Golden Triangle Artists Exchange

Sometimes, living in Mississippi, I tend to feel isolated artistically. Although there are plenty of artists in the area, there does not seem to be a good way to collaborate artistically with one another and share ideas. Obviously, I could seek out individuals and invite them to my studio to share ideas and create art. But, wouldn't it be nice if we had a network of artists interested in pushing the artistic envelope who regularly met together for this purpose? Think about historical movements, such as the "Impressionism Movement" when great painters, especially in France, met and painted together, discussed life, created amazing art, and changed the art world. Later, the surrealists completely upended the very definition of art. These movements, and others, did not come about from the fruits of a single person, but rather, from groups of uniquely talented individuals who worked together, pushed one another, and challenged each other's beliefs and ideas. With the advent of the internet, it has become possible to exchange ideas with artists from around the world and to create collaborative works of art. These connections have manifested themselves in the production of various international exhibitions and in printed material such as books and magazines. And, yes, this is wonderful, but it still leaves out the important element of physically sharing one's techniques. Talking and working with other artists in person is a great way to motivate and challenge ourselves as artists.

Work in progress: mostly acrylic paint on wood-the round thing upper

 right is the inside of a broken wine bottle

So, basically, I am interested in finding other local artists who might be willing to share ideas. This would entail visiting each other's studios or homes at times. My studio is cramped, full of stuff, as I am sure most people can relate to. Of course, some of us don't even have studios, but may work in a kitchen or living room. This is unimportant. In fact, it might be interesting to actually see how other artists work.

Part of a new watercolor/pen work on super thick 

illustration board

If you are interested, let me know and let people know what you would like to do and how you can share your art and artistic methods. If you have friends that might be interested, invite them. It is unlikely that everyone in a group can meet together all of the time, but even if two or three artists come together once in a while, it could be a beautiful thing.  We have a few artists who are already interested such as Ben Grace, a very imaginative college student at MSU, Chad Anderson (MSU art professor), Patrick Tranum (awesome sculpture dude), Lorrin Webb (amazing art chic), and some others.

Mosaic, 2 X 4 feet, bits of fossil shell from Black Belt

Prairie and cedar strips

We all get used to doing things our own way. That's wonderful. But, its also nice to learn new things. We may even have something to offer to others. Something thats is routine for one artist might be novel to another, might unlock a door to an incredible place.

colored ink and pen on birch wood