Taking Art Off the Grid

 

I recently read a Squidoo Lens about Myth-busting the idea of Living off the Grid.   The author (RenaissanceWoman2010) opened the discussion with a quote from Henry David Thoreau:

"I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately...I wanted to live deep..."

There is an abundance of information about the mechanics of being an artist ( and yes, I write my own share of it),  but at times I want to get back to the idea of creating deliberately...to create deeply.  I started wondering if a concept like living off the grid might help me return to those quiet moments where I find insight into what it means to create art.

When I first thought about taking my art off the grid I imagined shutting down my blog, my website, closing my facebook account, refusing to enter shows...definitely not something my creative side would allow the pragmatic side to do.  Was I thinking in terms of myths here?  Could I hypothetically take my art off the grid without literally doing it?

Perhaps I was complicating my thinking.

Myth #1 Off the Grid means retreating from all aspects of the Art World.

And yet both Agnes Martin and Georgia O'Keefe found strength by retreating from outside influences, while the Artist Retreat has a long and valued history. So an argument could be made that there are times when the artist will benefit by retreating from daily activities, finding space to synthesize privately what she has learned, and to understand from a more deliberate and personal perspective. 

Myth #2 Off the Grid means slipping into obscurity.

This was a huge myth for me - I had to really think about what I was fearing - the idea of not actively participating in "being an artist" and all that means - galleries, shows, websites, on-line networking - if there is an artistic equivalent of jumping off the bridge I was sure this was it. 

But I changed the way I interpreted the idea of "obscurity" by thinking in terms of "personal expression."  Moving off the grid of current popular taste could be a huge step toward strengthening the conviction in my own work.  By mentally freeing myself from the temptation of comparison, I am not stepping into obscurity.  I am actually reinforcing the expression of deeper ideas that resonate with viewers looking for the same insights. 

Myth #3 Off the Grid means trying to become that embarrassing relative dressed in macrame and peace beads.  

This seemed like another expression of fear to me.  I remember when we moved from California to Oregon during the early 70's craze of "getting back to self-sufficiency." That meant subscribing to The Farmer's Almanac, buying chicks at the local Farmer's Co-Op, and herding escaped cows with your car (don't ask). So this myth seemed firmly embedded.

But stepping back from actively seeking acceptance for your artwork does not consign you to the fringe unless you step so far back you are now spending your time playing golf. 

Again it is a question of re-framing the idea.  Refusing to follow the trends -if only for a short period of time - gives you the freedom to explore what living deeply and creating deeply might mean to you.  Maybe it's an opportunity to make space for growth and understanding, to bring insight back and apply it with fresh energy and momentum.

Do you think getting off the grid might be a useful idea?  How would you take your work off the grid? As someone who is always looking for that philosophical angle, I am curious about your thoughts regarding this idea. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Comments

[Carole Buschmann]

Thank you this gives much to think about at that good time of year for reflection. I think we must learn to have a voice inside our head which questions our intent and learn when to value it and when to turn it off

[maggie]

An interesting question. In my case, I'm scarcely on the grid, and am envious of artists that do shows, galleries, and sales. Except for my blog, I don't really show my work in any other venue, a situation I'd like to remedy.
But I am trying to go "off the grid" in another way: I'm going to take some time off from taking classes and workshops, reclaim my job-free hours, and paint more, paint deeply and thoughtfully, and paint without being attached to the outcome. Exciting and scary!

[Casey Klahn]

I asked myself last year, "what would my art be like if I never expected to sell another piece?"

Very well put thoughts, here, Sue. Thanks for the article.

[Donald]

Hi Sue,

Perhaps "off the grid" means doing something new and different. At least that is what I am reading from this.

Don

[Jo-Ann Sanborn]

Our lives have become so public that it seems like artists everywhere are feeling the urge to step deeply inward and see where that will take us. I haven't thought about "off the grid", but more of a pull back. I'll be making some changes along these lines--less computer time, less available in the community online and off, deepening my artistic commitment. Trying to think "what is the best use of my time today."

[Patrick Gracewood]

Sue, I just closed my Twitter account. It felt great.

Facebook may be next.

Marketing sculpture (rarely an impulse buy) via social network sites is crazy. Resolving in 2012 to prune my computer time in favor of real time at my workbench.