Jolyn here writing some thoughts. Holding my finger to the mind’s wind and wondering how to explain this thought or rather a question that wants to be put to words… I’m considering how often are we asking ourselves as artists to be curious about the why of our art-making.
For me as a human being one of the biggest challenges is thinking I’m knowing the answers of how, when, and what without asking myself the why. I can answer how will I make this painting, when will I draw this sketch, and what will it be of…. but underneath it all, I wonder why not more often ask myself why. Why am I creating? Is it for process, relief, or to better understand? Am I using art to avoid and escape or is it investigative, probing, or explorative? What is my purpose here, what is my intention today?
Why be curious? I expect the answer of why to change and shift and be different for each of us and even be different for me in the day-to-day. We as people like different foods, clothes, people, and music. Why wouldn’t we like to make art differently? One of my favorite songs is by the band Guided By Voices it sings “I am a scientist, I seek to understand me”. I love the lyrics because as they go on they’re a bit dark, but also because they question. They ask and explain why. Painting for me can be like an investigation into understanding better what I want, and that wanting… is so often inquisitive. While self-introspection can seem as though it comes from a place of self-centeredness it’s also been a lifelong pursuit and desire of myself to be truthful, to feel the perimeters of my heart, and to find the voice and courage to say words honestly. And so for me as an artist if you ask me the why of my painting…I think it is in the search for this truth and clarity. This search creates a scenario of it not mattering as much what I am painting, but how. Am I painting for the product or the experience? Are my marks feeling honest and connected to my being? And if they aren’t why not? What’s gotten in the way?
“Why do they call it rush hour when nothing moves”- Robin Williams. Art can feel like this. Life can feel like this! And the why question can be a bit scary. But on the other side of it. There are answers. For me, art-making gives me direction. It gives me clarity and helps me know myself which I think in turn helps me to be a better person for others. This is one of my answers to the question why? And curiously and gently I ask what is your why? What brings you to Ulna, to your sketchbook, your studio, to class, to the palette, to your paper or canvas? Why do you think about art? There aren’t any wrong answers here there is just the act of getting closer to knowing. While it’s OK not to know as an artist and sometimes feel in the dark a bit. I always want to be asking with curiosity. Today I’ll end with a poignant and vulnerable share that explains the journey of why for them by the artist Koy Suntichotinun here.
In appreciation for each of you.
Warmly,
Jolyn
Food for thought. Below is a photo taken a handful of years ago from Hilma af Klint’s exhibit at the Guggenheim. Here’s an article that describes some of her life. Although she still feels a bit of a mystical mystery to me even with all the more recent explanations. I love hearing and seeing more and more! This painting is huge. At least 8 feet tall if my memory serves me correctly.
Hilma af Klint: a painter possessed
OPEN STUDIO-
Please note: open studio closed these days: 3/18 & 3/20!
Open studio is happening twice a week. Sign up and read more here Ulna Open Studio Info!
Students currently enrolled in a class may attend Open Studio for free.
Mondays 1 pm-4:30 pm & Wednesdays from 5 pm – 8:30 pm
Email Drew with questions: drewdinesart@gmail.com
MARCH 2024 CLASSES:
*one spot left*
Dried Flower Wreath Workshop with Solstice Flower Works
Instructor: Alex Hale
Dates: March 30th
Times: Saturday, 1:00pm – 3:30pm
APRIL / MAY 2024 CLASSES
NEW WORKSHOP!
Big landscapes (2-day workshop Monday’s in April)
Instructor: Cole Lyons
Dates: April 15th & April 22nd
Time: 5:30pm-8:30pm
Friday Night Figure Drawing (April 19)
Instructor: Lettie Jane Rennekamp
Date: Friday, April 19th
Time: 5:30pm-8:30pmIntuitive Drawing (Saturday AM) April/May
Instructor: Lettie Jane Rennekamp
Dates: Saturdays, April 13 – May 18
Time: 10:00am – 1:00pmDeeper Drawing (Saturday Afternoon) April/May
Instructor: Lettie Jane Rennekamp
Dates: Saturdays, April 6th – May 18th
Time: 1:30pm-4:30pmIntro to Painting (Sunday AM) April/May
Instructor: Jolyn Fry
Dates: April 7th- May 12th
Times: Sundays, 10:30am – 12:30pmIntro to Painting (Tuesday PM) May/June
Instructor: Cole Lyons
Dates: May 7th- June 11th
Times: Sundays, 5:30pm – 8:30pmIntro to Landscape Painting (Thursday PM) May/June
Instructor: Cole Lyons
Dates: May 9th- June 13th
Times: Thursdays, 5:30pm – 8:30pm
More classes soon!
Look for more Spring and Summer listings in the next newsletter!
ULNA COMMUNITY EVENTS
Daniel’s art show at Turn, Turn, Turn will be up through the month of March! If you didn’t make it to the opening don’t miss this opportunity to see his work in person!
Visit Rachel Mulder’s Ceremonial Traces up this SPRING at 5128 NE 42nd Ave!
If you have an upcoming art show, let us know!
Did you know we’re moving?!
Ulna will move to the second floor of the Portland Storage Building this month. Your instructors will be reaching out to you with more details! We’re so excited for you all to see our new and bigger space.
Cole, Lettie Jane, and Jolyn here to say THANK YOU for being part of our community.