Artist Statement
Upon reflection, I have recently realized that there exists an energy between myself as an artist and my clients, who commission works from me. Many artists prefer to do works solely derived from their own experiences or psyche, without “contamination” from outside influences. I would be lying if I said that in some circumstances this is not also true of myself. But what if there is a way to obtain personal artistic satisfaction from taking the needs of my clients into account while fulfilling my own?
I needed to find a balance - a way to integrate my lives as an artist and an artist for hire. During a slow period in my professional career as a muralist, I embarked on a journey to produce the works that I had been longing to get out, and to build my personal collection of art, art which reflected me. I did a solo show, many group shows and became more involved in the local arts scene, and I became contented again. But wouldn’t you know it: I found myself missing something. I missed the energy that happens when a client calls me for a mural consultation - when they tell me their ideas and a story begins to form. The satisfaction comes when the experience and artistic eye that I bring to the table elevates their visions and expectations to something greater than they imagined it could be. It is the feedback, praise and enjoyment that my work can bring to the masses. The artist grows as well from the public nature of public art - the art takes on a life of its own, from the energy and influences of the public, as does the artist when they become a part of the landscape and history of a community. It is almost like the role of an Elder, who keeps the information and shares it through their stories. When the needs are met through a piece of my art, I feel like a translator or interpreter who allows a story to be told.
All is not well in my world yet though. I strive to educate the public on the value of art, and what it brings to our lives. In my small town area, opportunities are scarce and compensation is often very low for local artists. In general, there is a lack of appreciation for “Le Grand Art”, or muralism, and it’s place in history as well as the present and future.
Teaching and learning opportunities abound.
Susan Dupont Baptista
I needed to find a balance - a way to integrate my lives as an artist and an artist for hire. During a slow period in my professional career as a muralist, I embarked on a journey to produce the works that I had been longing to get out, and to build my personal collection of art, art which reflected me. I did a solo show, many group shows and became more involved in the local arts scene, and I became contented again. But wouldn’t you know it: I found myself missing something. I missed the energy that happens when a client calls me for a mural consultation - when they tell me their ideas and a story begins to form. The satisfaction comes when the experience and artistic eye that I bring to the table elevates their visions and expectations to something greater than they imagined it could be. It is the feedback, praise and enjoyment that my work can bring to the masses. The artist grows as well from the public nature of public art - the art takes on a life of its own, from the energy and influences of the public, as does the artist when they become a part of the landscape and history of a community. It is almost like the role of an Elder, who keeps the information and shares it through their stories. When the needs are met through a piece of my art, I feel like a translator or interpreter who allows a story to be told.
All is not well in my world yet though. I strive to educate the public on the value of art, and what it brings to our lives. In my small town area, opportunities are scarce and compensation is often very low for local artists. In general, there is a lack of appreciation for “Le Grand Art”, or muralism, and it’s place in history as well as the present and future.
Teaching and learning opportunities abound.
Susan Dupont Baptista
The arts make life worth living...
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