This is a challenge artists have been facing long before global pandemics. Often, professional artists don't have the financial resources to rent a "studio space" when they start out, so they are forced to work at home. I am currently in that position myself! It can be difficult, and it can lead to distractions that you just would not have if you were in a separate space, working with others. Here are some tips that I think will help you be successful during this challenging time. They help me when I am not at D.S. and want to make my own artwork! |
1. Find a desk, corner of a table, a "base".
Organize some materials in that area. If they can't stay there all the time, maybe just keep it in a plastic bag so you can take it out and put it in that place each time. Always read the art assignments in that place! Don't read my assignments when you're laying in bed, right before going on TikTok. You just won't be thinking about the assignment in the same way. Sometimes the assignments will require you to leave that place and observe or collect things, but if you "show up" to your spot you will be more ready to start.
For example: When I am browsing galleries for what upcoming exhibits I can submit to, I am always at my studio desk so I can write down ideas and important dates on sticky notes.
For example: When I am browsing galleries for what upcoming exhibits I can submit to, I am always at my studio desk so I can write down ideas and important dates on sticky notes.
2. Play music on your phone.
It is not an accident that I play music in class. I do it because I want the art 'studio' classroom to transport you to a different headspace compared to your typical classroom. Some of my students use their own headphones to listen to music, which is great because not everyone likes the same genres! You can play whatever you like to motivate you!
For example: I like listening to Music, or podcasts while I am working. There is a podcast about an art heist that happened in Boston in 1991, its called "Last Seen". Could be fun!
For example: I like listening to Music, or podcasts while I am working. There is a podcast about an art heist that happened in Boston in 1991, its called "Last Seen". Could be fun!
3. Now, put your phone somewhere you can't see it. (I'm serious, I do this myself!)
Now this my seem impossible if you are wearing headphones in order to not distract anyone else in your family. Just put your phone in your sweatshirt or pant pocket!
For example: I get pretty distracted by texts and Instagram mostly. So if I see my phone screen light up, it is kinda hard not to just "check it". Even if I am only on my phone for 1 minute, it just changes the "zone" I can get in. What distracts you may be different! But the principle is the same, if you can't see it and wonder what you're missing, you are better off.
For example: I get pretty distracted by texts and Instagram mostly. So if I see my phone screen light up, it is kinda hard not to just "check it". Even if I am only on my phone for 1 minute, it just changes the "zone" I can get in. What distracts you may be different! But the principle is the same, if you can't see it and wonder what you're missing, you are better off.
4. ONLY have your phone in sight if you choose to Video Call someone you know and do the assignment at the same time!
This is the factor of Art Class at D.S. that is so tough to recreate for you all under these circumstances. We need to keep a safe physical distance from each other, but so much of the Art Class experience comes from the "energy" and "organized chaos" of the room filled with people walking around to get materials and talking to each other about their art (sometimes) and other things like sports, music, tv shows, school etc. (all the time) If you want to recreate this, that would be really fun! Or you can log on to our Virtual Class time or my Office Hours (Links to come in your email!) (Schedule provided by DSHS Administration)
For example: I did this with my friends that all graduated from Massachusetts College of Art and Design last Thursday! As professional artists sometimes we are doing work for clients, or just have personal projects we want to make progress on. It is fun knowing someone is also creating at the same time! And you can show your work-in-progress! I have also done this playing guitar with my friends just for fun!
5. Try to remember what if feels like in class. Don't put too much pressure on yourself!
imperfect, It would be hard to go through an entire art class without making a mistake, or trying something without knowing the exact outcome. Just because you're at home, that doesn't mean these things should change. If I would be happy to help you through an idea or how to use a material in class, I would be happy to do it virtually with you now. You should not be afraid that what you are turning in might be full of mistakes, or a total failure, because if that happened in class I would just be telling you not to worry, and we will conquer it next class!
For example: I can't even count the mistakes that turned into really cool new ideas, or ideas I may have been self conscious about trying without the freedom of knowing if I am creating s o m e t h i n g , it will all work out.
For example: I can't even count the mistakes that turned into really cool new ideas, or ideas I may have been self conscious about trying without the freedom of knowing if I am creating s o m e t h i n g , it will all work out.
6. Take breaks!
Depending on the type of art you are working on you may be bending your neck, working with your hands... it is really important to take physical breaks. Its also important to take mental breaks! I don't recommend using that "break" to check your phone, but maybe just step away from you desk and get some water and think about other things.
For example: I typically stretch my arms and neck, stand up, walk to get a class of water or refill my coffee (I bet you all remember that I am constantly drinking my coffee!) Maybe look outside/step outside to feel the temperature...
For example: I typically stretch my arms and neck, stand up, walk to get a class of water or refill my coffee (I bet you all remember that I am constantly drinking my coffee!) Maybe look outside/step outside to feel the temperature...
IN-PERSON COURSES
MEET ONCE PER WEEK, FULL YEAR |
HYBRID COURSES
MEET TWICE PER WEEK, SEMESTER |
Local Artist & Teacher inspiring me at this time:
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Sister Corita Kent's "RULES"An artist, activist, educator and nun, Corita’s work is loved for being both joyful and radical in equal measure. In the late 1960s, Corita devised a set of ‘rules’ for her students, which have gone on to inspire countless others since.
https://lectureinprogress.com/journal/corita-kent If you have ever driven into Boston on I-93 you may recognize this
piece below that she created! As an artist and teacher, it is inspiring to me that Merill is open to adapting her original plan for an amazing collaborative project, and finding a way for it to live on and connect people during this time!
You can participate in her project: Threads of Connection that was originally going to take place in the Art Lab at the Institute of Contemporary Art Boston, by creating your "square" for the collaborative "quilt" and posting in on Social Media using #ICAartlab Click the link for more info: https://www.icaboston.org/articles/threads-connection-virtual-quilt?utm_source=wordfly&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=MKTG%3ACarePackage3&utm_content=version_A&promo=9734 |