Artist Files Galore!

After a brief hiatus from blogging (my computer has been having some major Internet problems), I am back writing about the fabulous time I am having in Denver, especially at the art museum. Let's see...so after my first few days of adjustment as well as doing some standard intern exercises (gallery observations, etc.), I have finally started working on some major projects. Currently, I am working on 18 (one artist dropped out...it was the file I was working on...so add another to the pile!) files for the various artists to be displayed in Embrace! These files will be used for interpretive purposes as the project progresses, meaning that educators will pull information from these files for interviews with artists, for cell phone audio content, website material, docent training material, etc. I have to say it is a very tedious project, but who better to do it than someone who is super detail-oriented! My first file (which I have finished!) is on Tara Donovan, a sculptor who uses everyday objects to create works that resemble biomorphic forms and topographies. You should check her out at
http://www.acegallery.net/artistmenu.php?Artist=8.

To give you a general overview of the amount of work it takes to complete a file, I will briefly outline the process I've created.

1) Research, research, research. I need to compile as much information on these artists as possible, which is not easy for many of them are new to the art scene or rather unknown. Thank goodness for a wonderful library in house and the Denver Public Library next door.

2) Create a reference list. From these resources, I create an extensive reference list for my file.

3) Read through all the material and categorize it based on the following divisions: biographical information, artistic process/mindset, materials, themes (as I find them), etc.

4) Once I feel that I have a solid understanding of how the artist works, I stop compiling and sorting information. I then write a series of interview questions that could possibly be used for various interpretive material to be placed in the exhibition, as well as a fact sheet of quick notes about the artist and his/her style.

5) I go back to the resource list and highlight writings that I believe would be the most useful for docents. These will be their required reading assignments before they can begin taking visitors on tours of the exhibition.

6) I repeat that 17 times.

Needless to say, one file could really take a week or more. I just need to learn control, and focus on not overdoing things. I have shown my mentor my work so far. She was impressed by my organizational skills and some additional components I added to the project beyond what she had asked (reference list, fact sheet, etc.) We had a really great weekly update meeting... : ) I love talking to people about museum and art!

ANYWAY...besides that specific task, I will soon be working on some documents called "Talking with Visitors" papers. These are papers designed by DAM educators for docents, and they are specifically made to engage visitors in the formation of their experience within the gallery. Essentially, they are talking points based on the visual elements of the works (paintings at this moment) that will serve to spark conversation among visitors. This is a side project...one that I may or may not get to for some time. Sonnet thought this would be right up my alley, and she was right.

The rest of my time has been spent going to meetings about Embrace! A team of three of us are continuing to work with the artist Rupprecht Matthies on his installation in August. He apparently wants to create 250 word pillows using museum staff and community members...we need to find a way to make that logistically possible from a craftsmanship standpoint.

Anyway, that is all for now!