“We are a way for the universe to know itself.” -Carl Sagan
You and I are connected. Likely in many ways. Although we may not know any of them, there are threads that link our lives, our history, the paths we walk each day. This is true for every piece of our universe. Although we may feel small and insignificant when we consider our existence within the big picture, so to speak, the truth of the matter is that we are all points of light on the same, massive constellation of life.
Frankie Toan lives and works in Denver, Colorado. They currently have multiple projects happening in their studio and has of late been delving into the concept of “queer gardening” working with scraps they find around their studio. They draw inspiration from their actual garden, though the creations in their studio are like nothing one would see growing outside. Their work explores connection, touch and interaction. This theme aligns perfectly with their new work and the interconnected nature of gardens and plants. To hear more about Frankie Toan’s work including how they define queer gardening, listen to the complete interview.
Astrid Kaemmerling is in New Orleans where she continues work on on a project called The Walk Discourse, part art project, part educational practice, part research laboratory. Kaemmerling holds “walkshops” which invite participants to incorporate the medium of walking into their practice. Themes of the walkshops vary depending on who has signed up to participate. One walkshop required those involved to simply observe their surroundings. To listen, to smell, to see, before documenting their findings. To hear more about Astrid Kaemmerling’s work and her walkshops, listen to the complete interview.
A Few Words to Keep in your Pocket:
When you pass by faces in the street you do not recognize, take a moment to realize that you are connected. Whether just in that moment or in ways you can’t begin to imagine. We are all one.
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 here.
Books to Read
What are you reading? Add your titles to our reading list here. Frankie Toan is reading the current volume of Wussy Magazine. Astrid Kaemmerling is reading The Spark and the Grind by Erik Wahl.
Jeune Création invites emerging artists to apply to their open call. Selected artists will have their work included in exhibition with communication and sales support. Chosen artists also receive an allowance of 150 euros. Jeune Création publishes a catalog in which included artists have their work featured as well as text written by young critics. To learn more and to apply, visit the website. Deadline for submissions is September 8.
Deadlines
Weekly Edited Grant and Residency Deadlines – review the list here.
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Brainard Carey is an author, artist and educator. He is the director of Praxis Center for Aesthetics. He has written six books for artists; Making it in the Art World, New Markets for Artists, The Art World Demystified, Fund Your Dreams Like a Creative Genius, Sell Online Like a Creative Genius and Succeed with Social Media Like a Creative Genius.