What My Recent Trip To Miami Taught Me About Artists

The Artists Who Inspired Me The Most In Miami

It’s a cold, wet Friday here in Nottingham with grey skies and puddles. A world away from the the 27-degree (celsius) heat and bright sunshine I was soaking up this time last week in Miami. I was there for Miami Art Week. Miami Art Week is full on: Art fairs, blockbuster museum exhibitions, talks, tours, installations on the beach, dinners, champagne breakfasts, and a nonstop flow of people moving from one space to the next, contributing to the infamous art week road traffic. After returning home and letting it all settle, I have been thinking about all the things that inspired me. Throughout the week, I spoke with all kinds of artists, from household names in contemporary art, to those at the start of their artist career. All very wholesome interactions, and the ones which stood out for me were in the latter group. They consisted of:

• Artists who went alone

• Artists with no exhibitions taking place or guaranteed meeting

• Artists who were there to build new connections

• Artists who were there to learn from their art heroes

• Artists who went to make themselves known.

It was warming to see the young artists who took advantage of the festivities to learn and be inspired by their artist heroes, connect with curators, directors, gallerists, and each other (and with me!) It was beautiful to see the exchange of numbers, IG handles, business cards (yes they really are still a thing) and the potential of future collaborations. And while the title of this newsletter is “What My Recent Trip to Miami Taught Me About Artists,” the truth is that Miami didn’t teach me something new, but but confirmed something I’ve been chipping away at in different ways through this newsletter–the importance of connecting IRL, which often includes having to come out of your studio/making environment, and with new people. Those new people are potential collectors, clients, commissioners, art writers. Your next exhibition, an artwork sale, that gallery representation, an article highlighting your work… I am not telling you to fly to Miami or attend a big international event to build upon your network and visibility as an artist, however, you do need to step out and interact with the world outside of your studio.

Here are a couple of related previous newsletters to guide you:

ARTiculate turns 1 🎂

It’s been a year since I launched the newsletter. Thanks to everyone for subscribing, reading and giving feedback. Thank you to all who have given donations to keep the newsletter running too! To celebrate, I will be doing a birthday giveaway in my next edition (for subscribers only, so be sure to subscribe if you are not already)

Until next time!