“An artist’s only concern is to shoot for some kind of perfection, and on his own terms, not anyone else’s.”
-J.D. Salinger, Franny and Zooey
What does it mean to make your best work? That is not to say the work that earns the most approval, follows trends, or fits neatly into someone else’s expectations. This is about work that feels most fully and honestly your own. This pursuit can feel deeply personal. It insists you listen closely to your instincts and continuing to push toward your vision even when the path isn’t sure and the challenges are steep. There will always be outside opinions and measures of success, but your artistic practice ultimately belongs to you.
Janet Biggs joined us for a second time to talk about Path of Totality, her current show at Cristin Tierney Gallery on view until October 24. Travel and place feature heavily in Biggs’ work, which is in part inspired by other people’s experiences, particularly when they live in extreme places. Biggs believes that witnessing is an essential part of existence. To hear more, listen to the complete interview.
Joy Episalla spoke with us in 2023 about her exhibition crack fold burn bright, presented at Tibor de Nagy in New York City. The exhibition featured a series of works created on photographic paper, exploring the point at which photography becomes sculptural. In Episalla’s process, what may initially be perceived as an image is embedded within the paper itself. By embracing damage, alteration, and the physical transformation of photographic materials, Episalla challenges conventional boundaries and expectations of the medium. To learn more about her process and the making of this work, listen to the complete interview.
A Few Words to Keep in Your Pocket.
What does it mean to define your own standards, trust your creative instincts, and keep reaching for the work you want to make?
Outings.
Join me at Whitlock’s Book Barn
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. Explore the further works of J.D. Salinger.
Opportunities.
The Queens Museum and Jerome Foundation will award two emerging NYC visual artists $20,000 each, plus mentorship and professional development, culminating in solo exhibitions at the museum in 2028. Visit the website for more information. Deadline is September 28.