a series of reflections on art as I take my screen printing class

first - previous

Busy working in the Stu'Busy working in the Stu'

This week in screen printing I nearly finished my first set of art prints in three colors. Well, I got to two of those colors. Next week we'll rip into the third. Class time was busy and focused, everyone set their minds to their work, everyone began and ended at different places, and our seriously amusing instructor flitted around the room making herself dizzy, I imagine, but keeping confident ease. I am really enjoying the vibe and settling in. The class is more like studio time, whatever you want to accomplish, you have the tools to do it. Therefore, I've been having lots of ideas about what I can make:

• a mural of all my family's cats
• the eye of Sauron on a t shirt (for @bitcoinplebdev)
• funky orchids
• mimics of linocut prints
• SNZ covers

As the class sessions naturally unfolded, I decided to give myself the permission to do small things first. This art print in progress is nothing special, it is three small shapes without overlap that converge into an image of my coffee cup. I wanted to focus on the process, so I chose this doodle from my sketchbook. Looking around the room, the others have upped it and amped it, really displaying their artistic POV in the images they've put together. I love that for them. And for me, I love that there's no stressing the outcome, but instead there's curiosity where there might have been apprehension. Enjoying the process!

Here's a photo of one such print on the drying rack:

SXSW and selling outSXSW and selling out

This past week was SXSW (south by south west) in Austin. I haven't lived in the city for a long time, but I've come to know this festival as a marketing parade. It's where big brands out-do each other in the name of having fun, being relevant, making money. And there's music and art, but these are kind of hidden in highly monetized walled gardens. I don't know, maybe it's just me that feels they're hidden because I don't go seeking the artists and musicians.

In all the years I've lived here, there's been a bitcoin event during SXSW. Attending these is sort of like participating in the overall festivities, however the mismatch of alignment makes them feel like they don't interact - the city and the bitcoiners in it. When we get together, it's like dropping out of outside bullshit to do something that lasts.

I think there was a time when Austin celebrated freaks, when they moved through the city like it was made for them. Today, they're presence is felt, certainly, but they're more like squatters brazen in their right to occupy space, while everyone else attempts to cover them up.

At the same time, when I first moved here, I did feel that the city was for me. Distinctly, I remember that feeling. And look, I'm here and I'm doing art. I engage with it on the terms that I want. I feel supported to pursue it. I've completed my first book here, and released my poetry volume. I've started a zine. I've started a print shop. I've done florals for weddings, for funerals, with zero prior knowledge of the craft. I've tattooed, I've painted. My creativity has been unleashed! The doubt and the fear I used to feel were part of me have unfurled their decorative leaves! Is it thanks to the city?

I'm thinking about this because @k00b was asking me great questions that I couldn't answer very well, except to share from my own experience. We talked about the artist's connection to the city, and survival within it. I spoke disparagingly of sellouts because SXSW brings it to the front of my mind. But I don't think I've earned that opinion, actually. I think I just like to believe I'm different.

What is the relationship between an artist and the city they practice in? I mean it's an incredibly important relationship, and every one has its distinct character. I'm not sure that character is easily named. I've read about it in many outstanding novels.

Rambling and rambling onRambling and rambling on

I'll leave off now, not sure I made a point, but hey, I can do what I want. This is my blog.
I'll leave you with the poem I wrote about Austin the city.