“When we suffer we have made it into a personal affair. We shut out all the suffering of mankind.” -J. Krishnamurti, J. Krishnamurti to Himself: His Last Journal
The nature of suffering is isolating. When we experience our own struggles, it can be easy to believe that we are alone in our pain, and we do everything we can think of to get rid of it fast. We check out, we distract, we ignore. But what if instead, we leaned toward suffering, opened up to it and to the notion that it is a universal experience? Perhaps then we might begin to soften toward those we share this small planet with, begin to see that each of us walks a path punctuated with joys and hardships.
Aaron Wilder joined us to chat about his recent show, Omission Rituals, at Amos Eno Gallery. Over the last several years, much of Wilder’s work has had to do with things that are missing in one way or another. The title of this recent exhibition speaks to this as well as the regimented, “ritualistic” nature of his practice. Wilder began to see this as a thread through all of his work and a theme for this exhibition. To learn more, listen to the complete interview.
Elaine Cameron-Weir spoke to us about her show, The Milk of Dreams, curated by Ceclia Alemani for the 59th International Art Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia, Venice, Italy. The work was previously shown at the Henry Museum in Seattle under the title Star Club Redemption Booth. Cameron-Weir has a strong inclination to reshow work and is greatly interested in titling. Although the title used for the biennale was not her own, she believes it does reflect the installation. To understand more about the work, listen to the complete interview.
A Few Words to Keep in your Pocket
Reconsider your own darkness and whether perhaps it can shed light on something greater.
Interviews are available on iTunes as podcasts, and for Android, please click here. All weekly essay pieces in a shareable format are here. The full archive of interviews is here.
Books to Read
What are you reading? Add your titles to our reading list here. Aaron Wilder discussed For Your Own Good: Hidden Cruelty in Child-Rearing and the Roots of Violence by Alice Miller. Elaine Cameron-Weir recently read My Pinup by Hilton Als.
Deadlines:
The Circ Artist Grants invite applications from emerging, mid-career, and professional artists. This international open call takes place several times throughout the year, offering the opportunity of unrestricted funding to artists with a demonstrated commitment to their art. Two artists per grant cycle are awarded $850 each to enhance and further their creative practice. For more information and to apply, visit the website. Deadline is February 28.
Brainard Carey is an author, artist and educator. He is the director of Praxis for Aesthetics. He has written six books for artists, most recently Making it in the Art World.