Observation, Commentary and Protest.

[Tony Robinson]

Following a recent small paint out organised in my adopted town to record an important urban view about to disappear behind a new glass and steel library, I came across this article from Australia, concerning a project there to have several artists record the dramatic environmental decline of the Murray-Darling Basin.
Whether as reportage recording events and changes for posterity, whether making a simple gesture of disapproval or support, or by actively creating a focal point for publicity and community action, plein air painting can be more than a sociable outing in the fresh air of à picturesque setting. Not to say that there is anything wrong with that, or that aesthetic picture-making problems are not sufficient agenda for anyone. But there is no denying the power of a group of artists painting to make passers by stop and look to see what's going on.
So, I wonder what other instances members may have found of the capacity of a painitng group to focus the media spotlight on some issue?
With placard in one hand and brush in the other....

[Marsha Hamby Savage]

I find this post interesting since I have started a group to focus attention on the partnership of artists with a benefit of some kind. Since I am a plein air artist, it stands to reason my "benefit" opportunities will probably be aligned with saving some property. Some place I like to paint or think others would. Also, a place that we need to preserve instead of making into a cement space.

I think people love to watch artists at work -- so aligning ourselves with some "place" would bring good publicity.

[Tony Robinson]

Hi Marsha.
Just read your Eastern US Artists Network aims and I see you've just gained a couple more members in the last few minutes, which is a good sign! As I said earlier, painting doesn't need any agenda outside itself, but plein air painting is often put to the service of the hospitality and tourism industries. Although that can work to everyone's advantage, its nice to see the cause being artist-led occasionally. Best of luck with EUSAN and please post how it progresses.

[Marsha Hamby Savage]

Thanks, it was nice to get on this morning and see that the invites I sent out produced about 6 new members just overnight.

I totally agree about the cause being artist-led. Why not? And, my painting rarely ever needs an agenda other than I must do it. But, I love plein air and love this country. So, had been thinking why not try to meld the two together for occasions.

I also feel strongly about educating the public to what an artist "really" does! Most people enjoy watching and asking questions. Does not maybe do the best for the artist to be asked questions, but I do find that I enjoy talking about what I do. Sometimes, my best work is when I don't totally focus on the piece. Engage the "left" brain with conversation while the "right" brain paints!

Putting ourselves out in situations where we can do our thing, do good for the community in someway, and educate people -- I call that a good day!

[Donald Maier]

Not as a protest as such, but to get some publicity, I had, very early on, suggested that we plan a paint-out during the Spring Cherry Blossom Festival on the Tidal Basin in Washington, DC. Depending on whether or not we got a big enough crowd, I think have a large number of painters lined up at one time would have to attract some attention. Maybe with a few well place phone calls alerting the media of the event, plus twitter etc. we could get some real publicity for us as a group. Just a thought. But painting in some desolate area would not have the same effect as painting in our capital. Maybe we should have done that with Yankee Stadium. I have lots of memories there.

[Marsha Hamby Savage]

Thanks Don, I vaguely remember this about the Spring Cherry Blossom Festival. I believe a large crowd is the right answer. Visible, of course. Lots of time it is not possible because of traffic, local regulations, etc.

My hope for the Eastern US Artist Network was for the use of a group of artists in any given area to have the ability to create press for an event. Whatever the goal or intention would be.

Most of us artists are so busy trying to produce art, learning to do better art, teaching, marketing, entering competitions, attending meetings, etc., that it is hard to add in this type of thought processes. How can we better help our environment. I thought having a network of artists, would help. I called it "Eastern", but have no wish to exclude anyone. So, numbers do matter in my opinion! Let's get this ball rolling.