I’ve been meaning to make some sand dollars for several months and finally got started this week. These are made from scraps of linen and each one is pretty free form. Some darts to give them depth, some french knots in their centers and some needle sculpting to make them bumpy.
Roxanne announced today, "My hobby is collecting sea creatures. That’s my outlet for my creative energy." (I swear that is an exact quote from my just-turned-three-year-old). Needless to say, she loves the sand dollars. I think they’d be great scattered with some soft sea shells underneath some shore birds. Don’t you think?
This week I’ve been thinking a lot about where my work fits in to the art/craft world. Do I want it to be in a gallery or in the gallery’s gift shop. Where does it belong? I am not a trained artist. I took a bunch of art classes in high school and a few in college, but I majored in history and I have a master’s in education. I learned to sew in 8th grade Home Economics. I really don’t have much in the way of gallery credentials. And I make toys. Or are they sculptures? Maybe some of each? Are they art or are they toys? This is a tough one for me.
It is tough isn’t it? Without the gallery history or design school credentials. This is something that has been on my mind. I think there is something about the drive to create, that need to make something – like the sand dollars (beauties by the way) how many people firstly think to translate a thing into cloth and furthermore, how many people go through with it? That surrender and subsequent execution is what sets you apart. I had an ‘aha’ moment when I read a review for Soule Mama’s blog on Whip Up – she was described as a “mother, artist, creator and nurturer.” Taken in totality: creator, mother, I know maybe I’m getting all Deepak Chopra, but it made the label of artist seem to fit more.
Wow – That’s a really interesting point you bring up. It does seem that your work is taking a more artful and less utilitarian direction, which is great. Some pieces do work as both art and toys, but for the most part lately it seems that you are enjoying making art. You are also incredibly talented and original as all get-out.
I think if you want to pursue this in a gallery setting, do it. Do not be deterred by a lack of formal art training/education because what you do have more than makes up for that.
Besides, an MFA from Yale doesn’t guarantee anyone gallery success, despite how great it looks on paper. (I know people who are sadly sitting on their MFAs from Yale with little more to show than a few group exhibitions. I also think that that kind of art education is almost veered more towards the kind of art that would be in museums over the kind that one would find in galleries, almost making a distinction between high non-commercial art and high yet commercial art, or I guess to be more precise, the difference between institutional or corporate funded art and gallery art.) One would still need to build gallery credentials based on the strength and originality of one’s work. As for putting together a gallery resume, you already have some experience under your belt, such as the show at the Wellesley Library and soft sculptures you’ve done for fund-raisers.
I look forward to hearing how your thoughts on the subject develop.
P.S. – I love Roxanne’s quote. Love it!
Ouch, sorry about the novel-sized comment.
I love your stuff no matter where!!
The sand dollars are so cool, Abby!!
I love the sand dollars! I think you are probably making both art and toys. Maybe you can embrace avenues for both.
I don’t know he answer to your art questions but I love the sand dollars.
I wouldn’t waste too much time on that question.
If the work is good, the work is good. In which case the credentials don’t matter, either.
And it is good, mate.
Really, really good.
I love, love, love the sand dollars.
You don’t need any formal education to be an artist.
I don’t know the answers to your questions and just found your blog but I don’t see what is wrong with trying for entry into art festivals where your work needs to be juried.
Ditto to what shula said.
All your work is a piece of art, so therefore I think it does belong in a gallery of sorts. Maybe you can create for both spectrums, gift shop and display. I am sure that people would love to see your work as much as I do.
yep, I am with Shula. The work is amazing and I vote that it is Art. Artists in third worlds don’t have formal art training but that doesn’t affect their ability to be in galleries so why should first world artists be any different? I love the sand dollars, we don’t call them that in Oz but I knew what they were instantly, in fact, I could SMELL them 🙂
The sand dollars are fantastic! And I do think of your work as “art.” More “sculpture” than “toy.” But I think whatever you call it, just pursue whatever fulfills your need for creative outlet. Do whatever makes you feel proud and takes you in a direction that feels right. And if your work doesn’t fit into a traditional category, I don’t see that as a bad thing at all.
and oooooh, I got my snail in the mail yesterday!! i LOVE him! He is sitting in a place of honor on my shelf. 🙂
These are so beautiful Abby. I love how simply constructed they are, soft.
You pose an interesting question that many of us ask ourselves I think. The lines between art and craft are blurred more than ever. But I have to wonder if an intense background of studying art makes you a better artist, if you’ve already just got “it”, you know? If you just see “it” and do “it” and are good at “it”, which you clearly are. Am I making sense, I hope so. I am jetlagged, but not delirious, hopefully…
may I just say that I am a history major and maybe potential art major… but right now you gave me hope that I could make it as an artisit even if I don’t major in it… I don’t even plan to get a masters in it… I’m saving that degree for Library and Information Scinece… I’d like to be a librarian!
Those are lovely. I’m constantly amazed at how clever and creative you are. 🙂
Fabulous sand dollars!
“Anything goes”…………… that’s my philosophy.
If it’s original and really good (as yours is) you can do what you like.
Feeling confident with your work is half the battle.
Congratulations on winning the softies Award ( I voted for you)!
Here is another comment saying your work is great and worthy of gallery space. I am a starting out artist/crafter who is a bit confused about what I should call myself, what I should pursue and where I should try to pursue it. I have had mentors tell me that I shouldn’t worry too much about it and just make what I love and get my stuff out there. All the best!
I agree with other posters – don’t spend too much time worrying about credentials. I work as an art consultant and it really frustrates me how often people equate artistic quality with commercial success. They are not the same!! You’re an artist, definitely. If your heart is happy with the work, there is your answer. The best way to answer your question about where to place your work, I think, is to find out where it will sell. Some pieces may do better in an art gallery, others in craftier venues.
art.
they are art.
Why can’t you do both?? Why do you have to pick one or the other??? I agree with Heidi…some pieces will fit in a gallery and others may be better suited for a less formal setting. Your work is amazing! xo
The sand dollars are brilliant – so understated, simple, and plain old pretty. And I like to hear your thoughts on your work. The answers will probably never be totally clear to you, but just hearing the questions is satisfying to me. Thanks for sharing them.
I know exactly the kinds of questions you are dealing with. Toys are such a funny catagory, but its becoming more visible. Personally, I am scaling back the work that goes into shops as it makes my prices too expensive:( what with the 100% mark up. I really feel a pinch when people ask how much and then know that they thought it was too expensive. I’ll be selling mainly on the internet and at my wholesale price soon…I hope that many of my toys find good homes that way.
Your work is excellent, your designs stand out from the crowd, this makes its rank high, you can have confidence in your work.
best wishes,
xx
i love your work, find it all inspiring and wonderful and would go to a gallery to see it for sure!
I met your husband at my art opening at the Hebrew Senior Life Daniels Gallery, and we talk about your work. So glad I looked it up. I will visit Sui Generis. Such lovely pieces!
If you want to see my paintings and prints, visit http://www.shirleypartoll.com