If you had told me a year ago that I would sign up for a 10-day mural mentorship project, I probably wouldn't have believed you. One, because of my chaotic full-time job work schedule; two, because aerosols are not a medium I ever thought to try; and three, working on a project this size with other artists seemed daunting.
This last while has been about saying yes to the opportunities that come along in my community and making it work with my other obligations. The contrast of engagement and actively practicing my art when I was at home and when I was travelling was night and day. The community engagement has been something that has been missing since I retired from Football. As much of an introvert as I am it has been something I have missed.
When applying to do a mural for the local mural fest I didn't really think anything would come of it. I had no experience to bolster it. To my surprise the city coordinator reached out and asked if I would be interested in doing a mentorship instead. So I sent her my availability and to my delight she said they could work with that.
I wasn't sure quite what to expect going into this but went in with an open mind.
Every inch of my body hurts this morning. (after i am done writing this and finished up my coffee I think I need to do some stretches to loosen up the hips and hamstrings.) When people think about making art I don't think they realize how physical it can be. A few weeks ago when I did a commision it was the same. The movement of working on bigger pieces is a workout. It was an enjoyable workout though. I didn't need to mentally goad myself to keep going, the art gently took my hand and said "We can do this" and I did.
Besides physically being exhausted I am mentally invigorated.
Watching someone who is so skilled at their craft is always amazing and Stephanie Bellefleur (The haus of bellefleur, @bellefleurhaus ) is a very skilled artist. Her handling of the aerosols were mindblowing.
The first step was laying down the black tops and umbrea backs with brush. This was within my wheelhouse and put me at ease. Next we moved on to using the aerosols. I would equate those first few moments to holding onto a firehose and someone turning on the water unexpectedly. My colors were going everywhere. each color sprayed a little different from each other and the textures and consistency of the paint between the different brands varied. The first block I worked on was definitely a slow held back venture. As we progressed through the block I could feel the confidence slowly build. By the end of blocks I felt like with a lot (lots and lots) of practice I could get a grasp on this medium. It is not unlike watercolour where patience is your biggest tool. Also very frustrating at times.
The biggest thing I took away from this experience was how valuable the human connection is. Interacting with other artist and people passing by, having those small moments of connection and interesting intellectual conversations, is what has always been at the heart of my creation process.
Going through the different ways to bring my art into the public realm has really highlighted this for me. Dropshipping can be profitable with the right marketing but had never felt right for me. It felt like a sense of detachment between my work and the people enjoying it. That back and forth, the exchange of energy is a big driving force of my own creativity.
I think going through all these different experiences is teaching me how I want to be in my art career.
So as always thank you for coming along on this journey with me. comments, thought and feedback is always welcome.
Next up for me is working on the design for a small exhibit application.
Take care
Jackie ❤️
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