September 21, 2015
My first day as an intern at Leon Gallery was everything I had hoped for and yet so different from what I expected. Eric Dallimore, one of two owners of the gallery, told me I’d be able to help install Leon’s next exhibition. I arrived early that morning, both nervous and excited. My mind wandered back to the day I heard about the internship opportunity, hearing the words “a chance to put your foot into the door of the art world” exit Nache’s lips, knowing deep within me that I was being called to apply, that there was something to be learned, an opportunity for growth. And, as I leaned against the red, brick wall outside of the gallery, I knew I was about to embark on a journey that would teach me something valuable.
I wasn’t sure what to expect on my first day. My conversation with Eric a few days prior had been brief; I was told to wear work clothes and that we’d be dealing with heavy concrete objects. Shortly after Eric and I entered the gallery that morning, I met the artist of the opening exhibition, “Come Dig the Essence”. Both Matt Scobey and Eric treated me as an equal. Their words were sincere and reassuring and while I was polite and put on my professional persona, I felt comfortable and at ease. A few hours into the day, Matt left to run an errand and Eric and I cleaned and patched the gallery walls. Eric taught me about what it means to be in a gallery, that the walls are not only meant for holding art, but acting as the guardians of something more, something equally as special, if not more important. He shared with me the magic of conversation that can be held in a space that allows not only art to breathe, but words as well, conversations between people, conversations that carry meaning, depth. I knew then that that is exactly what I would find in this internship: meaning and depth. There will be things that I will learn that are practical, tools I will be given that will help me throughout my career as an artist. But I know there will be more to it than just that. I’m going to be given tools that aren’t tangible, that can’t be listed on resumes or transcripts. It is those tools, those moments within Leon’s walls, that I look forward to as an intern and as an artist.
September 28, 2015
This week, Matt Scobey stopped by the gallery and I had the opportunity to talk to him about my internship-inspired project. His exhibition consisted of large objects made of concrete that have a special kind of strength and zen to them. As this is the fall of my senior year, my life has been consumed by the terrifying reality that true adulthood is nearing and every bone in my body has been weighed down by college applications. I saw Scobey’s work and I realized I could use some of that strength, that sense of groundedness that is so present in his art. I want to be able to embody that sense of inner self that has been spread thin by my distraction with what the future holds, and ground myself in the present by writing music that captures their essence. I had a conversation with Matt about the project and it felt so good to be able to tell someone directly that what they spent so much time on inspired me to take a second look at myself and where I am at this point in my life. I could see by the expression in Scobey’s eyes that it truly meant something to him. I knew he felt the genuine connection I had with his art and to me, that is what art is all about. Creation is something that never stops growing; it continues to touch people and live on and I am so honored to have had this moment with Matt and with his creations.
October 5, 2015
Leon Gallery is a small gallery primarily run by Eric Dallimore during weekday hours. Because of this, Eric and I spend majority of the time in the gallery just the two of us. This means that his actions directly influence mine and visa versa. My contribution at the gallery is small but not insignificant. Eric gives me the “usual” intern tasks such as mopping the floor, or running an errand. But, he also ensures that I learn about the things he’s doing. He gives me the opportunity to work with photoshop, design web pages on Squarespace, and learn things about the business side of the art world I wouldn’t have access to otherwise. My work and the effort I put into learning new tools influences not only how much I learn but the atmosphere of the gallery itself. By working towards being as helpful as possible and being conducive to a productive and positive atmosphere, I get the opportunity to learn and the gallery reaps the benefits as well.
October 12, 2015
At Leon Gallery my main responsibility is to sweep and mop the floor as well as pick up any odd jobs Eric needs help with. Last week was installation week for the current exhibition fasten; join together by Clearly aka Tina Chavera and there were many small jobs I was able to help out with. Chavera has made little dreads out of alpaca fur. I taped velcro pieces onto the wall under an arch in the gallery. The velcro took the form of a plant-like creature where guests can stick the alpaca dreads and contribute to the exhibition. Another task I helped with that day was pealing wheatpaste doilies off of the wall. Tina used turmeric in replacement of spray paint. So, when the doilies were removed, they left an imprint on the wall. This process was not as easy as I thought it might be. I accidentally got turmeric on my pants (unfortunately it stains) and my nails were stained a lovely yellow for a couple of days. But the arts aren’t always neat and pristine, in fact they can often be pretty messy. This is an example of how my internship can range greatly in the jobs I am assigned. Sometimes I will be creating invoices or working with photoshop. And other times, I get to work with mediums that are a little messier. I’m thankful to Eric for allowing me to have moments of creativity in my internship. I have heard the numerous stories of artists and their internships where they are thrown the grunt work. While I am not entirely spared from the not-as-fun jobs, I also get to do things that allow me to use some of my creative ability.
