Community is something many of us do not get enough of these days, due to all the risks and fears and restrictions of the Covid pandemic. And most artists do benefit from some community with other artists, not just friends and family.

I have lacked this sense of community most of my life. Prior to the pandemic, I had some small sense of an arts community for many years, but this was limited. A small group of friends met weekly to make art. Most of the group did not share my dedication to almost daily art. Rather they enjoyed a more limited commitment, and worked primarily during our two hour weekly meetings. So our sessions were social and the friendship was wonderful, but was not quite satisfying as community with other artists. And our weekly sessions were suspended in 2020.

I suppose that making, of one sort or another, has become something of a passion for me, even when I do not exhibit my work. Some pieces hang in my home & studio, some are gifted, some are simply stored! I do find it hard to use the word “passion” about myself. Like many “Brits”, I was not brought up to acknowledge any passions in a serious way :-)! But my immersion in making is real, and important to me.

Like many artists, I enjoy working alone. I am an introvert, but … introverts still want friends and community. We just need time alone as well, maybe a lot of time alone! But I absolutely enjoy sharing time and conversation with other like minded artists or with supportive members of the arts community. One good reason to show art is to generate contact with others with an interest in art! Friends and family may be wonderfully supportive, but I find that their interest and involvement in my work is limited. So I need to seek out some community with other artists.

Recently an acquaintance I have not seen in years happened on my current art exhibit, and reached out by email to tell me that she enjoyed my work. This was lovely to hear, and we sent a reply or two back and forth. Here is part of my correspondence.