isolation and loneliness

[lindsay]

Hi guys
After working for over a year solo, without access to support from Professors, students of sculpture and technicians, I'm struggling a bit with the level of isolation that sculpturing demands.

To enable me to have the time to sculpt and fulfill the demands of being a professional artist, I have had to change my lifestyle, reduce/change social contacts and limit friendships. The results have been very positive professionally but, personally there has been a payback, especially with friendships.

Also, I really miss the interaction with other artists, the crack and the crucial positive feedback that motivated me and energised my work - a lot harder to achieve solo!

Any ideas would be appreciated.
Lins

ps can't afford a shrink and I've done the life coaching course

[evaldart]

Dont worry. Its as it must be.
Even as pursuers of stratospheric awarenesses (gained by our Arting), we will never be allowed to become too seperate from the regular folk. Its an affliction of our species that community and interaction allow us all to survive and propogate. Nature has decided this for us. "Lonliness" is an instinctual signal that pushes us back with the others...so that we can combine our various strengths and aptitudes in our constant battles against furry carnivores, morphing and multiplying spores and the ever "evil" groups of our own kind who would wish to do us in.

But as all this pertains to our creative impulses, we, as individuals must learn to legthen the episodes of "isolation", deprive or fast our psyches - training them away from the need of the excessive functional support of the culture grubbers. The relationship should be that society gets visited for various kinds of maintenance (food, amusement, intelectual exchange, bestial frolic), BUT, this must get done with an eye ever back towards that place/period where existence is put to the test with a determined enough detachment that only the whirlwind of the immediate environment gets engaged.
Then you go back to them...for hugs and kisses and money and more blather and steaks and beer. Aside from the refueling - it should be the case that you see them all less and less. And the withdrawls from the seperation (melancholy) slowly fades; the new mission firmly in place: growing illumination. Because when you've done your Art right, all by your lonesome, THAT is what feels good, the growing illumination.

[GlennT]

The feedback interaction with other artists can be accomplished to some extent by posting photos of your work here, and letting the hounds of winter have at it.

Also, you might look for some weekend non-art related activity for a consistent element of social life. For me, being a captain of a coed soccer team provides a nice balance to the isolation of creating art, and is much fun and good in many ways.

[cheesepaws]

Isolation can be tough - why not share your studio space?

[racine]

working around others produces a great deal of happiness and energy, much is produced....however i find content wise it is inferior. the work made alone is by orders of magnitude better. its tough being alone and often hard to get on with things and find incentive, but when that buzz comes it is true.

this site perhaps should be called the www.isolated-sculpture.net/community it helps give a little semi social interaction to soften the day but not enough to upset the quasi religious flow to all us sad buggers around the globe, hermits living in deserts, caves, castles, jungles and down town monasteries.

do we have any stylites from the thebaid yet?

[tonofelephant]

do we have any stylites from the thebaid yet?

The⋅ba⋅id  /ˈθibeɪɪd, -bi-/ Show Spelled Pronunciation [thee-bey-id, -bee-] – noun - the ancient region surrounding Thebes, in Egypt.


Nah, just constructivists from the "sticks".

[StevenW]

Any ideas would be appreciated.
Lins

ps can't afford a shrink and I've done the life coaching course

The masses will all turn to their whitch doctors and voodoo to mitigate their feelings of isolation. Tarot cards and life charts, bowling and basball, sailing and 24 hour fitness. The chess club, T.V., the choir, the church of god or the church of booze,.. wax museums one and all with the same isolated and melting figures. We're lucky as our isolation is not a demand, but rather an invitation to the deepest part of the well. The direct manipulation of that stuff in the universe around you is as close as it can get to being fully connected.

[cheesepaws]

All these poetic renderings of the solitary sculptor as “connected” strikes me as a bit empty. Sculptors are especially drawn toward partaking in an active community - if only to borrow tools or swap trucks, to lend a back shifting that block of stone, to bounce the odd idea of f of a like-mind, or to gather in the evenings over a beer and compare wounds. I do not find that “making” is any more dependent on isolation than any other part of my life – and is more likely a detriment (as in Lindsay’s case).

That said, I find myself surrounded by painters and students and still feeling the isolation. There is no substitute for fellow sculptors (especially when moving furniture – never ask a painter to help you move furniture), which is why being active on this forum might provide just enough contact with others to get you out of your funk.

Lindsay, give us more details. Just out of school? Are you missing people or simply structure?

[StevenW]

All these poetic renderings of the solitary sculptor as “connected” strikes me as a bit empty.

Of course it does..

[cheesepaws]

Of course it does..

Implying that either your original point was employing a reverse psychology or that I just don't understand (which is likely as I claim to understand very, very little).

[StevenW]

Straight from the hip Cheese,.. no tricks; Finding emptiness in the making, not being connected intimately to every nuance, curve, sweep, loft, nor admitting any indication of human interaction and "connectedness" other than that of a strictly mechanical nature is to me what comes off as disingenuous and empty. Yes of course a sculptor like anyone else can enjoy the company of others and the pleasant interactions of society and all that it has to offer, but it is a sad testament (IMO) to say that it is a "demand".

