amy jane stephenson

Currently NGV have a free event running called  ’Art Chat’ which I am rather excited by. Tomorrow (July 30th) Chris Kohn (Artistic Director of Arena Theatre Company) will be discussing The importance of risk-taking in making theatre for the young and old. As a drama teacher and keen performer what could be more appropriate than “subjective perspectives on the topic”?!

Only yesterday some fellow drama teachers and I were discussing how drama in schools may or may not connect to the greater arts community. Does the VCE structure set aspiring actors and directors up for the arts industry? Is it too outcomes-based?  How can we make theatre which connects to gen y? Or conversely how do gen y make theatre?

I feel passionate about public programs between schools and companies such as Arena Theatre. Not only do they enhance learning experiences but also illustrates to students that there are many ways of expressing ones values and dare I say opening up one’s identity.

Richard Watts  has published an article on ArtsHub about a recent forum in Melbourne addressing the theatre industry. I just love that half the article is about failure – how artists need to take risks during their explorations of innovative new art  and this sometimes may mean failing! How refreshing to hear this, to be reminded that yes, art is a journey, yes it may take a few tries before something incredible is composed, indeed it may never happen.

Somehow this gives me more confidence to try.

Each year at Federation Square in Melbourne is a funky festival promoting something which is close to my heart – sustainability. Growing up in Tasmania with mass old growth logging encourages one to think about this concept from an early age. Now as I’m studying to be a Geography and Drama teacher, I look forward to promote sustainability both from an environmental aspect and an arts angle.

An installation at the Sustainable Living Festival

I popped into the Australian Centre for Contemporary Art to have a look at their much-talked about current installation. The Water Hole is ‘an ecological fantasy-world’ created by Swiss artists Gerda Steiner and Jörg Lenzlinger.

It’s not one of those installations which you walk into a square room and make your way from left to right, no, this one takes you on a real journey. The breeze created by your walk sends shivers through the strange mixture of human objects entertwined with nature. Eclectic mobiles hang with just enough space for you to crawl beneath and watch the colours and textures sway.

This ‘extravagant, magical installation’ allows you to participate, observe, or observe those who are observing. For me, it commented on how we impose our consumerist culture into the environment. I wonder how many untouched water holes exist today?

When searching for a masquarade mask to wear to the Jester ball in Canberra, all I could find was generic, boring ones. So I popped into Spotlight and picked up some cheap post-spring carnival feathers and some glue.

I found the technique was all about layering lace with feathers and sequins.

Here is Miss Erica Field wearing one of our crafty masks on the night.

Yesterday I attended a seminar about communication between dispersed communities. It was so interesting to hear from various speakers about CCD projects they’re involved in and how it’s helping not only communities in Australia but abroad also. Whilst listening to these stories it really encouraged me rethink the role of the arts in society. I mean there is performance which is outcome/product based (most likely commercial), and then there’s productions which focus on the process. By concentrating on the journey rather than the product, community groups involved can find ways to share and express their experiences with a broader audience.

However, that’s not to say commercial shows are bad, quite the contrary as they often challenge theatrical forms and are thus forever expanding the theatre stereotype. Also many product-based shows have a particular target audience, e.g. young people, so they address issues which are important to this group. And you have to admit, it’s always fantastic to see an inspiring professional show!

Both process and product-based performance have there place in the art world, it’s silly to compare them since they have such different objectives. But it is healthy to think about what techniques are used in order to ensure a performance is contributing to society in some way.

Why do people think artists are special? It’s just another job.

                                                                                     -Andy Warhol

Art actually requires huge amounts of research and thought and it really is a full time job putting together an exhibition or show. Perhaps sometimes people are too quick to judge a piece of art or live performance without actually thinking about the underlying ideas and message the artist is trying to portray. Even if I didn’t particulary connect with a show, I’ll at least try to understand the directors motivation for their choices. Most works out there have the equivalent of a Masters research paper supporting the body of work and this is sometimes forgotton.

Next time you see a show or wander through an exhibition, give a thought to the hours of research the artist has put into the work, afterall they’re trying to say something to you.

Recently when strolling the streets of Melbourne in search of a new apartment I can call home, I noticed a quote hung up in a boutique window: Art is what makes you think.

I like the simple explanation of what art means to this person, there are so many lengthy, philosophical publications about what role art plays in society. Although I feel there needs to be deep ideas and connotations about and in art, I also feel sometimes it needs to be boiled down and simplified , in order to be accessible. I think i would add to the quote: Art is what makes you feel and then it makes you think. Because a great performance for me is about arousing emotion, which in turn encourages the spectator to think and question why they felt that way.

I shall return to the real estate page in search of a sunny home, now how does that make me feel…