Bold, Persistent Experimentation

Be Brave
I was reminded of this FDR quote today:

The country needs and, unless I mistake its temper, the country demands bold, persistent experimentation. It is common sense to take a method and try it: If it fails, admit it frankly and try another. But above all, try something. 

It's easy to get stuck in a rut. Lord knows I feel safest doing the same old thing. This was a reminder to go out and try something new. Experiment, try new techniques, take a leap, be fearless. In fact, fail. Fail a lot. Here's a quote by J.K. Rowling:

It is impossible to live without failing at something, unless you live so cautiously that you might has well not have lived at all, in which case you have failed by default.

Deborah McLouth is explaining her
process to a potential collector

A Venue Worth Considering
My friend and fellow artist Deborah McLouth has a show up at the First Unitarian Universalist Church of Austin this month and she was there today for a meet and greet. It was great to see her and her work. I've shown at FUUCA's gallery before (I've locked in October for maybe the last 8 years), and even though some years were better in terms of sales, I went through the exercise of getting the show ready and creating new work. It's a great low-pressure way to exhibit, so don't discount the importance of these types of venues.

1. You have the deadline pressure of getting the work done (the best thing to motivate moi)
2. Plus you have presentation requirements so you will apply your curating skills
3. You've gotta hang it
4. Then you get practice talking about your work. 

The best thing when leaving Deborah this afternoon? As I left she was packaging up a sale. The bonus is Deborah now has a show ready for the next locale.