Episode 92 : Artistic Legacy
If you have ever thought about how you will be remembered as an artist then this episode will make interesting listening. Peter has his eye on a gallery being established in his name while Laura wants her legacy to be about a lasting effect on the way people adopt techniques that she has promoted. Joking aside, how is an artist remembered and should they be thinking about it while they have an influence?
Show Notes
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All the work you do over a life time will add up to your artistic legacy. It may not be consistent with style, approach and even genre changing over time (yes, even those embarrassing old sketch books and early artistic doodles on envelopes!) What should stand out overall is a commitment to the practice of being an artist.
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It can be helpful to think about the concept of your legacy as ‘your story’ and seeing how collections of your work or significant moments in your artistic journey have helped to build a cohesive story which can be useful for marketing, collectors and galleries.
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Legacy can mean as much for your customers as it does for you. Bespoke commissions, projects and residencies often take on a life of their own and carry with them their own backstory. Once your work is in the customers hands, it can take on a new life, passed on through the generations.
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For those artists who work and pass on their skills to others, the legacy of your teaching can have a profound impact on others. Both Laura and Peter have worked with artists who have inspired them on their own creative journeys and so are always conscious of leaving the right positive legacy when working and teaching themselves.
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Set-up and help-up. Joining and supporting art groups, committees, organisations and volunteer work can have a great impact on others as well as giving you an enormous sense of pride and possible career and opportunity development.
Takeaway
Your legacy isn’t just some grand event or collection of work to be decided on after your demise! It’s developing and growing with every artwork you make and every artistic connection you forge and that’s a good thing to bear in mind to keep you motivated!
This Podcast is sponsored by Michael Harding Colours. For more information about Michael’s colour range or to find a retailer near you, please visit www.michaelharding.co.uk
