During this residency I've been able to talk to a couple of established artists, here's some things I've learned, and it's worth noting that the artists I've talked to are both also poc so a lot of our chats centred that:
1) Producing and showing art can be painful and it's not wrong if it's painful for you, it can sometimes mean your work and your foundations or your position (morals, ethics, lived experiences, identity) are aligning. That pain also has everything to do with being marginalised, especially by class and race.
2) Do your obsessions. Incorporate your deepest joys and fascinations, even if you may be judged for it.
3) Every artist has at least one core, something they circle back to again and again and again no matter how radial the practice. Give in to gravity.
4) Don't limit yourself because others are confused. Reject commercialised practice, art should resist capitalist systems and institutions. Recognise the poison you drank in education and sick up immediately. We can still survive without sacrifice.
5) Say no to things that don't align to you. Many places talk the talk but are rotten. If you can survive and get a meal without selling out it's a plus, but we have to also forgive ourselves and others like us for learning to survive.
6) Make professional boundaries to protect yourself mentally and spiritually. You do not have to be in call 24/7, you do not need to be available to everyone. Make time for meaningful connection and focus on your community, be that a community of practice, principles, or location.
