At the table We awkwardly introduced ourselves as strangers do. Gathered beneath the shade of the bright green, leafy Black Tupelos stretching themselves above the powerlines in front of the Mint Museum Uptown in Charlotte, we sat at the aluminum-wrought table with its accompanying chairs for the in-person artist workshop.
Oh my gosh, I felt as though I was becoming closer to the group as you were throughout this piece. I absolutely loved that you included the drawings and photos! I can feel the intimacy growing, the picture of you laughing really bringing that home. Also this, "We were afraid to call ourselves artists. Apprehensive of the heaviness of that word–all of its expectations and requisite proofs; our perceptions that in our current states, we couldn’t live up to the label." I have felt this so many times on my writing journey. So well articulated and another great piece!
It was really a pleasure to see your drawing and your process its been two decades since I've drawn a live model, or stood next to a masterpiece (too long on both count) , but you helped me remember overwhelming feelings of beginning, and being connected to a larger tradition/legacy of being art making creatures
Oh my gosh, I felt as though I was becoming closer to the group as you were throughout this piece. I absolutely loved that you included the drawings and photos! I can feel the intimacy growing, the picture of you laughing really bringing that home. Also this, "We were afraid to call ourselves artists. Apprehensive of the heaviness of that word–all of its expectations and requisite proofs; our perceptions that in our current states, we couldn’t live up to the label." I have felt this so many times on my writing journey. So well articulated and another great piece!
It was really a pleasure to see your drawing and your process its been two decades since I've drawn a live model, or stood next to a masterpiece (too long on both count) , but you helped me remember overwhelming feelings of beginning, and being connected to a larger tradition/legacy of being art making creatures
"We revealed ourselves rapidly in good company." I love this.
Amazing essay Dekera! I enjoyed the descriptions so much, you definitely transported me into the room.