dorothy r. santos

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What is the best way to understand artists?

For me, it’s, actually, going through the art making process. To experience what the artist experiences. Everyone is unique and completely different but the commonality is the struggle all artists have to create something and be heard, seen, and understood. The above slide show includes pictures I took of my work currently at the UC Berkeley Extension Art and Design campus in Downtown San Francisco. I did a series of drawings for my ‘Working in Series’ class. Having never shown work before, it was an eye-opening experience. Although a student show, it reminded me of all the components integral in staging an actual exhibition.

Likes:

• The camaraderie
• Seeing my classmates again
• Witnessing how we’re all different and how our unique experiences are reflected in our work
• Teamwork amongst artists to showcase work appropriately
• An amazing professor – Pam Lanza!

 Dislikes:

• Measuring and hanging
• The Security Guard gave me the stink eye as I entered the building with my drawings as if I wasn’t supposed to be there
• Hanging up the art work and looking at it a million times to see if it’s straight
• Feeling sad when seeing my classmates’ frustrated after having to hang and re-hang their pieces
• Wondering if people will understand or care…then again, it doesn’t matter (I guess)

Overall, being an art maker has definitely helped me with my writing skills. Allowing myself to being an artist (outside of classes and writing) gives me insight into the overall process. Another epiphany, I don’t want to be a curator or gallery owner! They have ridiculously difficult jobs!!