[evaldart]

"empty" actually has much to do the maximizing of the potential of the creative impulse.
A sculptor, more so than any of the lesser creative fields, needs to establish a powerful relationship with his studio (HIS?HER place where it all happens). This place, and all its contents must be "owned" in every respect of that word, in order to get the most out of it. And it should feel like a terrible intrusion or violation should ANY other wriggling scuttler enter that zone. So that leaves the place for just the artist...and no one else. "empty" of the baggage and burdens and massive distractions caused by all that other stuff that must be done and dealt-with OUT THERE. So it will seem empty to you because you work in a "shared" situation with shared tools. Sharing is no good for Art. When its all under your thumb (and you under its) whatever creative void there might have been will be filled, fueled-up, and ready for your every whim.

If I ever hit the lotto...I'm hiring armed guards for the studio. They'll be instructed to shoot on sight. My attack dog died this year and I'm feeling unusually accessible.

[StevenW]

And it should feel like a terrible intrusion or violation should ANY other wriggling scuttler enter that zone..


The compassionate man in me initially just wanted to say shuttup and get back to work. :D
I would of course never say that to anyone and can sympathize with feelings of lonliness just like anyone else in the world.
Is it a myth that any truly dedicated person (in whatever field) cannot "have a life" or is it simply the way things are? Certainly we cannot permit every Tom, Dick and Harry to intrude upon our space or nothing will ever be accomplished. That said, finding others of my own ilk and inclination has been rewarding beyond measure. :)

[jOe~]

The compassionate man in me initially....That said, finding others of my own ilk and inclination has been rewarding beyond measure. Its hard to find impassioned weirdos that are committed to their spirit and a love of visual expression. Finding them is rewarding, even if they are so weird as to be republicans. (see I'm a "compassionate man" too).

[CroftonGraphics]

Is it not better to be able to produce your art than be in a restricted situation where you cannot?

Wouldnt the latter in comparison be more isolated and lonely? Realising you were living a life where you couldnt produce art?

[evaldart]

Just as there is a great deal of time when agreeability empowersa creator by facilitating restful and necessary functional prosperings, there is also room for one's studio to be a place of intellectual vitality and exchange. So sometimes the world can come inside and see whats up. But only when your sculpture costume is off, the cape tucked under the jacket and the bone-shattering grip is consciously subdued to a pleasant and welcoming firmness.

Call off the guards and dogs, pour some wine... and blather.

[Scout]

I think most artists would prefer to work alone but there is a certain amount of socializing that is actually necessary to get your work seen. I am a recluse and don't show my work much. I come to this site for information. I love to watch some of you and laugh at the things that come out of your mouths. That's about the extent of my socialization. I work alone and I like it that way. Although, like someone said, it's nice to have help with the heavy stuff. Scout

[jOe~]

I love to watch some of you and laugh at the things that come out of your mouthsPut that laughter into words! Join the fun.

[Duck]

:eek:I think most artists would prefer to work alone but there is a certain amount of socializing that is actually necessary to get your work seen. I am a recluse and don't show my work much. I come to this site for information. I love to watch some of you and laugh at the things that come out of your mouths. That's about the extent of my socialization. I work alone and I like it that way. Although, like someone said, it's nice to have help with the heavy stuff. Scout

Ditto….
I’ve thought about this subject all to often.

All my daize are spent in a noisy 20k ft. shop w/my son and his employees.
On the one hand there are social benefit to it, coffee runs on the scooters, golf, etc...as well as some strongbacks ready to help out if need be. Occasionally I’llget tired of the interruptions but I think it’s best to adjust to it an move on.

We’ve got some beautiful…gorgeous mountain view acreage with streams etc. that would be great to build a private studio on, but the isolation would probably be too creepy

[evaldart]

The fear of the "creepy" should have been overcome for you a looooong time ago. Go into that acreage....FILL IT!.

[zazie]

I could never share a studio.

Working alone in my studio while listening to PBS, sipping tea and munching on 85% cocoa bitter chocolate during breaks = Pure bliss.


But Lindsay there are alternatives to " I have had to change my lifestyle, reduce/change social contacts and limit friendships."

Instead of meeting people to gab or eat, go out to art events, visit museum, go on a hike with a picnic, or do some sport together or whatever activity of common interest. I find the most rewarding and heartwarming time is when I DO things with friends.

[Duck]

The fear of the "creepy" should have been overcome for you a looooong time ago. Go into that acreage....FILL IT!.

Aint no fear here buttercup….I shall go forth and fill many acres :p

[Scout]

I have many acres and they are full. I paint and I sculpt. I could do it 24/7. I nearly do. Like all of us, I have to make some money to survive. Otherwise I don't care if my things are ever seen. Except by me. I revel in having them around me. Having to make money to survive irks the hell out of me. What's a girl to do? Scout

[lindsay]

In response to cheesepaws (thanks for your concern), yep just finished Uni (although not completed). I think the added isolation is that I started my studies in England and completed them in Spain. Not only do I miss my sculpture buddies in England but, also my Spanish ones.