October 21, 2015
From the moment I began my internship at Leon Gallery, Eric has been inclusive and treated me, more or less, as a co-worker. The days I work in the gallery are primarily left to Eric and I, with the occasional visit from a friend or passerby. Because of this, we have plenty of time to get to know one another. I have learned a lot from Eric in the short amount of time I have been working at Leon. He has taught me not only about his own job, but his career as an artist as well. As a mentor, he has offered me guidance with school and art. Just a few weeks ago we were discussing college essays and he was helping me form ideas that were particularly creative. And, this week he read one of my essays and gave me valuable feedback. I am lucky to have a mentor who genuinely cares not only about my contribution to the gallery but about my life outside of the gallery as well. In turn, I am always curious about his work outside of the gallery and his own personal projects. In order to improve my experience, I aim to be as present as possible during the hours I spend in the gallery. My mind is in many different places at the moment. With never ending college essays to write, studying for the ACT to be done, and keeping up my grades in school, there’s hardly a moment that I feel grounded. But when I’m in the gallery, I try to let all of my stress go for a little while. I allow myself to simply be, while soaking up the opportunities and experiences that are given to me. I am trying to go out of my comfort zone by not only getting to know Eric, but learning about the people he works with as well. In this way, the artists that Eric works with are my extended coworkers and I can learn as much from them as I can from Eric.
October 25, 2015
For my internship project I have decided to write a musical composition that captures the essence of one of the previous exhibitions at Leon. Matt Scobey created various statues and shapes out of concrete. Concrete is a very sturdy material and his statues seemed to radiate a sense of strength and groundedness that I greatly admire. As this is my senior year, I have been consumed by the chaos and stress that is the result of college applications and the looming unknown of the future. In the process of creating music that centers that feeling of distress, I hope to gather a sense of balance and calm within myself. When I set out to write music, it is almost as if the music writes itself. I let it fester within me until I need to let it out. At the moment, I have decided what instruments seem appropriate for the piece and I have found various musicians to fulfill the parts. I have not been able to play cello for quite some time and I would like to use my cello for this piece. In the past, my cello has been a tool that has helped me find me sense of self, my core. In this way, I think it will be appropriate for my project. The general timbre of the instrument is resonant and deep and there is a quality similar to that of Scobey’s creations. There is a calm that meets power that I believe is truly incredible. I am excited to begin physical work on my piece and further discover what it means to find inspiration in another person’s work of art.
November 2, 2015
From the very beginning of my internship, Eric has treated me as close to an equal as an intern can be. Of course, Eric has a far more extensive knowledge of his business and the art world, but I feel as though he is as interested to hear my opinions and knowledge as I am to hear his. We have numerous conversations that stray from “work-related” topics (in truth, these conversations often revolve around art and could definitely still qualify as work-related). During these conversations, I offer up my own insight and Eric allows me to feel validated opposed to making me feel like an intern who has no idea what she is talking about. My favorite conversations take place when we are doing physical work. For instance, while installing or deinstalling a show, time and manual work are two large parts of the process and naturally, conversation takes place. During these moments I feel that I gain the most from my internship. And this goes for Eric’s colleagues or friends that stop by, I am able to learn from their personal experiences and their unique perspectives of the world -particularly the art world. Eric does not spare me the typical “intern jobs” but he also gives me the opportunity to learn things that go beyond the typical “grunt-work”. If, one day, I have an intern working for me, I will most definitely treat them as I have been treated. By working for Eric, I have learned more about the arts, artists, business, and about myself. To be able to give those things to another person in the way Eric has given them to me would be truly incredible.
