This first class was packed with guest speakers.
They all presented on their roles within the FFI program at the Arb.
Suz Galloway, co-founder, juror, and artistic contributor to the program.
Brandon Miller, the scientific juror.
Alyssa Gregory, the FFI coordinator.
Finally, Shelley Bowman spent the rest of the workshop conveying her artistic process for creating botanical artworks.
Key takeaways and thoughts:
While the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum was established in 1958, the artistic preservation of flora and fauna that exist within this place was only founded in 2015. Having the opportunity to meet a part of the foundational group of people is truly intriguing and exciting to me. I also feel that I am in a unique position being the youngest in this workshop. It feels unique because (if I can show aptitude and ability to create work worthy of this program over the years), knowing and being around some of the “O.G.” artists and professionals that laid the foundation for this program would be valuable in the future.
When Shelley presented, I was floored by her genuine openness to share her process, tools, materials, and expertise. Thinking about it, I have mostly always created alone from my home office. The few artistic connections I have, are/ have been very heavily guarded of these things. Today, it started with a presentation of, “Here is my process for research…”, and then, from MY workshop instructor, Scott, “Wow, I never tried it that way, well what about….” and thoughtful, curious dialogue ensued. Honestly, this kind of artistic, intellectual exchange is something I never knew I was missing until this class. It is easy to see that this shared dialogue leads to improved processes, which leads to better work, which builds closer community. I feel like I’ve learned more today than I have in years.
Scott, my instructor (who’s probably in his mid to late 80’s?) asked questions and took his own notes from the presenter. While he is still new to me, his openness to learn, himself, has earned respect from me.
Today, I mostly learned: that I enjoy these curious conversations, that I am thrilled to have this opportunity through the Central MN Arts Board grant, and…that I need to bring more paper for taking notes <3
“Judge a man by his questions, rather than his answers.” - Voltaire
