The Blaxpat Weekly #7.2024
How is it already October? Are you getting ready for 2025 art shows?
Is it just me, or has the year flown by? It’s already October and I’m wondering how in the world artists can produce enough work to make sense of the art market.
After all, there are works for commission, those for galleries, and the exhibitions… gees, the exhibitions. The stress of sending out work and possibly having to get it back because it didn’t sell. Oh, the anxiety!
Let’s get into why this is top-of-mind for me this week…
I promised to put myself out there in 2025, so I’m already applying for art exhibitions and shows. That’s why I’m both self-conscious about my work and freaking out about finishing enough work to show. Is this normal?
In addition to calls for artists to exhibit near my home, here’s where else I’ve been searching for opportunities:
Artwork Archive (Login necessary)
In the meantime, I’m applying for exhibitions - solo and group - as well as prizes. I have no real clue what I’m doing, but I assume winging it is better than never doing it at all. So, here goes caution…
Art Studios… My new muse.
I mentioned before that I visited a friend’s art studio (currently tucked into a backroom under a ramp in a skate park), and this got me thinking about what my space could look like. It turns out that gumption is all you need. The rest is just a matter of style.
I recently visited the artspace of Nelsa Guambe (Mozambique) and I loved how she used every corner. You’ll have to check in with her directly to nab a sneak peek for yourself and to schedule Studio Visits in Maputo.
The same goes for an oldie-but-goodie visit to the art studio of Ayobola Kekere-Ekun (Nigeria) in Johannesburg. Between fangirling and shopping, I learned what it takes to get organized about my art and to commit to it. Paraphrasing her words, ‘you have to be selective with what you’re precious about,’ I’ve kept the lesson with me. Quit being a perfectionist and get on with creating what you love.
Thanx for supporting my creativity. If you’re looking to support more, here’s how:
TheBlaxpat Etsy Store - my unique designs & merch!
Follow me on IG (lifestyle/influence) & X (writing/sources)!
Shop my Children’s Books & Explore thirdculturekiddos.com!
Email me if you’re looking to purchase from my growing catalog: theblaxpat@nafeesahallen.com
Links to watch:
ResArtis: Artists Residencies
National Museum of African-American History & Culture Intern- & Fellow-ships
ACAVA: Resources for Artists