“Fear is a natural reaction to moving closer to the truth”
-Pema Chodron, When Things Fall Apart: Heart Advice for Difficult Times
It is natural to feel trepidatious when approaching change. Even as we move toward the life we want, it can feel overwhelming as we shed some of the ways we have sought comfort. Looking with raw honesty and approaching even the most difficult things is frightening but offers tremendous rewards. It is OK to sit with fear, to be uncomfortable and confront those things that take us out of our comfortable haze.
James Little joined us to talk about his show, Affirmed/Actions, which closes January 11 at Petzel Gallery. On the topic of receiving the acclaim he enjoys as a Black artist quite late in his career, Little says he has always considered his journey in the art world a long distance race not a sprint. As movements shifted and changed in the art world, he always felt like an outsider. He remained committed to developing his painting while diligently building the other aspects of his career until things eventually came full circle. To hear more, listen to the complete interview.
Lily Ramírez stopped by to discuss her show, You’ll Understand Soon, which closes January 11 at Mrs. Gallery. The works in the show are oil stick on Japanese handmade paper, a surface Ramírez prefers for the way it grabs hold of the oil. Many of the titles of her works, for example Missoula, Montana, which reaches back to a formative trip she took with her father, offer the viewer an idea of what she intended to capture in the piece. To learn more, listen to the complete interview.
A few words to keep in your pocket
What truths make you uncomfy?
Outings.
Join me at the Chelsea Hotel as we identify some of the art on their walls.
Interviews are available on iTunes as podcasts, and for Android, please click here. All weekly essay pieces are here in a shareable format. The full archive of interviews is here.
More books to read
Ours is a community of readers. Tell us what books you’re reading now by adding your titles to our reading list here. Praxis user Steve Kraft is reading Project Blue Book by Chris Wilder.
Opportunities
Woodstock AIR supports artists of color exploring photography, diversity, and social justice. Ten photographers receive a one-month residency in Woodstock, fostering creativity in dedicated studios and a historic environment. Visit the website for more information. Application deadline is January 31.