Projects
I give performances and conduct events. Artifacts and memories arise from these, including paintings, sometimes of whole interiors. To prepare for these engagements, I use my solitary painting practice much like meditation. It allows me to rehearse for these live engagements. Like anyone who has sustained a life-altering injury, I have made it a part of me because I have to. I consider myself lucky because it gives me these opportunities.
People who make art that grows from some kind of intersubjective practice are always looking for co-conspirators, for people to hear and remember their story, for people to speak back with their own tales. I am always looking for people with whom to make art-- part performance, part artifact-- in a particular mindset and setting, and together we experience surprise, delight, and sometimes the profound.
There are several ways I do this, which I’m beginning to document:
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PAINTING
The daily core of my practice, I’m often at live painting events.
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EVENTS
As an outgrowth of friendly get-togethers, I have led small gatherings and am planning longer retreats in which I share my practice with others and guide them. These are ticketed productions.
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COLLABORATIONS
Others bring their art into play with mine, an experience that enriches us both. Planned, possibly scripted, these might be viewed or documented by others. Body painting performances are one example. Collaborations are fun, can involve people from practically any discipline, and are sometimes done in cool/ unusual places.
(Photo: Mary Lee Desmond) -
ADVENTURES
I take my flex to the street with an intention...and see what happens. I might work with whoever shows up, or try for a specific encounter. Sometimes this gets recorded.
