By Patrick Dennis
I am an artist and I’ve been thinking…
Since we can’t go back in time to finish all the projects left undone in 2012, why not give a big, warm bear hug to the new year? What choice do we have other than hibernate? As our world shrinks, demand for our time grows, demanding more of our constant attention than a litter of puppies.
I’m pretty sure we all realize that we are busier than ever. This concept was driven home for me recently as my dear old mother commented, “In my day things were normal. People took time to finish what they started and spent time with their families instead of constantly checking email and driving from place to place without ever stopping to say hello once in awhile which apparently is too much to expect these days even though I am 85 years old.” Ignoring the jab at shirking my familial responsibilities, I focused on the word normal. What is normal?
In the art world, normal is practically a dirty word. We expect the unexpected, want to be amazed, challenged to experience things we’ve never known through the eyes of the artist. Whether one’s world-view is conservative or subversive, the quest for art to enrich our lives is universal. Perhaps we feel the need for art to bring us balance during our juggling, or a firm place to set our foot while it’s tapping.
The real difference between now and “then,” is that we want it all right now. Thanks to modern social media avenues and publications such as this one we have virtually unlimited access to events as well as an overwhelming demand for our attention. As an artist, I know first-hand that I must produce at a faster pace, post images online and tweet, scratch or blog about it immediately to grab attention. Weirdly, I’m getting used to it so this must be normal now at least for me. I am not alone. By the end of this decade I predict that every urbanite artist will be adept at juggling both their creative output and their representation seamlessly while handling the business of daily life. I’m pretty sure my mother could have never imagined this future.
As you check your social calendar, Facebook activity and family schedule (not necessarily in that order of priority), make room for art this year. Stumbling onto a remarkable discovery that fits into your life will not slow time nor the demands on it, but it will keep you from losing track of what makes life beautiful. And that should be normal for us all.
Upcoming Atlanta Art Events
Jan. 11 – Feb. 16
“1.2 cm =”
Photography by Constance Thalken. Challenging, often disturbing, insightful imagery by this Atlanta artist is not for the faint of heart. Opening reception Jan. 11 7 p.m. Whitespace Gallery, 814 Edgewood Ave., 30307. whitespace814.com
Jan. 19
“Small Jewels”
Selected small works by 21 local artists under $200. From award winning pen and ink, ceramics and mosaic to fine oil paintings by collected local artists. Opening reception 6 p.m. Decatur Market & Gallery, 153 Ponce de Leon Pl., 30030. decaturgallery.com
Jan. 24-28
“Art Palm Beach”
A unique blend of art, photography and design curated by Luis Perez. Get your “city fix” as only Besharat can do. Besharat Gallery, 175 Peters St., SW, 30313. besharatgallery.com
Patrick Dennis is an artist, gallery owner and President of the Atlanta Foundation for Public Spaces. Email him at Patrick@affps.com.
