I recently attended an artist demonstration at the Mizel Museum.  Bonnie Iris was the presenter for the evening and with her vast arts background I wasn't sure what we were going to experience.  Bonnie began her demo and was on the stage painting and every so often a pearl of wisdom or an observation would break through like a sun beam through the clouds.  At first I thought this tangential style was amusing and then I realized that this spontaneity and stream of consciousness helped make her the artist she is today.

The biggest observation was that galleries are having a more difficult time throughout the country.  Her experience with galleries in Taos is that those staying and thriving are in the minority.  The self-observation from her early art career was that she was a fearful person and would look for answers in many places; studied with a lot of established artists and read a lot of books.

The pearls of wisdom I believe are essential for emerging artists to become successful because they speak to personal and professional development.  She stated "Having your teachers approval is death".  I found that to be interesting because teachers like parents are those in authority who we often look to for approval.  I guess it's the same with gallery owners and directors where artist are looking for their approval that the work is good and really what they're looking at is the art marketable/sellable, that doesn't always translate to successful.

Lastly, Bonnie addressed the issue of studying art.  Her recommendation is "study with no one or study with everyone".  I found this inspiring and related to a recent article about does our work look like the work of our teachers.  If we study with many then synergy takes place and it's easier to bring the creative forces together to create work that reflects your strengths and interest.

Love those pearls...
Greg