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V.Codec Online Forum Apr.25.2006: Panelist Eva Lake
Forum Moderator:
(Question Eva Lake) What is the biggest problem with contemporary visual art criticism in this region? In the 'artworld' at large?
Eva Lake:
Well, a few things. You have two extremes..
Eva Lake:
I must confess, first of all, that I'm not out catching up on artforum every day...
Eva Lake:
Here, a lot of what is written is for the pal, the clique... comrades, etc....But I can't say that it BOTHERS me. It just is what it is and they get to write what they want...
Eva Lake:
Basically my wish was always for more...that's why I started artstar radio...just to have 'more...'
Eva Lake:
I like reading about art every day, so I'll take what I can get, but try to never take it personally.
Eva Lake:
Still that's tough, yes?
Forum Moderator:
(Time's up...will wait for the nod from Eva on a wrap...)
Eva Lake:
::nod::
Forum Moderator:
Cool...time for our last FREEform, all!
Corey Smith:
I don't know about the criticism too much. But because there are so many artists, and so many venues to show, and so much mediocre artwork (in my opinion), there's not much of a push to do something different.
Eva Lake:
From the writers?
Corey Smith:
Maybe we need tough love on all ends to up the ante in the region.
Eva Lake:
Or the curators?
Gretchen Bennett:
More's good. A broad view, a glut of information is necessary, to generously refine a point of view.
Regina Hackett:
I love what Eva said about more. That's what we're all trying to do, I think, is make space for more.
Eva Lake:
Yes, we need that glut that we never really got...
Eva Lake:
And then you can sift through it...
Gretchen Bennett:
Sift, yes, yup.
Corey Smith:
But can there be more in Portland anyway? It's everywhere!
Eva Lake:
There is just so much happening here that was not reported, listed, etc...
Regina Hackett:
Tough love usually means snide digs. I don't admire it. I also don't like in crowds and favoring friends.
Corey Smith:
No one does.
Eva Lake:
But it happens here, Regina. A lot.
Eva Lake:
Even making excuses in reviews...
Regina Hackett:
Yes, happens. Right.
Eva Lake:
That would never pan out for another artist.
Regina Hackett:
Well, Eva suggests in crowds are running the show...?
Gretchen Bennett:
How does that help, collectively?
Eva Lake:
I don't know about 'running'...maybe they wish they were...
Eva Lake:
But they are vocal and people will check it out...and it is after all...perception...
Regina Hackett:
But what seems like in crowd bullshit can be legitimate taste. Not personal. My boss thinks I favor a few galleries. It's true i like them best.
Gretchen Bennett:
I think things have to be scary sometimes, in order for art communities to flourish, not safe and insular, or?
Regina Hackett:
Making art is scary, i'm sure.
Corey Smith:
Artists need to try harder to push what's coming out of the NW. And maybe critics need to be tougher too.
Eva Lake:
Scary, unpredictable, that is all good. And Regina, you are for sure allowed your preferences, just as I have mine but...
Corey Smith:
I think I would thrive if things were scarier.
Gretchen Bennett:
Yes, for me too.
Eva Lake:
Not in a way which is on the defense...I hope I am saying this right...I am afraid I am not (nice wine here)...
Regina Hackett:
Not me. I like terra firma. Confidence preceeds creativity for me.
Eva Lake:
Right on. Confident. Knows oneself .
Gretchen Bennett:
(I wish I had wine...)
Forum Moderator:
I wish I had an instant messaging platform that worked better...
Forum Moderator:
::giggle::
Forum Moderator:
But...that's a wrap...
Forum Moderator:
So, I had some closing words prepared, but nothing prepared me for what just happened in the last few hours...
Forum Moderator:
So I will simply say THANK YOU for hanging in, those of you still here, and also those of us who had to leave.
Gretchen Bennett:
Thanks, m.
Regina Hackett:
Thank you, m., and everybody.
Corey Smith:
Bye, thanks for having me.
Eva Lake:
I had fun.
Eva Lake:
Thank you.
Regina Hackett:
Me too.
Forum Moderator:
Thanks!! G'night all!! Check yourselves out in our next issue (may.01.2006)...!!
