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One more thing...  (4 of 5)


I did have one other mission in going back to the TF, and that was to revisit the studio of Karen Fitzgerald, first because her work reminded me of my confetti quilts and second for the sign on her wall:



PHOTOGRAPHS WELCOME!...

On my first visit I had a short conversation with Karen about the philosophy behind this sign. I thought it was remarkable that she didn't feel threatened by people photographing her work. She responded in passing that this openness might be a generational thing. Hmmm... I will grant you that when I was in art school, it was drilled into the students’ collective consciousness: protect your work at all costs. Karen points out that the internet has been a game changer and her policy is consistent with giving access to her work on line.

But perhaps this perspective is also a reflection of how one approaches life. The creative process is often a reaction to outside influences. If your thought is always open to new experiences and perspectives as an artist, then it follows that you will, in turn, be an inspiration for others. You know this. On the other hand, if you are not open to other sources for inspiration, your creativity can seem to be a limited resource, and you would naturally jealously guard your work for fear of your inspiration running out.

Considering the interactions we had with other artists, and the mission statement on the sign of the Art League Gallery promoting a "stimulating, supportive environment", I'd say the sign in Karen's studio echos the philosophy of the Torpedo Factory as a whole. 



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