Thursday, October 7, 2010

The Wind Down

Slowly decompressing...winding down...

I know I got enough sleep last night so the fact that I could curl up on the floor and get a few extra hours in is a testament to the fact that my body (and mind) is weary. For me, Artprize is over...the winner will be announced tonight...it has been an amazing experience...time to move on. In the 'moving on' there must be a moment of reflection...
If there is anything I learned from being involved in such a monstrous event for the second time, it is the discipline of commitment. From concept to completion, the piece of work itself requires massive amounts of commitment. At some point the artist has to commit to one idea and see it through to the end. For me, the idea took so many shapes during the planning process that what was produced at the end hardly resembled the initial idea. But that's okay...that's creativity at it's finest. The second wind of commitment comes when you have to engage with the public and be present at your venue. Now, I don't know about anybody else but after working a full 8-9 hour day there were moments I didn't want to be bothered with more people. Alas, such is the life of a working artist. The third and final wave of commitment comes when you engage yourself in the event as a whole by seeing the other works. This in itself is a part-time job. Artprize continues to unravel in amazing ways and being a part of the discovery is historical. Some are supporters...some are critics...regardless of what others say or think about the competition aspect I have come to the resolve of remaining involved. I am excited to see how Artprize grows and I plan to ride that wave!

I am thankful for the gift of creativity. The ability to reach people through visual art is a humble privilege. This has been a sort of launching pad or 'beginning' for me artistically. Though I have been freelancing for almost 5 years and was born an artist, I feel myself entering a new phase. What it will bring I am uncertain of. What I do know is that I am on the greatest ride of my life.

Here are a selection of my personal Artprize '10 faves...












Until next year...

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