“…am I only because I have been?” -Etel Adnan, Night
We’re all shaped by what came before us. We are the choices we make, the paths we didn’t take, the stories that still echo in our bodies and minds. That said, it’s easy to believe we are fixed, defined by our past. But the present has a way of gently challenging that idea. Every moment we begin again. No matter what has come before, right now is your chance to rewrite the story, pick up from here and move forward with new choices.
Katie Simmons spoke with us about Coalescing: Explorations of Kindred Species, her recent show at Metropolitan Community College Galleries. The exhibition ties in with much of her work as artist, educator, and wildlife biologist. In all of her work, she collaborates with other species to make things like natural dyes, seeking out other creatures that can become part of her process and her work. It is from this important aspect of her practice that the title of this exhibition grew. To learn more, listen to the complete interview.
Xanthe Burdett joined us to discuss Psychopomp, her recent show at Palo Gallery. Burdett is very interested in the architecture of myth, a theme that inspires much of her work. Growing up in South Devon, a rural, overgrown, forested region of England, she lived within a community that held a strong oral mythology. During these formative years, she was able to transport herself into imaginings of other times and possibilities. To learn more, listen to the complete interview.
A Few Words to Keep in Your Pocket.
What will your next chapter be?
Outings.
Join me at Lehmann Maupin for Kader Attia: Shattering and Gathering Our Traces.
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 Kyrsten Perry is reading The Secret Lives of Color, by Kassia St Clair
Opportunities.
Sloss Furnaces Foundation offers 8-week Visiting Artist residencies with housing, stipend, materials, and 24/7 studio access, culminating in an exhibition and collection donation; open to U.S. and self-visa international artists. Learn more at the website. Deadline is February 6.