As some of you know, I have been working on this for years. First was in 2013 with Dianna Woolley and Steve Miller as my test artists…. which I never published. At all times, it has been meant as a vehicle for artists and creatives to talk about themselves. I have a habit, of doing that which I see needs to be done, while in action, with learning curves… Please note Hannah Bartman’s was a miss-fire, and some Questioning Artist articles just won’t make my personal blog…
Designed for artists, dancers, writers, poets, musicians, and creatives undefined yet to pick and fill-out 5 to 10 questions from the 50 question list. I seek a format for the artist’s comfort, and control. I offer them the chance to approve - at least up to the point you see published here, the final product. The list of questions has been vetted by dozens of minds, near and far. I posted on Instagram- receiving help the hive-mind way, took notes over coffee and dinner conversations, sent letters, and emails, all looking for people’s tools to understand. The questions span intellectual to the comical. As with the work I established with founding Carnegie Picture Lab, back ground stories help endear the perceiver to the cultural experience.
When possible, I invite the interviewed into my studio for a portrait session. I want to show case their beings, and their minds. Together we agree on a portrait, so far, they seem to be very hand animated. As I have written each article, I have started to take a bit more agency in my representation of the artists in my introduction. The last three have had words or concepts defined.
In the newspaper version there are images of their creativity. My words are reedited by Annie Eveland for the Marquee. What I am posting here are my submissions, as they are still “mine” in this state, and not the property of the Newspaper, yet.
Something that needs clarification - Neither myself, nor the artists are paid for our efforts here. This is what you might call a project of the heart. In my twenty plus years of adulting, making an art community has been a continuous crusade. The work is done to give shape, to give perspective, and to be present with the efforts of artists. Truly, their work seeps into the town’s daily life, and although it is often unnameable, art makes life more livable. Can I get a HELL YES?
With this, and the next thing, I need your help. I need to open up my network of artists in the Valley. The first are all super white, and privileged. And, I am pretty sure -all of the first artists would agree with me on this.
Second, I am going to try out a donation opportunity. (Why yes, I have applied for grants…) After Picture Lab I had promised myself to never take on work that was unpaid, as it devalues my time, my work, and the similar efforts of others. AND YET. If I don’t do this…. It will not be done.
So I am doing something wild and crazy, out of my comfort zone and for real. I am offering you dear reader, the opportunity to not only donate, but tell me the names of people I should know about. Here is the catch, you have to donate to tell me the name. Lastly, the system collects your information, and I will add you to my newsletter list if you are not already on there… for Handmade Post cards!
That you for thinking about this. Best to all of you. -Augusta