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Artists Call In: Straight From the Studio

Connecticut Public Radio | By Lori Mack,
Jonathan McNicol, Faith Middleton
Published July 1, 2014 at 11:30 AM EDT
Kara Harms/flickr creative commons

No matter what kind of work artists do, each of them faces tension and release. The biggest challenge is beginning, of course, and yet once an artist takes a first step, release is the gift. Does that mean every work of art is satisfying? Sadly, no. But there is something confidence-building about accumulated beginnings, even the ones that end up in the trash.

Art is a mystery to those who don't do it, although many artists would say it's a mystery for them, too. While even elephants make paintings, and people will buy an elephant's work, creating good art takes serious thought, and skill. At least in humans.

Just as each artist's work is original in its way, an individual artist's work process is distinct. Some artists require quiet in their studios, while others blast music. No matter what the medium, every artist faces, in that first moment, a "blank canvas." While one artist might have a detailed plan in his or her mind, another artist begins and lets his or her unconscious lead the way. Art, then, is a blend of intellect and emotion.

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MUSIC:

  • “Gne Gne,” Montefiori Cocktail
  • “This Is the Picture (Excellent Birds),” Peter Gabriel featuring Laurie Anderson
  • “Where the Streets Have No Name,” U2
  • “Life in Technicolor,” Coldplay
Lori Mack
Lori Connecticut Public's Morning Edition host.
See stories by Lori Mack
Jonathan McNicol
Jonathan is a producer for ‘The Colin McEnroe Show.’ His work has been heard nationally on NPR and locally on Connecticut Public’s talk shows and news magazines. He’s as likely to host a podcast on minor league baseball as he is to cover a presidential debate almost by accident. Jonathan can be reached at jmcnicol@ctpublic.org.
See stories by Jonathan McNicol
Faith Middleton
For more than 25 years, the two-time Peabody Award-winning Faith Middleton Show has been widely recognized for fostering insightful, thought-provoking conversation. Faith Middleton offers her listeners some of the world's most fascinating people and subjects. The show has been inducted into the Connecticut Magazine Hall of Fame as "Best Local Talk Show".
See stories by Faith Middleton

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