Art-aniMAL

An oblique consequence of being “artist”(particularly painters)is the isolation factor or creative burn-out, resulting from extensive periods of  extreme incubation, which one is often required to endure while in pursuit of new possibilities & directions…; this act of working constantly in subjective solitude can also give potential to emotional overload and its irrational fall-out…….

Hence, I regard Workshops/ programs such as the BAG-FACTORY model to be a welcomed & challenging alternative to my personal daily studio routine. Ideally, by temporarily removing the pressure of market forces & the competitive arena of the international art-space; and housing us in a collective living/working environment, this structure provides a fertile & dynamic substrate for exchange, diversity, experiment and development through the sharing of a common experience!        

Obviously, there have been some challenges, awkward & complicated moments;- issues of culture/ identity / power /personality politics etc…. but let me hasten to admit that there were also “magical” encounters…….          Ironically we discovered that by  boldly confronting & embracing our shared-differences(not just our similarities) we were now capable of identifying & disarming latent potential domestic/social conflicts; and in the process develop and nourish genuine relationships……..

I arrived as a stranger/out-sider, I leave behind ….a FAMILY…… To all the BEAUTIFUL people of the “BAG-FAMILY” – Admin./ Staff  and gracious Resident-Souls…..love always,              

Art-aniMAL ( ras Akyem-i) Jo’Burg 2005-08-12