November 9, 2015
I think the immediate difference between working on a personal art project and working in a creative business is that one involves money whereas the other may not. Personal art is typically just that: personal. It is created for the enjoyment or emotional necessity of the creator and not necessarily for profit. Of course, this is not to say that one might sell their art and make some money off of their work, but the necessity of the money is not the same as it is in business. When running a business, money is very important. It’s like the oil in the engine; it keeps things running smoothly. Business can take shape in many different forms but it always comes down to money. Through my internship, I have learned a significant amount about how the arts meet the necessity of money in business.
At Leon, the gallery not only showcases art, but markets it. Most of the art pieces in the gallery have a price and many collectors take part in purchasing some of the beautiful works of art in the exhibitions. In this way, Leon Gallery partakes in the appreciation of art as well as the buying and selling of art. In my own life, art has been something I do for myself or for gifts for others; never have I put a price on my work. It seems strange to request money for something I have put so much of myself into and therefore cannot be compared to a number. And yet, artists, just like any other person, must eat. If art consumes a person’s life, they need a way to profit from their work and at the end of the day they need food on the table and a roof over their head. And sometimes, this may mean a person must create art in order to gain money. I have heard side conversations between Eric and his peers about small projects their hearts are not in but the money makes it worth it. In contrast, I have also heard conversations about art and how it should be priced not out of the necessity of money but because the hard work that is put into art should be recognized. It is at this fine line, where art crosses into the business world, that I believe can either become slimy and unpleasant, or it can be another form of appreciation for the art and the artist behind the creation. By working at Leon and getting a glimpse of the creative business world, I have learned that while it may feel uncomfortable asking for money, it is important to do so in order to give dignity to one’s art and one’s life. Leon does this beautifully; it celebrates art and gives both the art and the artists the recognition they deserve.
November 16, 2015
My internship at Leon Gallery has given me insight into many things. I have learned a significant amount about working in a gallery and the business side of the arts, but most of all I have learned about what it means for me to be an artist. I have known for a while that art will forever be a part of my life and a couple years ago I realized I wanted to dedicate my life to it. Wanting to “be an artist” poses the ominous question of “Will I make it?” and through this internship I have come to know what it means to truly “make it”. I believe it comes down to each person and what makes them feel successful. But for myself, being successful means to put my entire self into the work I do. If I am not extending myself into my art, it is practically meaningless. Art is supposed to make people feel something and if the artist feels disconnected from their art, there is a good chance the audience will too. I have experienced times when I have run out of things to create about and I come to a point of emptiness. This absence of material with which to make something out of is scary. It is, to some degree, an irrational fear that takes hold of many artists but it fixes itself over time. During these gaps, I want to be able to collect source material, things that inspire me, and I want to do this by working with people on issues of social justice. I want my art to mean something, not only to myself, but to the greater community. I want my art to teach others, to educate and to inspire. So, the most important thing this internship has prompted me to learn is that, no matter one’s expertise, art always comes down emotion. Art is like a bridge that strings people together and connects them in a way that is intangible. My career in the arts may have yet to begin, but my path in the arts is well begun and I am ready to continue creating that intangible connection in the way I have seen it demonstrated, tremendously, by the people I have met through my internship.
November 30, 2015
My internship was rewarding from the very beginning. I was not sure what to expect, but from the moment I began, I knew I would learn a significant amount. I learned how to use photoshop, how to speak to people on the phone professionally, and I learned about the curating process. Not only did I learn skills that I am certain will be of use in the future, but I also learned from the artists I met and along the way and what it means to be an artist. Of course, there isn’t just one way to go about being artist, but I learned parts of what it meant for other artists to create and be part of a community that creates. Watching other artists do what they love pushed me to think about what it means for me to be an artist. I discovered the importance of authenticity and the importance of creating for myself rather than for an audience or for money. I learned about the stress of being in a business that works with art and artists, how it can be unpredictable but also so incredibly rewarding. In conclusion, I learned about artists and the art world and most importantly, I learned more about myself and further developed the skill to pave my way in a world where business and art can often clash. In the end, I’ve discovered that, if I remain true to myself and continue to envision the bigger picture, when things will fall apart and they will also fall together.