Let’s Stay Real
The world hasn’t suddenly turned into a hologram, it’s still just as physical and concrete as it ever was, but our ways of interacting with it have definitely changed.
Right now most communication and visual connection is virtual. We can’t see our loved ones in person so we see them on Face Time. We can’t visit a museum or gallery or see a performance in person so we have to look on-line. I understand why this needs to happen–but honestly, I don’t find it that interesting. I get notifications of on-line shows and virtual events practically every day but I’ve stopped applying to any of these because if I’m not interested in looking at them, is anybody else?
There is nothing equivalent in the virtual world to experiencing our real world first hand. There is nothing like giving someone a hug, smelling their shampoo and feeling the direct, physical connection with them. Or experiencing the power of an art work up close and in person. I still remember when I saw a small van Gogh painting in the British National Gallery years ago. It was in a line with many other paintings but it stopped me in my tracks. It seemed to be almost vibrating off the wall with the energy it contained. When I see that painting as a reproduction, it doesn’t have that same power at all. There is definitely something to be gained by experiencing things in reality!
Instead of focusing on the virtual world, I’ve been concentrating on making things that people can connect with. Things that people can touch and hold in their hands, take home and make part of their lives. I’ve been making a bunch of functional ware, and it’s been really fun!
It feels good to make things that other people will use. These objects create a real connection between us as people living in this physical world. There is value in putting energy into an object, making it by hand and letting someone else experience that–especially now when we’re all hungry for real connection.
I’ve had a booth at the Fairfax Farmers’ Market for about the past six weeks and it’s been a good experience. I’m not making a bunch of money selling things but I feel like people really appreciate the opportunity to see and touch things, and talk in person. But needless to say, there is a lot of sanitizing going on too.
Our world may seem more limited right now, but enjoy what we have around us–it’s still beautiful!
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2 Comments
Thanks for taking the time to do your blog and share your thoughts. I understand what you are saying about how some things are much better in person. However, it is interesting how people are thinking of new ways to share and communicate. A friend shared a story about a high end gallery in SF where the owner starting posting artwork daily – each day a new piece of art and a link to an artists story. He began these posts in March 2020 when we began sheltering in place. During the next few months his gallery sold more art [4 times as much] as any other time! I think that folks at home began to look forward to seeing the artwork each day, and they were sitting in their homes wanting something on their walls to look at in person [to your point!]. He tried a new way to bring the artwork to folks who would not normally frequent his gallery on a regular basis. Each piece of artwork that sold was mailed or curbside pick-up with a bottle of good wine to enjoy!
We are all trying new things and it is so great that you are doing the farmers market and bringing your pieces to folks weekly, They need that consistent reminder to look at beautiful, functional [or non-functional] art 🙂 xox
Thanks for your thoughts about this. It’s a great thing to have communication in any way and every way. We need them all!