Connect ~ Collaborate ~ Create
On the 28th of September, 2019 I opened the doors to Gallery 11:11 with my own solo exhibition. That moment had been coming for well over a decade. For many years I had been making mental notes of my feelings regarding my own art journey, the highs and lows and the challenges regarding the possibility of a career as a full time Artist.
The three words that consistently stuck were connect, collaborate and create.
Connecting to an audience has always been important to me as an Artist. Be it via the written word displayed beside my work or being present at my own exhibition to converse with those who visit.
I believe the reason for this is the personal nature of the ‘exhibition’ experience for both the audience and the Artist. It doesn’t get more personal than art on a wall and when someone chooses to invest in your journey it is wonderful to have the opportunity to meet them.
In building my own space my aim was to connect to the audience in a gentle, relaxed manner, intending to shift the perception that a gallery could be an intimidating space.
In the past, when I would casually ask people if they had ever visited an art gallery and if so, what was their experience, I was often shocked to find that people had little experience of galleries as they felt intimidated and out of their depth. Many answered that they couldn’t afford to buy art (as if it was mandatory to do so). With this, I realised the importance of welcoming people into a space, encouraging them to enjoy the aesthetic, to engage in the concepts and immerse themselves in the narrative. Purchasing work is most certainly an option though connecting one way or another was the priority. My hope was that the audience would feel so comfortable and engaged that they wanted to return and connect to other stories, the ‘behind the scenes’, the process and if possible, to the Artist, in person.
Collaboration is what lies behind the ‘11:11’. Parallel lines, equally distanced, all heading in the same direction and most importantly, stronger in numbers. The energy generated collectively by like minded creatives is lasting and positive. This energy is not generated exclusively between Artists.. it could be any eclectic group of entrepreneurs who work to support one another. To feel supported and inspired as a small business is priceless. Having opened the gallery months before covid I was immediately vulnerable. I’m forever grateful to those who stepped up and supported me in any way, shape or form.
When it comes to being creative, another comment that I often hear is that “I don’t have a creative bone in my body” or “I can only draw stick figures”. I challenge this. Like anything in life, with practice one improves, you simply require the motivation.
“Creativity takes courage. ”
― Henri Matisse
If I personally miss a day in the studio, I feel it. I could even go as far as to say that I find it medicinal. Such therapeutic benefits can extend to everyone if they are willing to ‘play’ without any attachment to an outcome.
So many people have surprised themselves with workshops. This has much to do with the workshop facilitators though at the end of day if the desire is there and the guidance is spot on, the results can be incredible.
In summary, I truly believe that when we connect face to face, supporting each others creative journey, magic can happen. I’ll leave you with this…
“The effect you have on others is the most valuable currency there is.”
-Jim Carrey
Blog by MK Smirniotis