Art Cloth Network: January 2019

Many thanks to the Art Cloth Network artists and exhibit committee members for working with me to get Color Affects displayed at the Austin Bergstrom International Airport (ABIA) . Due to the massive construction projects at the airport, the hanging of the exhibit was delayed for quite a while. The exhibit went up the first week in January and will be on display until the first week in May 2019. The Art, Music & Graphics Program Manager and her staff were wonderful to work with.

I had forgotten how many steps were involved in curating a show. Many boxes were shipped to my house. They needed to be stored, stacked and checked for return postage and condition.

On hanging day, fourteen boxes with nineteen pieces of artwork were loaded into my car and driven to the airport. Upon arrival, I was met with multiple wheeled carts to load the boxes of artwork into the airport exhibit space. My ID was verified, and I was able to be escorted behind the scenes to the room for setting up the exhibit. Together with the staff, we unpacked, verified, established exhibit layout and admired the incredible artwork.

After a few hours, I was sent home with all the packing boxes, and the airport team was ready to hang the exhibit. The pieces are split between two galleries, behind glass windows.

I have already gotten great feedback on the exhibit from a few friends who were traveling through Austin. If you are passing through the ABIA, I hope you will get a chance to check out the Color Affects Exhibit.

BACKGROUND

My name is Priscilla Smith. I am a mixed media textile artist. I make art focused on Social Justice issues. Topics include: Race; Guns; Democracy; Me Too; Truth; Environment, War, etc. My background includes mothering; making art, corporate lawyering; pre-school and high school teaching; music performance; etc.

APRIL: 2018

PRISCILLA’S BODY: Hey dear, have you noticed that you might be tiring a bit more than usual and perhaps be feeling a bit down?
PRISCILLA: No. Everything is fine.

MAY: 2018

PRISCILLA’S BODY: I know dear.... you say “everything is fine....there’s nothing wrong...” but I sense sometimes that you’d just like to stay in bed for the day and other times, look a bit stressed out. Could I be on to something?”
PRISCILLA: No. No. No. Absolutely not. Everything is just fine.

JUNE: 2018:

PRISCILLA’S BODY: Well dear, I’m not sure how to say this, but I think you may be watching too much TV? I know you like to keep up with what’s going on in our country and in the world and the picture isn’t very pretty, but.........And I thought I saw you with tears in your eyes when we were driving back from getting groceries? Are you sure there’s nothing wrong?
PRISCILLA: No. No. No. I’m not watching too much TV. You know my background is Constitutional Law and I just find what’s happening very interesting from a legal perspective. There’s nothing wrong. This world may be a little crazy but I can handle it

JULY: 2018:

PRISCILLA’S BODY: How did your harp engagement go? I know you love working with couples getting married and performing weddings at Chatham Bars Inn? And it was a beautiful day for an outside wedding.
PRISCILLA: It was “okay” .....I guess.

AUGUST: 2018:

PRISCILLA’S BODY: You know, you started those two art pieces last fall.....the one called LIES, LIES, LIES and the other about the Broken Bones of Congressional Members.. But I notice you haven’t touched them since last fall.

Broken Back Bones

PRISCILLA: Well, what do you expect....me to be Superwoman. Our house has been under a major renovation for the past 8 months....I’ve been living in one room in the basement with the dog and 2 cats and a microwave and counter cooker. And been unpacking and moving back into our house the past two weeks. How would I have any time or energy to work on art? Leave me alone. Just leave me alone. And I’m not stressed, darn it.

Lies, Lies, Lies

SEPTEMBER: 2018

PRISCILLA’S BODY: You know I didn't mean to make you feel bad when I asked you about your art? I’m just concerned.
PRISCILLA: Well, you needn’t be. I can handle all the stress and still work on my art. I’ll be ready to go to my 2 week Art Workshop at the Barn next month.

OCTOBER: 2018:

PRISCILLA’S BODY: I know you’re excited about going to Ohio for two weeks to focus solely on your art. I wish you Good luck
PRISCILLA: Thank you. I’m sorry I spoke quickly to you when I know you were really just concerned about me. I will go to the workshop and be surrounded by support and love. And I know I’ll be able to get back to those two art pieces and finish them, even though the subject matter is stressful.

NOVEMBER: 2018:

PRISCILLA’S BODY: I’m so glad you were able to finish those two art pieces. But I’m sorry you’re not feeling well. Can I help in any way?
PRISCILLA: Yes, I’m glad I got them finished. And..... I guess you could say that I’m not doing very well physically. This isn’t fun.

DECEMBER:2018

PRISCILLA’S BODY: Dear, you’ve been handling this situation for a month. Do you think a visit to the doctor might help?
PRISCILLA: No.....that wont’ help......This will just go away soon. Anyway, it doesn't do any good to go to the doctor. Well.... maybe, it wouldn't hurt to have it checked out.

JANUARY: 2019:

PRISCILLA’S BODY: Well , at least you have some kind of diagnosis...one of those nasty gut conditions. I know it’s not totally clear and I know it will be a long road ahead. And, truthfully, I’m glad you’re not making art about the subjects you usually work on. Even though they are your passion.
PRISCILLA: Yes, new food. New techniques to reduce stress. And a journey ahead to figure this all out. And while my mind constantly continues to think of the art pieces I could make about Social Justice issues, I know I need to let go for now. Another challenge. I’m glad you like the small stitch samples I’ve been doing. At first, I didn't think I’d like this exercise....weaving together strips of fabric and then stitching them. But I’m finding them very relaxing and, in a way, very healing. You know Priscilla’s BODY, you knew this was going to happen long before I did and thank you for not saying “I told you so”. I’m a bit slow to learn, but I will commit to you to try to listen to you much
better. I love you PRISCILLA’S BODY.