There are specific websites that provide listings where you can apply. I applied on resartis.org.
Make sure that before applying you have at least a portfolio of your artworks plus a project summary of what you plan to do when you get accepted.
And like any application process, you will either get rejected or accepted. And yes, sometimes ignored.
2. The Place
Designed to enhance your creativity, AIR settings are normally away from the hustle and bustle. To provide focus. Quaint, pretty and always offer a visually compelling reason for you to get inspired and create. Should they be smacked in the middle of a busy area, it’s mainly because most of the community around supports art.
My first ever AIR was in Arts, Letters & Numbers in Averill Park, Upstate New York. Beginner’s luck is what I would call it. It was autumn. They had ample space to breathe, work, cook meals, relax, meditate, create and just be.
3. The Schedule
Depending on the institution, they either follow a rigid schedule or give you opt-in activities to join.
Upon arrival - a lovely Chilean artist, who works in ALN picked me up from the airport. Mind you, not all AIR provides this service, or should I say - gesture. Sometimes you have to find your way.
There will always be a scheduled weekly drive to buy materials or groceries. In one of my residencies in France, this was such a help since it was easier than ordering from Amazon for random art supplies.
There will always be a scheduled social gathering that you can either join or beg off. In ALN, there’s a Pingpong tournament or Friday breakfasts – mainly to socialize. Artists can sometimes be obsessive. Hence, this is a way to break the work and create a cycle. For me - stepping out from the corporate world wherein socializing was one of my responsibilities, I never took part in it. Nevertheless, knowing that it was an option - was greatly appreciated.
For me most of the time was spent in the studio painting, on the grounds of the residency meditating, or in my room sleeping.
4. The People
Since my background was not only corporate but also in hospitality – socializing and always being politically correct were part of my daily mojo. Hence, being in a place wherein you can be passionate about things or keep mum. Be overly friendly or just do the bare minimum. Interact or act like a hermit. Either way, no one will bat an eye. You are surrounded by artists, who are just like you. Most of the time, they live in their heads.
No one takes things personally. Since being moody somewhat becomes part and parcel of what an artist is or should be.
In my ALN days, 98% of the time I was in my own head. Jumping from a cushy job to the possibility of a proverbial starving artist can make you think. A lot. Brave - yes. Easy - no.
To be left alone when you want to be left alone is such bliss.
Despite the briefness in time and the limited engagement, well mostly from my side - I might have met the most kind-hearted and accepting people in my adult life during these residencies. Shivering in NY autumn weather, one of the artists from Connecticut offered me a warmer jumper should I need it. Another artist from Michigan actually gave me long johns to wear. A historian who lives nearby offered to show me around Albany. An art enthusiast couple who lives nearby posted an ad for my exhibition on the local site and even brought themed pastries during the show. On my last day, one of the writers penned a poem for me on friendship.
You will rarely remember words said, but you will never forget the kindness given.
5. The Work
As I said, beginner’s luck. Since it was off-season, I get the corner studio facing the woods with a rushing brook. It was simply a dream.
Since I was in a self-directed program, I worked around my own schedule. My own targets. Highlighting how inspiring the place was – I painted 16 artworks with corresponding poetry for each in barely 2 months. My normal pace was 2 paintings a year.
Having the thoughts of the fellows, directors, and co-residents in what you have created is quite refreshing. It was never limiting. Not a discussion on how to develop. Not a critic. But always an appreciation of your efforts and delving into what is in front of you.
6. The Visibility
As an on-pause-marketing person, this for me was one of the greatest benefits.
AIR institutions have their own marketing teams who put your name to the world. May that be a feature on social media channels, a listing on their website, or a newsletter to their database – is a lot of visibility for emerging artists such as me. Now when I google my name (yes, I do – because who doesn’t really), it shows up with art-related topics from my previous residencies.
Studio visits are also arranged and scheduled. Basically, making your studio available to anyone who wants to visit and ask questions – while you are working. It’s a great way to have one-on-one discussions with art enthusiasts and some collectors.
Art fairs or group exhibition events are arranged and publicized. In France, our exhibition ended as a half-page feature in the Culture Section of a regional newspaper.
Should the institution allows it, a chance to do a solo exhibition is an option that you can take. Again, repeating – beginner’s luck. In ALN, I get the chance to do my first solo exhibition.
7. The Learnings
I call it somewhat an on-the-job training experience without anyone training you. You absorb a lot in such a short span of time. Yes, a lot about the art industry but also differences in mentality and perception. From banal to crucial.
I learned that most artists prefer visibility over selling. Coming from corporate wherein I used to live and breathe revenue goals – this was hard to wrap my head around.
I learned to create, curate, and install my own artworks for a solo exhibition.
I learned that there are people so passionate about arts that they are okay to step out of the rat race so they can focus more on creating. Even if they have to sacrifice their lifestyle.
I learned that you can always start over.
I learned that your art piece doesn’t always have to make an extreme statement. You can create just for the sake of creating. Someone will always appreciate it.
I learned that by having dinner with a group of artists, you can take the conversation anywhere and everywhere – and it’s completely acceptable.
I learned that I can label myself as an artist proudly. For someone who has always struggled with impostor syndrome, it was never easy to take pride in my achievements.
And most importantly, I learned that if you really put your mind to something, you can do anything.
Comments