Friday, May 29, 2020

Impossible Sites

(Above: My sketch submission for Impossible Sites.  Click on image to enlarge.)

A recent email from the American Craft Council included a link to this Black Cube art opportunity.  I didn't see it.  Steve did.  The very idea of an "impossible installation" tickled his fancy. This was an idea he thought I ought to pursue ... so why not?

If you are reading this shortly after I've written this, you too can participate!  The deadline isn't until June 5th.  FIND THE SUBMISSION HERE

The first paragraph reads:
Impossible Sites invites American artists to submit sketches or renderings of impossible site-specific artworks for a cash award and inclusion in an online zine. This open call is intended to support artists living and working in the United States who have been financially impacted by COVID-19.

I'm guessing that part of Steve's encouragement is based on the knowledge that I am an artist who has been impacted by COVID-19.  How?  Well, everything got cancelled; all galleries offering my work were/are closed; our frame shop was deemed "non-essential"; basically, we have no income.  That would be "impacted".  Plus, I've filled out plenty of forms seeking support.  I haven't gotten any funding but I've spent plenty of time jumping through these hopeful hoops.  This opportunity, however, wasn't just about providing depressing financial number.  It had humor and fun built right into it, and I did have a total blast creating my sketch!  The submission form even required an explanation as to why the project was impossible.  Now, how much fun is that!  (There wasn't even an enter fee!)

Ordinarily, I would have browsed through the hosting organization's website to determine whether my work seemed fitting.  This time, I didn't bother.  I'm glad I didn't bother.  Had I seen the cutting-edge and experimental work, I would have deemed myself too old, too traditional, and not large enough ... but why?  Given an opportunity, I could be anything.  Now that's an impossible dream ... or is it? 

Please enjoy the silliness of my impossible installation!



2 comments:

Linda Laird said...

Good for you, Susan! However, I bet that you could bring this installation to reality. I hope you win.
Linda Laird

Ann Scott said...

This is so, so very good! Thank you for this silly - yet, for me, poignant piece.