By Kathryn Coneway
About a year ago, a friend sent me this blog post by Seth Godin titled, “What is your ART?” http://sethgodin.typepad.com/seths_blog/2015/07/what-is-your-art.html The following sentence has been with me and inspired my thinking as I prepare for my time as Artist in Residence at Art Camp. “Art is a human act, a generous contribution, something that might not work, and it is intended to change the recipient for the better, often causing a connection to happen.” As I think about what I hope and dream for my time with young artists on the mountain, I return to these elements: human, generous, risky, change and connection. Human: I look forward to working with our hands, to an environment that is high-touch, imperfect, natural and full of stories - stories of the moment, the material, the maker and the meaning. My focus is on art as a practice and I look forward to the opportunity to practice in community. Generous: After my time with staff training, I am greatly inspired by the counselors and directors leading camps and their gifts of time, energy, spirit and love. I can’t wait to see how this sense of abundance at Shrine Mont inspires young artists. For me a generous environment is one with faith in abundance so there is open sharing of ideas. I love watching artists inspire other artists and see the development of ideas and new iterations. Risky: This is one of my favorites. To me there are always two risks when making art. It might not work out. OR, it might work out in ways that are a surprise and are different from the original intention. The first is the risk of beginning, the second is the risk to continue. Continuing and working through challenges invites the maker into surprise, co-creation and a new story. Change: This gets back to the idea of leaving room for surprise within the process. Rather than thinking of art making as predictable steps to an outcome, it is an invitation to a journey. Journeys always bring change, even if just change in perspective. Connection: To create is to be vulnerable, to be real, human, a risk taker, and to be generous with something that may only come clear through the process of sharing; to create is to invite change. This vulnerability opens us to connection, to love. A caring and supportive space and community allows us to make these connections.
2 Comments
9/25/2016 02:38:24 pm
You have a very wonderful and helpful cause. It's not everyday that you see someone dedicate their lives to help out young artists. Maybe someday, someone that you are helping will grow out to be a successful and famous artist. Even without receiving anything in return, you are still helping young artists. Large organizations should take their time to learn a thing or two from you. I hope that you inspire other people to help out those who are in need of motivation and support.
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2/7/2017 07:34:08 pm
There are great hopes for the young artists to belive and be sure that you will get it.
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The view from the mountainSpreading the good news of Shrine Mont Camps into the Valley of the World.
AuthorsThe View from the Mountain is written by a rotating cast of staff writers and contributors. Archives
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