Artistic journeys on the river SLART

Author’s Note: Every Saturday, I share my art practice over the past 7 days. I’m fascinated by artistic practice – it’s not just about creating art but the entire process. From influences and ideas to materials and skills, each artist’s unique approach shapes their work, making it more than just a finished piece. Just imagine having a weekly update from your favourite living artist. How cool would that be? (I’m not saying I’m your favourite living artist, but if Jean Dubuffet had a weekly blog, I’d read it! Or if Jeff Koons had a Substack, I’d pay to read it.)

If this piece is too long for email, you can read it here in Substack. Or download the app.

MasterClass with Jeff Koons

I’m a bit funny about “How To” courses, especially from artists, as art is so individualistic. You can’t copy what others have done, it makes no sense. I’ve heard about MasterClass since 2015 and I’d always been tempted but I was so afraid of not doing the courses and wasting my money, that I never signed up. Back then it was £97 per class, nowadays it’s $10 per month to gain access to over 200+ courses from top experts. I saw an Instagram ad that gave 50% off for Father’s Day, so I got a year’s access for $60. Not bad at all. I have a context around this which helps, as I am making a concerted effort to get fit, so I’ve got so much great content on MasterClass, which I will mainly watch whilst on the cross trainer or exercise bike.

I’ve watched a couple of lessons so far, I admire his vision. But I feel like he talks shit about some of the descriptions of his work. Maybe that’s just me? Maybe it’s my art world naivety? I feel like he goes into a lot of detail about the ideas around his work. Maybe that’s what I’m missing!?? I often find it a bit annoying when people over-describe things when a few words will do LOL!

It might not sound like it, but I am a fan of Koons, maybe it’s just me being jealous that he’s more articulate than me.

There are other courses on there that I will check out, I’ll keep you posted. If you want me to send you a 14-day free trial to MasterClass, just drop me a DM.

Later Note: I take back what I said about Jeff, he’s passionate and clear about his work. My previous annoyance with him was just my ‘stuff’. After hearing more about how he works, he’s not only inspired me to go bigger with my art but he’s also inspired me to have fun with creating mood boards and notebooks around a theme.

Even Later Note: I find him a bit verbose, but I’m not feeling 100%. I went to the gym this morning and really wasn’t feeling it. Must be tired! I was thinking to myself, “Jeff seems so calm in these videos, but I can see him losing his shit if one of his assistants makes a mistake”. It could go either way really, he could be calm and understanding, or have a wild perfectionist temper. Has anyone here worked with Jeff?

My group exhibit at The Carriage Works, Swindon – Swindon Arts Fringe

I totally forgot about mentioning this last week in the Weekly Art Practice 23 post, but I am exhibiting at SWAF 2024 in the Old Carriage Works, which is where they used to build the trains during the Great Industrial Revolution.

A huge thanks to Heather Dash for curating. Here’s the video she took of the exhibit.

The Ghost Who Walks

I dropped off some art at the studio and had a bit of time there to start my new theme. I just wanted to start something off and work it out as I went along. Combined with Koons’ tips, I am excited about creating a new theme, focused on superhero and cartoon nostalgia.

In 2022, I painted a series of artworks around superheroes relating to my experiences with Chronic Kidney Disease called Fistula. Later that year, I painted a series around my childhood heroes called “Fighting with my Heroes”. Can you see a wider theme emerging from my body of work? You can see my portfolio here.

I quickly put this together in about 10 minutes, I will work on it further in the coming weeks. I’ve also made a start on the mood board.

Following up with The Outsider Art Fair

I don’t understand this organisation. They support Outsider Artists, but they never tell you how to exhibit at their annual art fair.

I gave them a little follow-up today. This is the 6th time I have been in touch, plus I sent them a book in the post last year.

Dear reader, could you do me a little favour and email them on my behalf, please? Maybe they’re not getting my email. I’ve made it easier for you, you just click the button below and the info has been cleverly added already. Try it!

UPDATE: They replied on Instagram!

I’ll ask my curator to get in touch!

Exercising and looking after myself

I’ve just been so so so so so tired since having a baby. The stress eating only served as temporary relief, but it’s taken its toll on my health, body, mood and energy levels. I’ve joined a gym again, I’m not a fan of gyms generally. I want to say out loud that I get caught in this mental loop around gyms.

1. I join a gym.

2. I work out regularly for 2 weeks.

3. I don’t think I’m doing enough / I should be doing weights.

4. I quit.

It’s amazing how influenced I am by the digital world. I know it’s not just me, but I see all of these ads and posts from buff guys saying ‘You must lift weights as a man’. Maybe I will get into it naturally, but I don’t enjoy it, I don’t enjoy aching in the way you do with weight lifting. I enjoy playing basketball the most, but I don’t feel fit enough at the moment, so I do enjoy using the exercise bike and cross trainers, I love building up a sweat, and I love switching off and watching something as I work out. Hence the purchase of MasterClass. I get up early to get the workout done before work, plus I can use the gym to shower.

I must remember this: Being fitter and stronger will enhance my stamina as an artist, boost my energy, and foster creativity.

I’m making better choices around food, crisps are my kryptonite, and snacking is my downfall, so I am being aware of when I want to snack. It’s all common sense stuff but I need to sort it out once and for all.

I’ve been to the gym every morning this week before work (You can always squeeze things in by getting up earlier I guess!?) and I’ve made a concerted effort to walk at lunch. On one of the days, I walked 1.86 miles around the work ‘campus’ as they call it. It’s quite a lovely countryside walk!

Thank you for joining me in my art practice for this week.

Best wishes,

Enjoy my publication? Please forward to a pal. It only takes 4 seconds. Making this one took 4.5 Million hours.

Share