Lessons

My education as an artist is not limited to an academic experience. In fact, since I have not been formally trained, I routinely probe my colleagues for information to create my own hands-on curriculum. For example, yesterday evening the current WorkSpace residents were treated to a mixer with past alumni. Meeting and conversing with other artists is one of my favorite pastimes, and with a such a wonderful mix of disciplines, cultures and perspectives, last night held a bounty of eye opening treasures. Samples are below:


"As an artist, you have two choices, at the core of your practice. 1) You can stay true to yourself or 2) You can compromise."

- Elia Alba, Artist

"Kansas City, MO is an amazing resource for artists and the showing of Fine Art. You should check it out."

H&R Block ArtSpace, Kemper Museum, Kansas City Artist Coalition

- MaryLaura Mau, Arts Administrator


While Basem Hassan is not a WorkSpace resident, I did manage to snag a bit of his time for a studio visit. During our conversation he suggested an activity that I thought would be good to share.

"One of my professors challenged our class to select a piece of Art that we were unfamiliar with and essentially build a relationship. We were to visit it multiple times, in different conditions- sunny, cloudy, daytime, night- for at least an hour each visit, over the course of a month. In addition we were prompted to take notes during/after each session. It was like dating! I really got to "know" the work."

- Basem Hassan, Artist & Educator


















Update from MaryLaura:

"You should include in your list of links the Nelson Atkins Museum. For a list of galleries to investigate vist (http://www.crossroadscommunityassociation.org/categories/1) and the Charlotte Street Foundation (http://www.charlottestreet.org/) which is a great resource for artists."