[tobias]

I experienced the same thing when i stepped out on my own. It made me stronger as an artist. I still spend most days alone in the studio but i also stop at the coffee shop every morning and on really nice days ( too hot to weld) I wander around our down town core and attack strangers and make them talk to me lol!
I also find it very rewarding to show my own work every now and then. Have a studio party invite collectors and other artists. Or as a last alternative there is always ritualised murder, I have heard that work for others.

[jOe~]

as a last alternative there is always ritualised murder, I have heard that work for othersIts attempted here on the forums regularly. Nothing more gruesome than assassinating someones opinions that aren't properly fortified. Nasty business this mano-a-mano.

[rika]

Nothing more gruesome than assassinating someones opinions that aren't properly fortified. Nasty business this mano-a-mano.

That's why so few of us left? :eek:

[outsider]

I think there are so few people left here because Oscar hasn't been around stirring y'all up! Where'd that rascal go?

As for the loneliness, if you can't stand the heat, get the hell out of the kitchen! You weren't meant to be a sculptor! On the other hand, the 20-30 year old artists are banding together in all the cities. They are forming co-ops, collectives, etc,. What I'm seeing is that these groups are providing lots of camaraderie but are producing just plain lousy mediocre work. Make the decision! What's more important, your work or friends? On the other hand again, apparently, the culture is slipping so much that when the 20 year old non-artists get older and start buying art, they won't understand the good stuff and will instead buy that lousy mediocre crap.

So move to the city. Join an art collective. Share a building with 50 other artists and have a cubicle 300 sq ft studio. Talk to your friends and collective members a lot. Concentrate on your art for the week before the collective has their 2-3 times a year show. You will feel empowered as an artist but won't have to suffer in the least bit. Your work will suck but then again so does everyone's work from those around you. You'll be happy, well adjusted, and will vote regularly. Society will feel victorious that those questionable sorts of artists who actually think and think for themselves are becoming extinct.

[Lady Fingers]

For my graduating piece at art school i managed to score a cellar space on campus in which to create a site specific sculptural installation. The building above required quiet, and what I needed to do made a lot of noise, so I worked after hours for 9 mths. I rarely saw anyone, because they slept when I worked and visa versa, and I worked my butt off. it was a seriously creepy space too with a dark history.

one night I fell backwards into a deep trench i'd dug, pulling a big pile of heavy duty rio on top of me, as well as the 40 kg pole driver I was lifting above my head (thus the loss of balance cos I'm a little thing really). it was about 3 o'clock on a saturday am, so no one around till monday. I lay there as the dust settled, my leg in a weird position thinking this could be very bad.

I was ok, some pretty spectacular bruises, which soon faded.
Took me a lot longer to recover from the isolation and feel connected. I eventually set myself an equal-sized project which forced me back into the world, lots of community engagement - that did the trick.

[denise lassaw]

Greetings from Alaska
Being an artist means spending a lot of time working, working alone- but you need to make balance in your life, take a walk, go to cafes after work, or galleries. Don't get burned out...balance in all things. A lot of inspiration can come from interaction with people/life/events etc.
Coming from the NYC 1950's art world I can tell you all those artists partied- A LOT !! Days spent in solitude, evenings, especially weekends on the go.
Find your balance you'll be fine
Denise

[Ben Weaver]

I used to work in a fine art foundry, and would find this to be the case with a number of sculptors. They would come in with an obvious need for connection and social interaction. I have since left that community to work in the museum industry, and I would suggest (depending on where you live) changing studio space to a building of artists, becoming a docent at a local museum, teaching a class, and/or continuing to engage in the online art community. I am also a member of Meseon which is out of Spain, and they seem to have a lot of connections between artists. It might also be valuable to have periods of intense work and independent goals intermixed with short 2week periods of time without sculpting at all-or trying to find short residencies abroad.

[Scout]

outsider, that was funny, yeah, where is Oscar?

As for working in a group... I can't do it. I need and want solitude. I do need feedback on my work, that's why I like the forums. Not that we get a lot of feedback about our work but when one needs information, there are some very generous artists here.

I also miss Merlion. He has just finished an exhibition. Congrats Merlion! Scout

[Ries]

I think that it totally depends on the personality of the artist.
I know some artists who are total loners, who hate humanity- and they still are crummy artists.
I know other artists who are social butterflys- always at the right party, on everybody's facebook friend list.
And then, while nobody is looking, they pull 60 hours a week in the studio, and do amazing work.


And, of course, vice versa.

Some people are social, some are not.
It has absolutely NOTHING to do with how productive they are, how inspired their artwork is, or how successful they are.

One of the biggest name artists I have met around here, someone who shows internationally at all the best museums, is a brand name around the world- he is totally incapable of functioning around human beings. Even the people who he pays hate him. He has to have buffers between him and most of the art world, curators, collectors, and such, as he is so obnoxious he would drive em away otherwise.

And then, I have met other, equally successful artists, who could talk a pig into a ham sandwich, who are always the life of the party. Who are just LOVED by everybody who meets em.

As for social ability having anything to do with work ethics- again, I know both sides- people who crank it out, and never change their underwear or brush their teeth, who never leave their cave, and people with the most amazing work ethic who drop into every opening and every party, although only for a few minutes.