Community Supported Studio

My newest paper cut features a quote by Maxine Hong Kingston: “In a time of destruction, create something. A poem. A parade. A friendship. A community. A place that is the commons. A school. A vow. A moral principle. One peaceful moment.” From The Fifth Book of Peace

The image was inspired by a part in the book that describes a place in China, the Forest of Steles, where large stone turtles carry carved stone tablets on their backs. The tablets were printed to make scrolls. I loved this idea of reading from a turtle’s back.

When I went looking for a turtle image, I imagined using one of my local favorites, the box turtle or painted turtle. When I got to the page about turtles in Nature Anatomy by Julia Rothman, a note next to the snapping turtle read “cannot withdraw completely into its shell.” I knew I needed to represent the snapping turtle.

In “The Fifth Book of Peace” Kingston writes about the destruction of fires in California, about writing therapy with veterans, about grief and loss and working for peace. This last line has always been a touchstone for me, a reminder that creativity is a healing response even when it feels like a small response to much larger overwhelming events. I added the ripples around the turtle last, wanting to suggest the ripple effect of each of our acts of creating. Her suggestions for creating are small and large, internal and external, each is an effort to continue to show up and connect.

Community Supported Studio - a Dream and Request for Input

Over the past few months I’ve been thinking a lot about the power of community and the ways in which the act of making art together fuels connection and joy. In classes in the community, I hear from participants that it is the chance to connect with other makers and have a dedicated time to create that draws them as much as any technique that might be taught.

These conversations combined with a growing interest in having a studio space again have led to some brainstorming with my friend and fellow artist Jenna Fournel. We’re pondering the possibility of opening a Community Supported Studio and need your help thinking through the possibilities. Is that something you’d be interested in? What might that look like? We’ve created a brief survey to begin collecting feedback and ideas but you’re also welcome to just reply to this email with your thoughts. This project is still in the dream-phase but we know our ideas will be strengthened if you dream along with us!

Current and Upcoming Exhibits...

My work will continue on display at Studio K through the month of February. Visit Zebra News to read more about owner, Kirsten McCullough The Art of Studio K.

I will be displaying work from my new series "Mother Trees" at Martha Washington Library for the month of March.  See images and read more about this new series on my website.

I will be back at Huntley Meadows Park with a new exhibit in April. Follow me on Instagram @kathrynconeway to see more of my practice preparing for this show.

I believe art is a way to move people, to express ideas; artists bring life to common spaces and create conversation. 
I'd love to hear what sort of conversations you engage through making or viewing art.