Open Door

September 1st, I start a 3 month residency at C.A.P. in Kobe. It is an open studio that is funded by Kobe city. In exchange for a studio space, I have to keep the door open and welcome any curious visitors. 

On the downside, I'm worried how having spectators, or potential spectators, will effect my work. I've been working in near total isolation for years and I've gotten used to not having to explain myself half way through something,  not having to make up stories to justify and explain what I'm doing. This was a source of constant irritation when I was in school and shared a studio with countless other students, many of whom seemed to be there mostly to talk. Now, I make something and then it goes on a shelf. Done. 

Also I have to be more aware of sudden insane singing, talking to myself, butt scratching and nose picking. Not easy.

On the upside, if this doesn't force me to improve my Japanese, nothing will. It's definitely a diving into the deep end approach. In English, I can meander along until I get to a point that sounds right, but in Japanese I will need to decide what to say and boil it down to a short and clear point before I start to speak (and I mean days before). And then pray I can understand the follow up question.

Also, not to jinx it, but this is the first career step I've made art-wise in over 10 years. Since moving to Kobe last April, quitting my job, and focussing on not just making art but being an artist , I am beginning to see some pay off. The old negative voice in my head that would have talked myself out of doing anything before I even got started is nowhere to be heard. Positivity!! Yes!! I hope I don't get hit by a bus on the way there.

I've been on a roll lately, with a series of loose and quick paintings (one is pictured above) that are at least somewhat approaching the kind spontaneity I have found lacking in my paintings since... always. I hope to increase the scale now that I have the space but hopefully I can just keep doing what I'm doing. Happy that I don't have to spend most of the three months searching for what to pursue. 

So, for the first time, I will use this blog in a very bloggy way, and try to update everyday on what went on in the studio. Please check in as often as you can. I know it may not be the most interesting subject to everyone but I welcome your comments. They are very encouraging.