May 31: Conference Day 2

Grassmarket and The Castle

Jeffrey presenting

It was yet another absolutely gorgeous day in Edinburgh. The presentations of the second day were fantastic again.

My friend Jeffrey presented his work. I am so inspired by him. Jeffrey is amazing at describing his work and connecting it to the context of art history and the contemporary. He understands what he creates and the way he shares that understanding is effortless.

I’m at a point in my life where I’m still discovering myself as an artist. I can barely explain why I create what I create or how I connect it to contemporary artists or those of the past. I’m just trying to figure it all out as I go.

I know there is an entire populations of artists who believe they should never have to explain their work to anyone. I respect that. However, if I do want to explain my work to someone, then I want to be able to share in the conversation beyond "because I felt like it." 

Before I left for this trip one of my professors asked me, "who are you inspired by? Which artists are your influences?"

"Honestly, my friends," I said.

I am incredibly inspired by my friends and fellow artists. You work so hard. You create, you experiment, you try, you hustle, you rest, you struggle, you show, you share, you succeed, and you're just doing that artist thing every day. Yes, I love Klimt's line draws and his use of gold. Yes, Frida's magical realism makes me cry. Yes, Kara Walker's work brings light to the darkest of our history in the most beautiful way. But just being a part of this artist thing with all of you, just baring witness to all of what you are doing, makes me feel inspired. 

Out of my head and back at the conference, Lee and I presented as well. Twenty minutes goes by fast but we did a good job. Lunch was great again. Jeffrey and I went for a little coffee break at this nice café I found on the walk to the Edinburgh College of Art.

Jeffrey at Thomas J. Walls cafe - Edinburgh

Selfie outside the Edinburgh College of Art

After the conference was over, a group of us hung out in the sun on the greens and talked for a few hours before the closing concert started.

I left a little early because I wanted to get some sleep in and repack everything before my early flight in the morning. I meandered a bit through the streets for another beautiful walk home.

Picnic time

Evening, Edinburgh

Thank you sIREN Conference and thank you Edinburgh for a wonderful weekend.