Friday, September 12, 2025
HomePraxis Center for AestheticsDon't Hold On Too Tight

Don’t Hold On Too Tight

“For things to reveal themselves to us, we need to be ready to abandon our views about them.” -Thich Nhat Hanh

Sometimes the way we see things can feel so solid, like the ground beneath our feet. But when the world feels heavy or unsettled, it can be a relief to loosen our grip a little. To step back, breathe, and let ourselves notice what’s here without forcing it to fit into old patterns or expectations. In those moments of softness, life has a way of surprising us, reminding us that new perspectives, fresh possibilities, and even quiet beauty can show up when we’re willing to let them.

Lin Wang took time to talk with us about True Romance, her recent show at HB381. The ambitious scale of the ceramics in the show is truly impressive. The title of the show speaks to the time in Wang’s life when she moved from her hometown in China to her current home in Norway following a Norwegian man she was in love with at the time. She quickly learned that a move such as this is life-changing in every way. To learn more, listen to the complete interview.

Natalia Zourabova joined us to discuss her recent show Nightlight, which ran until July 19 at Kaliner Gallery. The works in the exhibition play with light in such a way that the viewer is unsure whether they’re looking at daytime or nighttime. In each image, it could be the beginning or the end of the day. To learn more, listen to the complete interview.

A Few Words to Keep in Your Pocket.

Ease up a little.

Outings.

Join me at Chart Gallery for Kate Bickmore’s On the Precipice

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 Ann-Marie Stillion is re-reading Original Self: Livign With Paradox and Originality by Thomas Moore.

Opportunities.

South Arts’ FY26 Emerging Traditional Artists Program awards $5,000 and mentorship to Appalachian folk artists, supporting skill development, cultural preservation, and community impact through training, networking, and peer exchange. For more information, visit the website. Deadline is September 30.

Brainard Carey is an author, artist and educator. He is the director of Praxis Center for Aesthetics and is currently faculty at the School of Visual Arts in NYC. He has written seven books for artists, including Making it in the Art World. His seventh book, The Problems in the Art World: An Artist’s A-Z Action Guide, is available now.
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