I ended the year with a glorious group show in NYC! and I had a year of learning about myself and why I make marks.
How do you see yourself? As I move through this beautiful thing called life I continue to be surprised, in awe, shocked, delighted, pained, loved and always, always, learning. So this past year I did a thing, I joined a critic group ( The Canopy Program) to discuss and examine our work weekly. We had a wonderful mentor Catherine Haggerty who guided us through it all. I met 9 other artists, experienced their work, process and life. It has been a game changer for me. I went into it because I needed to have a group of artists I admired, but didn’t really know me. I needed them to look at my work and giving me honest critical feedback. I struggle, as I learned we all do, (or most of us) with the dreaded imposter syndrome. Am I good enough? Even more important, is my work. These artists, that were kind, but honest, helped me to see, that it is. I also learned more about myself why I think the way I think and what I hope to get out of the work. I love to learn. I love to experiment. I unfortunately need affirmation sometimes. I’m human ( whhhaatt?) Not a bot. Excavating is the word that keeps coming to mind around my work. Excavation and Creation. I see myself as a someone who works really hard to express a void, a space, the moment between, that connects me - to you. To US.
Work (L to R) Angela Witmore, Angela Witmore, Elizabeth Loftus, Maria Huang, Emily Silver
The year with this incredible group of women culminated in a show in NYC. It was really magnificent, not only because, well NY, but because of the people. The new friends I had made and the countless friends that showed up to see me and my work. ( From Seattle to Virginia, MA, Rhode Island, Philly , NJ and NY) The support was incredible, the love was overwhelming. I had no idea that people cared so much. Even people that couldn’t make it sent me wishes and thoughts for a great show. This expression and thoughtfulness will carry me further than anyone can ever imagine. Making art and putting your heart on the line daily is not an easy task. Having so many show up for me, made it clear to me that, well I feel really loved, and that I am doing something worthwhile. Thank you. Thank you Thank you. Heres to loving and always learning. Cheers.
Artwork (Lto R) JP Morrison Lans, Tina M Cheng, Tina M Cheng , Maria Huang and on pedestal Tina M Cheng.