Episode 237: Finding Your Artist Community

The Messy Studio with Rebecca Crowell

Art is primarily a solitary activity. Although some artists collaborate or share studios, most of us spend our time alone with our work and our thoughts, and we value that solitude. But art is also a form of communication, and other artists are often very savvy about understanding the work of others and connecting in that way is valuable. And who better to understand the ups and downs, the challenges and rewards of art life than another artist? Today Rebecca and Jerry discuss the benefits of being part of an artist community.

Artist communities can take many forms--from a few artist friends getting together on a casual basis to organized critique groups to online communities and membership programs. Workshops also serve as gathering points around a shared interest, and often relationships continue afterward. An artist group or community can be formally organized with a definite structure, or a looser arrangement created simply by connecting with people in your region. Many artists have a deep desire for connection with other artists and it just takes one person taking the risk of reaching out to others.

All these kinds of community offer benefits to the artists involved, including honest feedback, emotional support, and shared resources and ideas. It helps to have a central focus for a group, but it need not be rigidly defined. Many artist communities have a purely social aspect, even while they have a broader agenda like critique or studio visits. And there can be unexpected benefits that would not be foreseen when setting an agenda for a group.

During the pandemic a lot of artists found themselves feeling isolated, without the usual and natural ways of getting together with other artists such as gallery openings and events. Now that things have loosened up a lot of people who got involved in an art group during that time deeply appreciated the growth and support, they received from other artists, and many artists have a different awareness of the importance of artist communities than they did previously.

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What's new at Cold Wax Academy?
Rebecca and Jerry have an exciting lineup of online sessions planned as they launch a new year of learning and growth for members of Cold Wax Academy. Winter quarter sessions, which began on January 4th, will feature help with technical issues, photographing your work, developing ideas for imagery, and advice on works in progress. And two special guests, well-known authors Eric Maisel (May-ZELL) and Shaun McNiff will be conducting interactive sessions with members. As a member, you can also access the private Facebook page and take advantage of the informed and supportive community there of artists who post their paintings and questions. It's never too late to join Cold Wax Academy! All live sessions are recorded and available in the member library. Please visit http://www.coldwaxacademy.com for more information as well as basic information about using cold wax medium.

Please visit http://www.coldwaxacademy.com for more information.
Here is what a member named Sandy has to say about her own experience with Cold Wax Academy:
"Rebecca and Jerry have presented the most professional, authentic and structured approach to a creative activity I have ever come across. Their selfless sharing of all their knowledge and encouragement is a gift in my life unsurpassed."

Also-- please visit https://www.espacioart.org to learn about Rebecca and Jerry's newest project, Espacio, dedicated to providing beautiful living and working spaces for artists and writers. Espacio's first offering is Casa Clavel, a modern, fully equipped house opening this September in the beautiful cultural city of San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. A few booking openings are still available in 2023, so please incquire if you are interested.

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For more from The Messy Studio:
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For more from Rebecca Crowell:
www.rebeccacrowell.com
www.coldwaxacademy.com
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The Messy Studio Podcast is a Tick Digital Media Production.

Special Guest: Jerry McLaughlin.