The Process
HINT FROM KIM: If you haven't, go back and read the 'artist statement' page before continuing - you may find it helpful.
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I have been documenting my process since the beginning of the year (2018) in my blog. I will incorporate some of it here as I have decided to make this website the main source of information about the show. I think such a monumental effort desired documenting. People tell me they love hearing about the artistic process; I find sharing the process gives depth and understanding to the final work beyond anything the work communicates. However, I don't think its essential to know in order to appreciate and respond to the work. I do think the process could be considered its own 'work of art'. I suspect some artists would even say their whole lifetime of work is a 'work in process' and although individual works are identified as complete, the story and journey continues; one thing leads to another. Art making is a progressive act and it never stops. So, after mulling that over for a bit I can safely say that although the process for this body of work, Back to the Garden, is focused, you can bet your bloomers that you will see vestiges of it in future jewelry and other larger works yet to be made. No doubt you already see that if you are familiar with my work over the years.
NOTE: Feel free to read the story from the Beginning or go in reverse of the order of the slide show. A new page will be added to the website to showcase the finished work and the gallery display.
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IN THE BEGINNING
February 2018
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During my college years, the final degree show of the artwork you spent six or more months designing and making, was the pinnacle of your four years of study. The first time putting together a collection was nerve racking. At one point, I couldn’t move my head to the right due to severe stiffness in my neck, but that’s another story. This story is about November 2018 when I will have my first mid-career solo exhibition at Mai Wyn Fine Art.
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Creating a body of work that represents where I am now, although daunting, inspires me. Mai Wyn has asked that I produce an exhibition of my silver ware – vessels, spoons, etc. – not jewelry. And so the process has begun to create a collection.
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The good news is, I have a process. I wish I could say I pull ideas out of thin air – I do not; and here is a secret, no artist does. Ideas are drawn from thousands of hours of studio practice, reading, drawing, model making, teaching others, experimentation, looking at other art and on and on. Often, when I need to focus, I start with words. I love a mind map.
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For this milestone in my life, I began with a working title but as I worked my process, it changed. It may yet change again but my gut tells me I am on the right track. This is exclusive information folks, so get ready…Back to the Garden.