Arrange / Rearrange
how should an artist be?
Francoise Gilot was a 21-year-old art student during the middle of the last century when she met Pablo Picasso.
Their relationship lasted a decade, during a time when they had two children together. She later became an accomplished artist. I happened to wander into a small New York art gallery on The Bowery during the 1990s to see a show of her paintings. An older woman by then, she was actually there with the gallerist. I was thrilled to walk into that moment—be in the presence of someone with such a legendary history. I had read her Life with Picasso memoir. I recently came upon this quote from her:
You have to admit that most women who do something with their lives have been disliked by almost everyone.
Not sure that is entirely true. Francoise received all kinds of criticism, but her statement is more universal than that. Any woman making statements in the world risks some amount of disapproval.
Back in the Victorian Era, I imagine some people may not have approved of all the reading that this woman named Lucie was shown doing as she posed for the artist…
I am most curious about Francoise Gilot’s use of the phrase women who do something with their lives.
What qualifies as “doing something”?
Author Virginia Woolf had suggestions for doing something in the world.
I wrote a bit about a room of one’s own in an earlier post, but the advice I especially relate to is this…
Arrange whatever pieces come your way.
This is essentially the life of an artist as I have experienced it. There was never a clear plan—pieces simply begin assembling in a certain way. Over time—whether in writing, painting, or just getting dressed in the morning—a way of working with your life becomes a voice. Make an expression of it all—tragedy, trauma, dysfunction, disease, luck, laughter. Work with whatever you have and meaning arises.
Arranging Pieces One
I had a couple yards of fabric that had been stored away for years waiting for just the right purpose until a couple weeks ago when I was compelled to sew curtains on that dark April day…
A National Survey of Artists (2024 data, released in late 2025) defines artists and culture bearers not just by current job title, but by having a dedicated creative practice, regardless of how they earn their living. It turns out that about one in five American adults identifies this way.
No longer the small eccentric bunch living within a few blocks of one another in Paris or New York City, an entire industry has grown up around the celebration of the imagination and creativity.
Arranging Pieces Two
Objects assembled on a surface as still life…
I’ve taken a special interest in a recent contest co-hosted by actor Johnny Depp and ARTFORUM, a fundraiser for The Art of Elysium, an organization that recognizes creativity as a catalyst for healing and connection by providing art activities and resources to people overcoming social and emotional challenges. Elysium (Greek) signifies a place of perfect happiness. Although I do not resonate with any notion of perfect happiness, as a former Art Therapist, I view this organization’s mission to be worthy. One artist will be awarded a $25,000 prize and given a spread of their artwork in an upcoming issue of the magazine.
The People’s Artist title will go to the contestant with the most votes. While one vote is free, additional votes may be purchased for one dollar each to raise funds for Elysium organization. I have noticed many online posts pushing back on the pay-to-vote strategy that feels rigged to some. As with most contests, the chance of winning is slim. Buying votes is nothing new. Sound familiar?
Still, a $25,000 prize goes a long way to help further an art practice (not sure about the tax implications). There is no arguing against the wonders of having work featured in the pages of ARTFORUM.
Exposure is good.
Cultural organizations routinely center fundraising around art auctions of work donated by artists. This is how many art collectors obtain works. Instead of purchasing a $2000 painting, just bid $500 at one of these fundraisers. Meanwhile, the artist gives away their time, materials and artistry for the pleasure of inclusion and trust that exposure has value. But don’t we all want to help and serve…give back? There is a lot written about how this devalues the work of artists. Google it. This contest has a different angle, though. The artist is not asked to donate actual art…just a story of themself as an artist. Little time is required to complete the brief registration questions and upload a few images of best work. Thus, many artists are tossing their name into this celebration of creativity and imagination contest.
Arranging Pieces Three
Shapes and patterns with layers of paint as idea…
Who will be The People’s Artist?
Why do you create art?
What is your favorite type of art to create?
Where do you find inspiration?
What would you do with $25,000?
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