Navigating the intricate world of an art career, one of the most daunting challenges often lies in the social arena. It's not that most artists harbor a disdain for people; rather, the labyrinth of social norms can be an intimidating maze for those whose creativity thrives in solitude. Yet, the paradox emerges – meaningful relationships are a cornerstone of a thriving art career. In our recent podcast interview with Michelle Cuevas, she eloquently highlighted numerous opportunities that blossomed from the relationships she had cultivated.
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For those unaccustomed to social interactions or lacking the "social butterfly" gene, the question looms: where does one begin? The answer, I believe, lies not in possessing the gift of gab but in making a conscious effort. Consider Tyler Boaz, a young local artist currently immersed in his studies at ASU. I encountered Tyler at an AASA meetup last year. Despite the challenges posed by his autism, he emphasized the difficulty of stepping into social spheres. However, this did not deter him from reaching out, and today, his first solo exhibition "Jamais Vu" at the Coop Gallery until Feb 2nd reflects his journey as a visual artist and learner with autism (by the way, you should check it out).
For those unaccustomed to social interactions or lacking the "social butterfly" gene, the question looms: where does one begin? The answer, I believe, lies not in possessing the gift of gab but in making a conscious effort.
Tyler embodies the spirit of an artist many of us can resonate with. The social aspect of community involvement can appear as an insurmountable barrier, but, on closer inspection, it reveals itself as a paper-thin wall. While walking through might not be the most comfortable experience, it's entirely possible. Building relationships in the art world hinges on finding common ground. Not every connection will be an instant hit, but those you do connect with will contribute to your journey in unforeseen ways.
Nurturing these relationships requires effort, whether it's through emails or coffee meetings. Reflecting on my experiences last year, I engaged in standing coffee meetings with several community leaders, not just to be part of ongoing conversations but also to understand how I could contribute value to their interests while articulating my own goals.
Nurturing these relationships requires effort, whether it's through emails or coffee meetings.
The key is to be genuine, even if you're not a natural conversationalist. Be an exceptional listener, take notes if needed, and then translate that understanding into action in a manner that suits you best. You'll soon find that these relationships are the keys to unlocking doors of opportunity. And hey, if you fancy a coffee chat with me, just shoot me an email, and we'll set a time! artalliancesa@gmail.com
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