Spring Forward
As I write this on March 20, 2021 we are welcoming back Spring and seeing signs of new life after a strange and dark year. March is also Women’s History Month and I have been reading some works by poets and authors like Audre Lorde and Angela Carter (names I feel I should have encountered years ago). In these women and in young people like Amanda Gorman, I am reminded that we need to continually renew our education, our understanding of the world, and our appreciation of each other.
It deeply saddens me that many voices of wisdom are ignored because they come from women and people of color. Visionaries are punished throughout history for challenging the norm, exposing our ugliness, and asking us to change. The arts help us see one another. We can experience a sculpture or a symphony or a poem and get a glimpse into the creator’s soul, learn about their culture, and benefit from their insight. If we ignore or reject different perspectives, we remain in darkness.
The Spring Equinox is the perfect time to talk about equity. The term equinox comes from the medieval Latin word equinoxium, meaning “equality between day and night”. In the Northern Hemisphere we are moving closer to the sun – so let’s also talk a bit about how we can enlighten, educate and affect change around the world.
“All great art contains at its center contemplation, a dynamic contemplation.”
I invite you to reflect on your artistic practice. Is there some aspect of what you make that can be turned outward to better the lives of others? Even if your work does not address themes of social change directly, you can explore ways to share your passion and positivity. Click over to ArtWork Archive to read about 5 Ways Artists Can Make a Difference Right Now
COLLECTING CHANGE
As a collector or general art enthusiast, I encourage you to reach out beyond your normal sources for art viewing. If you go to the same galleries, websites, nonprofits over and over, find someplace new this month. Seek out pop-up spaces or outdoor art festivals in new neighborhoods. If you are in the Bay Area I recommend Betti Ono Gallery founded in 2010 by Anyka Barber and dedicated to amplifying the work and lives of black, brown, immigrant, indigenous, and LGBTQ+ artists and communities.
Save this link created by Root Division and the Pacific Felt Factory of Black Bay Area Artists. Click through the links and get to know artists and collectives you may be unfamiliar with. If you buy art at auctions benefitting nonprofits (this is awesome) but maybe spread the love to a new venue like Creative Growth that serves artists with disabilities. Or shop at the current Southern Exposure auction Shine Together going live March 26th. SoEx has been celebrating and supporting experimental art in San Francisco since 1974. And ever before that, SF Women Artists has given pioneering artists like Ruth Asawa, Imogen Cunningham, Claire Falkenstein, Emmy Lou Packard, and Ruth Bernhard early support. Founded in 1887, they have a gallery on Irving Street and an online shop.
This is just touching on a few things you can do to support underrepresented artists. I hope you will take a moment in this new season to make your art world more inclusive. If you have any tips to share, please comment below.
HAPPY SPRING EVERYONE!