(Maybe I should have not posted here but I can email it if not🙌😊 or send in another format) Here is a rough draft for the artist statement workshop—I was going to post an artist statement but then I wanted help with a project proposal that I am applying for. I hope that’s OK! it’s similar just specific to this grant I’m applying for. It was dictated, lightly edited, mostly it’s pretty conversational still. I find that helps my brain to start in this way… Here it goes I’m trying to do 10 to 15 drawings— they’re about living with energy disability and also about exploring/building a compassionate practice. Being kind to myself and finding processes that feel in tune with my body, my mind, and my spirit. The images will be about places and moments that remind me of slowing down and being present. There will be images of meditating, sunrises or moonrises in my backyard, a shower stool, a messy kitchen counter, messy beds, or bedroom windows. It’s a documentation of my experience of living (with disability), but it’s also about bringing care and attention to the ordinary everyday moments. I want to write reflections as I’m making the drawings and explore compassion a little further, particularly around productivity and perfectionism. With my last project around compassion/gentle work, I was still finding that there was a tightness around those beliefs. So I want to open them more through reflection and storytelling. Build compassion here specifically. The technical part is important to me, too. I’ve shifted from working mostly with coloured pencil and willow charcoal into working more with colour pastel. Part of this project is about building and refining my pastel technique while figuring out how I can continue to develop my drawings in a way that works with my energy and my body. The grant would help me buy materials that I wouldn’t otherwise be able to afford, as well as pay for some of the time involved in writing and developing the work. The work is for people, other creatives, who are also exploring compassionate and practical ways of creating while living with energy disability. But I also think the work can speak more broadly to people who are thinking about productivity, perfectionism, compassion, in work and life.

No! This happens a lot when you're an artist. Labor for exposure is a popular one. But I wasn't expecting it to happen in communication with a dedicated live/work artist collective I'd applied to in San Francisco. I put in an application to Project Artaud about 8 months ago. Twice now they have emailed to ask for free labor for their events. This time I offered to help thinking I should be political, and ingratiate myself (something I never do and don't believe in). Immediately no. My craw had the biggest ick stuck in it! It is predatory to pull labor from a list of people who are hopeful for space when you don't have any and don't know when you will. So I asked... "..., can I assume that if you are calling in help from prospective applicants that there is available space on the property?" Response: "No, it is a chance to get to know the community. There is no implied studio available at this time." I told her I'd be happy to allow another applicant the opportunity to get to know the community as I'd spent two days with them during their spring open studios, but I'd still help if their were no other offers. Her: "Fine. I will take you off the list. Sorry to waste" your time. (Methinks a bit of shadow in her SnapBack as I was very polite and still said I'd help.. she knows on some level) ----- I just couldn't do it. The median rent for a 1 bedroom in San Francisco just hit $4000. I've been priced out of my city. I have to commute to paint in my studio at about $10 a day for public transit. I'm tired. Artists who have low rent and workspace in the city should not be preying on hopefuls for free labor. A better system could be created. This is lazy, Animal Farm type shit. There have been so many moments lately for me to draw a clear line in the sand for myself about my standards. No regrets, I'll figure out something else.

Anne Brierley @anne-brierley-7522 painter printmaker sometimes teacher Welcome Anne!

this is a painting Im struggling with atm - its 70 x 100 cm & has gone though a few iterations - feels very illustrative to me and tho its a composite of different elements rather than a direct copy it all feels tight, feel a bit teenage book jacket.. I don't hate the sheep. Im still fighting with the background. some eyes on it would be appreciated.