The artist’s studio. It’s where the magic happens. Inviting someone in for a studio visit is pivotal to any art career, it bridges the artist with the broader community, offering insights into your journey and facilitating meaningful dialogues.
Such visits are more than mere art viewings; they are opportunities for authentic connections.
As we explore the intricacies of studio visits, it's essential to see them as a mutual voyage of discovery. Artists gain new perspectives on their work, while visitors immerse themselves in the creative process.
We hosted a talk by artist/curator john ros about the best practices in artist studio visits (both beginner and advances) and how to help foster a healthier studio visit culture.
SHORT VERSION:
➡️ Download our studio visit checklist here
➡️ Download our virtual studio visit template
➡️ Studio Visit Rules of Engagement by john ros
• Studio visits happen any place you work, be proud of your space.
• Set a goal : Usually “familiarize the person with your work and give then a sneak peak at your process)
• Where to begin: have friends over or even better, go to friends studios and see how they host people
• Research: look up your visitor before they come. Familiarize yourself with their projects.
• Beware toxic visitors: have an exit strategy if things go sour. Often it helps to ask “so, what are you doing next?”
• Depending on your goals, think about cleaning up.
• Organize which work you will show (most people have attention span for learning 3 things at a time, keep it to 2 bodies of work + 1 behind the scenes item.
• Have a take-away (postcard or small catalog).
• Follow up: write a thank you note (digital or physical) and dont forget to update your contacts/mailing list.
WHAT IS AN ARTIST STUDIO VISIT
An artist studio visit is an intimate encounter where individuals are invited into an artist's workspace to engage with their creative process and artworks. The agenda can vary:
Critique: Professionals or peers provide constructive feedback on the artist's work.
Introduction: A chance for newcomers or potential buyers to familiarize themselves with the artist and their oeuvre.
A FEW TYPES OF ARTIST STUDIO VISITS
The Artist Studio Visit: A peer exchange focused on ideas, concepts, and materials, accentuated by the artist's personal journey.
The Nonprofit Curator Visit: Primarily for non-commercial exhibitions, it intertwines the artist's creative motivations with their personal narrative.
The Gallery Director Visit: A balance of business and art, where the artist's story complements discussions about logistics and commerce.
The Collector Visit: Beyond showcasing and pricing, the artist's journey enhances the collector's connection to the art.
TIPS TO A BETTER STUDIO VISIT
Lets Deep Dive into Understanding, Engagement, and Connection
In the realm of art, studio visits bridge the gap between creation and appreciation. Studio visits are a powerful method of artist networking, a power that's deeply rooted in the principles of social psychology. But how do we harness this potential to make studio visits more enriching?
1. A Purposeful Approach: Know Your Audience
Before embarking on a studio visit, delineate its purpose. The human brain is wired to interact differently based on intentions and expectations. For instance, while an artist might be keen on conceptual discussions, a curator might be focused on the logistical aspects of exhibiting your artwork. Knowing this can shape the dialogue.
2. Art of Communication: Setting Clear Intentions
One of the foundational concepts of social psychology is effective communication. Clearly communicating your intentions ("I want to develop this body of work further") helps in establishing a mutual understanding. This aligns expectations and creates a supportive environment for constructive discourse.
3. Engagement Before Analysis
A phenomenon often observed in human interactions, especially in the art world, is premature judgment or over-analysis. Before delving into interpretations, one should engage deeply with the art. After all, art is a reflection of the artist's psyche, and understanding it requires immersion.
4. Research as a Tool for Connection
A quick online search about your visitor can pave the way for more personalized interactions. This practice, rooted in the principle of "reciprocal liking" from social psychology, suggests that we tend to like people who show that they are interested in us.
5. Constructive Feedback: A Two-Way Street
Feedback sessions are an interplay of social dynamics. Structured methods, like the "Rose-Thorn-Bud" technique, channelize feedback in a balanced manner. Interestingly, human brains respond more receptively to feedback when it's presented in a structured and balanced manner.
6. Space and Perception
Social psychology has long emphasized the influence of environment on interactions. However, in the context of studio visits, it's essential to remember that the "studio" is a conceptual space, not just a physical one. The emphasis should always remain on the art and the artist.
7. Leveraging Technology
In the digital age, virtual interactions carry the same weight as physical ones. While human brains are better attuned to face-to-face interactions, adopting tools like Google Slides can bridge the gap, ensuring that the essence of the artwork is communicated effectively.
8. Authenticity in Presentation
Dressing authentically, albeit appropriately, resonates with the principle of "authentic self-presentation" in social psychology. This asserts the importance of being genuine in interactions, which invariably leads to more meaningful connections.
9. FOLLOW UP
After the studio visit, it's crucial to keep the momentum going. A thoughtful follow-up not only demonstrates appreciation for the time shared but also solidifies relationships and opens doors for future collaboration. Whether it's a simple thank-you note, an email detailing points of discussion, or sharing relevant resources and opportunities, this step ensures that the studio visit becomes a lasting touchstone in the artist-visitor relationship. Just as art requires reflection, so too does the experience of sharing and understanding it; following up ensures that both parties continue to benefit from the visit long after it's concluded. Also make sure to update your contacts or mailing list.
MORE PRACTICAL THOUGHTS ON STUDIO VISITS
**Download our studio visit checklist
Preparation:
Clearly understand the purpose and nature of the visit.
Prepare artwork and set discussion points.
Stay present and engaged with the visitor.
Offer a mix of artworks but limit the quantity; focus on quality.
Include initial ideas or sketches to provide a "behind the scenes" perspective.
During the Visit:
Approach the visit as a mutual learning opportunity; think of it as a "first date."
Offer a beverage, a comfortable place to sit, and a snack.
Consider snacks, especially for visitors with low blood pressure to avoid a "hangry" studio visit.
Keep an open platform for questions; aim for clarity and understanding.
Manage the duration; introductory visits can range from 30 minutes to 1.5 hours, but ensure the conversation dictates the length.
Communication:
Preferred method: written forms (emails, texts, DMs). Some curators are open to phone calls or texts.
Clearly communicate the intention of the visit to avoid misunderstandings.
Aim for long-term relationships; see group exhibitions as initial engagements.
Home Studio Tips:
Any place you make art is a studio. Your kitchen, a basement. Dont feel shy about letting people in. Remember that virtual studio visits are always an option too.
Accept and embrace the practicality of home studios.
Set and communicate boundaries and expectations for visitors.
Ensure a distraction-free environment; address potential interruptions beforehand.
Avoiding Annoyances:
Be prepared with set questions or discussion points.
Aim for constructive exchanges; don’t dominate the conversation.
Value feedback and insights from visitors.
Post-Visit Reflection:
Consider the studio as an intimate reflection of the artist; maintain control but be welcoming.
Stay alert to inappropriate behaviors; maintain personal boundaries.
Reflect on the visit; identify strengths, areas of improvement, and potential follow-up actions.
In Closing
Studio visits are more than just discussions about art; they're a dance of social dynamics, aspirations, and mutual respect. By integrating insights from social psychology, these visits can be transformed into memorable, insightful, and relationship-building experiences.