Artist at Work: Cultivating the Creative Spirit
(Artist-Mother Edition)
Calling all artist-mothers for an opportunity to participate in a four-month mentorship program Artist at Work: Cultivating the Creative Spirit with Priya Vadhyar. The program, part of a project initiated by Vadhyar, is supported in part by the Maryland State Arts Council. The mentorship program is at no cost to artists. Seats are limited to five participants.
The Artist at Work (Artist-Mother Edition) is a response to the pandemic, which has been a challenging time for caregivers in general, and mothers in particular. Existing cultural norms, inadequate institutional support, and other uncertainties brought on by the pandemic have further exacerbated the situation. The mentorship program aims to help artist-mothers with their studio practice, provide a supportive environment, and add to the dialogue surrounding the work of artist-mothers. This is especially pertinent given the effect of the pandemic on artists who are mothers.
ABOUT ARTIST AT WORK:
Being a studio artist is a solitary activity for most of us. While the studio is where meaning unfolds delicately like a flower, it is also where we battle doubts and face roadblocks. We can all benefit from a support system that nurtures our strengths, equips us to tackle our creative obstacles, and takes us closer to our vision.
Artist at Work: Cultivating the Creative Spirit is a program that addresses this very need. Designed as a four-month mentorship program, Artist at Work is geared towards visual artists who have a practice that they would like to deepen in a supportive environment. The program focuses on studio work — on developing a fresh outlook toward your work, and on tools and support to help you achieve your goals. Through the program, we will try to understand what we do and why we do it; and as we find answers we will find a deeper commitment to ourselves.
In our group sessions we will dig deep into what constitutes a studio practice. We will discuss the creative process and learn how artists, writers and poets across history found the drive to sustain their practice. We will look at our work with a new perspective, create personal goals (for the duration of the program and beyond), review our progress, and discuss our wins and challenges. Number of group sessions: Four | Duration: 3 hours each month
During the one-on-one session, we will go over the particulars of your studio practice. We will discuss your work with the aim that you achieve the goals that you've set for yourself, and to work towards a vision that is true to you.
Number of one-on-one sessions: Four | Duration: 1 hour each month
Program Features:
The Artist at Work Program is designed for a small group, and is limited to five participants. The aim is to encourage dialogue between participants and personalized attention.
The program is specifically designed towards self-reflection about one’s studio practice in a way that is positive and action-oriented.
The program includes group and one-on-one sessions held via Zoom.
Each group session includes a detailed presentation, which is later emailed to the participant. Participants also receive notes with additional resources.
The program includes a guest speaker session. The guest is invited to talk about their studio practice and answer questions from the group.
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Artist at Work Program Details:
Dates: Jan 25 - Apr 19 2023
Group Sessions: Wednesdays, Jan 25, Feb 22, Mar 22, Apr 19 2023, 10am - 1pm
One-on-one Sessions: TBD
Program Fee: $0
Last date to apply: Jan 10, 2023
Participants will be notified of their enrollment on Jan 12.
To apply,
Email studio.lineofsight@gmail.com with subject line: Artist at Work Sign up
Program capacity: FIVE participants
Interested individuals will receive a short questionnaire to understand their interest.
Preference given to artist-mothers residing in Maryland.
All persons (cis, trans and non-binary) who identify as mother, child birther or primary care-giver are welcome to apply.
One seat reserved for an artist who identifies as BIPOC.
All sessions are held via Zoom.
QUESTIONS? Email Priya at studio.lineofsight@gmail.com
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About Priya Vadhyar
Priya Vadhyar (she/her, b. 1980, India) is a visual artist based in Ellicott City, Maryland. In her current work, Priya explores the manifestation of, what Loren Eiseley calls one’s “interior geography,” and the self’s relationship with the sum of things. Her work is an inquiry into the nature of boundaries, and the revelations that lie in juxtapositions. Priya spent most of her formative years in Mumbai. She has a Master’s Degree in Economics from the University of Mumbai. In 2010, Priya moved to Tucson, Arizona. There, she studied advanced abstract painting with artist Josh Goldberg, who later became her mentor. Priya's work has been exhibited nationally and internationally. She is a member of Pell Lucy, an artist collective under the Shim Art Network.
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