Morgan Williams
Being able to construct a narrative around your art is sometimes as important as the practice itself. While artists can sometimes find it difficult to put into words what they are doing, having a strong story to share helps people connect more deeply with both the artist and the ideas embodied within their work.
While I wasn’t much into art history when studying, I’m indebted to the learning it gave me. It was the start of developing a written language around visual storytelling and later added depth to the way I explore the artwork I create myself. It has also helped me share and frame the ideas of the artists we exhibit in our gallery. And of course, it assists with the topics I explore with you in these monthly articles for The Wombat Post too!
Last weekend, I had the pleasure of attending a talk by a good friend and local artist, Petrus Spronk. In fact, you are reading this article due to his suggestion that I start writing about art almost a year ago. Petrus has understood the importance of the artist’s voice for a long time. I have attended many of his talks over the years and always leave feeling inspired and enriched. Last Sunday was no exception. We were all gathered in the cosy chapel at Convent Gallery on Wombat Hill. Such an intimate space for a heartfelt sharing of elder wisdom. Owner Tina Banitska opened by recalling the very first time she met Pet. (Yep, everyone was calling him Pet that day!) Over 30 years ago, she was in her studio reading an article about Petrus. She had never met him before and, when she put down her magazine, he miraculously walked through her studio door. One of those spine-tingling, fortuitous moments in life. They have been close friends ever since and Tina attributes much of the directions she has taken in life to her close friendship with Petrus, including opening the Convent Gallery itself.
Petrus always takes listeners on a journey of the mind with his talks. He shares personal stories that relate back to his art practice. He spoke to us about ceramics and why bowls were his chosen medium. He reflected upon their metaphorical potential to hold memory and meaning within, shape giving rise to form and function. He shared the deep inner workings of his mind and how health issues have shaped his art and life too. He told us of the numerous and hilarious titles he came up with for his talk that day. My favourite was “The trouble with the rat race is even if you win, you’re still a rat!” There’s always much humour and joy when Petrus holds space. He freely shares and plants artistic seeds into the minds of those willing to join on his adventure. He left us pondering a single word, “Attention”. This single word was given to him by a Buddhist monk in Korea in relation to his artistic practice while on residency there.
Whenever I hear an artist talk, I feel enriched. Not only do I learn techniques and processes, I gain deeper insights and knowledge, leading to more connection. Artists often find the sharing hard, though. We normally get a rather panicked look when we suggest to an artist that they might like to do a talk at Radius. We have, however, found an exhibition closing with a talk is a wonderful way to wrap up a show. Not only does it help people connect more deeply with the artist, but we often sell a few more of their artworks, too! The format can vary, everything from a formal interview, a narrated slide show or even a casual walk and talk around the space.
Our last exhibition ended with two ceramicists interviewing each other via a big lucky dip bowl of questions they had both created. As they took turns to dip in the bowl and respond, we were taken on a playful story of friendship, food, creativity and the humble spoon which, was the focus of their ceramics. Of course, it ended in a spoon race. Give creatives an opportunity and, they will often craft an unexpected event.
If unpacking creativity is your schtick, you’re in luck. We have a myriad of talks and workshops happening here at Radius next weekend for the annual Words In Winter festival. It seems writers are rather adept at sharing their art. We have everything from Character Writing and Ekphrastic Poetry to Relief Comedy and Identity Connections. There’s bound to be a topic of interest. Jump on our site or google ‘Words In Winter’ for the full program.
Morgan Williams is the co-director with Kim Percy of Radius Art Space. His art practice spans a 30 year period and explores a diverse range of mediums and topics.
