Studio Notes - May 2021
Wars are raging.
The Earth is dying.
Black citizens are being murdered.
Muslim girls are being denied education.
India is being ravaged by illness.
American democracy is fraying.
Women still need to be twice as good for half the money.
Animals suffer from human greed and cruel disregard.
And yet, it is Spring.
What are we to make of that?
To see: In March, LexArt Inspires came to my studio, digitally of course, for a conversation called Speaking Through Making: Finding Voice. If you are looking for an hour’s viewing, you might find it of interest.
To do: If you are fully vaccinated and if you can afford it and if a restaurant near you is behaving responsibly, go out to eat. Portland, Maine, where I live, is a hugely foody town with extraordinary restaurants. This past year has been horrible for them, yet in the face of the difficulties, they have been resourceful and honorable in trying to support their staff, provide food to the community and stay afloat, none of which could be done virtually. They deserve a little love. And besides, who can complain about a breakfast, lunch or dinner out?
To read: A sweet little book, The Art of Repair, by Molly Martin, published by Short Books. It’s about mending in practical, historical and most interestingly, I think, philosophical contexts. “To repair something (anything) in the modern world is a defiant act, which flies in the face of consumerist values and products,” Martin says on page 14. It also slows us down, allows hands and mind to work together and encourages us to take action in small and larger ways.
Coming up:
Haystack Summer 2021 online programs: Panel discussion with Matthew Hinçman, Tanya Crane and Lissa Hunter. June 15 at 7:30. Free!
Exhibition along with Alison Hildreth and Tom Hall at Cove Street Arts in Portland. July 1 to September 1. Title yet to be determined.
Adornments: Objects of Beauty, Status and Ideas. August 1, 2, 3. Workshop at LexArt in Lexington, Massachusetts.
Spring has arrived early here in Maine, as if in apology for the last year. Small, dependable miracles of daffodils and lilacs are still miracles and we shouldn’t underestimate them. Even the most cynical among us has to smile at these cheeky blooms. Be well and stay safe.
All best,
Lissa