ana and miranda, as luminaries on the periphery of my creative endeavours, intricately weave a myriad of profound dialogues and unsought support into the fabric of their artistic journeys. i am deeply grateful. their work, a symphony of spirited resonance, transcends the programmed dependencies of a sheltered trader, prioritising the harmonious well-being of the creative community and independent artists. just as their artistic pursuits may manifest as a dedication to the craft, it is their unwavering commitment to mutual support amid transformative currents in theory and method. this is vividly demonstrated in their curation and expression in rural utopia's. this exhibition, along with the meticulous work and strategies invested in its two-year production, catalyses the genesis of originality, orchestrating a nuanced response to the demands of today and the unfolding narrative of tomorrow across regional wa.
in my experiences alongside rural utopias and my community project, social graces, surrounded by artists who architect our shared narrative, i have witnessed some entangling themselves in the tendrils of antiquity, clutching to bygone eras and neglecting profound lessons etched in history. this generational cohort, nestled in the rhythmic cadence of unpractical rehearsals of governance, sporadically forsakes the elemental acts of sharing and collaboration. these collaborative crucibles and process-focused projects and spaces, where ideas meld and shape, breathe vitality into spoken and unspoken narratives, forging connections that resonate within the very soul of our industry.
ana and miranda, cherished companions in my artistic journey, evoke profound admiration for their steadfast dedication to fair practice and community connections. their influence, combined with the creative symphony of friends like zali, jacky, and katie, to name a few, intricately sculpts my trajectory. together, we navigate an industry not from a place of forged fear, extorted perspectives, or malice towards the new generation of underdogs but with an unwavering commitment to artistic excellence, particularly from places of marginalisation and diversity. just as important is the laughter i can share with these friends about its rhetorical quirks as the curtain falls each day. i am grateful for this ensemble of kindred spirits who not only make the art i love possible but transform it into a delightful masterpiece. i eagerly anticipate the artistic crescendo that the near future promises for all.
find out more on spaced: rural utopias, on show at the art gallery of wa until 18 february 2024, here.
https://artgallery.wa.gov.au/whats-on/exhibitions/spaced-rural-utopias