My study abroad in Lacoste, France was a huge turning point in my artistic journey. This was the first time in my life I had truly been immersed in the art world. Not only was I attending classes, museums, lectures, I was surround by an incredibly hard working and passionate group of peers devoted to their craft. Many of them have already seen great success since our time in Provence!
I was the youngest student that semester, a beginning sophomore amongst primarily juniors and seniors, and the only non-painting/sculpting/photo major. My experiences over those three months really helped shape my artistic voice, and continually inspires me and comes back into my work.
Not only was it one of the most prolific semesters of my college years, it was also my first college art show, and my first international show at that! I have since participated in two other international exhibitions, but this remains the only international event I was present for, and my first international sale!
This period also clearly marks the beginning of me combining fiber techniques with paint/drawing/print that would eventually form my undergraduate thesis show. Right now, I’m at a point where I’m returning to these techniques/processes yet again. It’s funny how to me, things like a needle and thread feel more comfortable than a pencil or pen. Yet I still end up forcing myself to use more traditional fine art materials, as if I’m not convinced that my work will be as valuable or real if I’m not painting, drawing, or etching.Finding my home in the grey area between art and craft, it’s easy for me to focus on the things I’m not doing, not showing, not participating in. Perhaps it would do me well to instead remember moments like this, when I allowed myself to create the work I wanted, in the way I wanted, using techniques I was familiar and comfortable with.
But then again, “comfortable” can be a dangerous place to be.
