This week behind the scenes at Kreiva I have been contemplating which exhibitions to put on next year.
Some of the ideas I’ve had are around the theme of art and mental health or ‘the mental health conversation’. Other ones are to do with reminders such as the importance of putting ourselves first and taking good care of ourselves. These ideas might seem a bit unusual compared to what has been on at Kreiva so far, but in all of the years I have been exhibiting my art alongside other artists, talking to other artists and managing my own well-being on many levels, these themes seem to be common amongst the artist community.
Since opening Kreiva, one of the objectives I want is to bridge the gap between artists, galleries and buyers, because it is apparent to me that there can be a little bit of intimidation in a sort of triangle where we are all intimidated by one another and this does not need to be the case.
When buying art, you may not know that much about the artists whose work you are drawn to or why you are drawn to it. You may not understand what drives artists to create the things that they do. Having read so many profiles on artist platforms both before taking on the gallery and when inviting artists to apply for exhibitions, one very common thread is the mentioning of our need to create; we do it for our sanity much of the time and it is more than a lifestyle choice or a job or a business. It’s a very deep necessity to express ourselves creatively.
On the flip side of this is the viewing of art which is something that you do because you like to look at it. (I presume that if you are reading this, you are a gallery person). Why do you like to look at it?
There is something about visiting an exhibition, particularly in person, which has an impact. It makes you feel better, the experience provides you with inspiration; it removes you from your life temporarily and this has a positive impact on how you feel.
Viewing art can make you think differently about the subject, it can make you learn something, it could trigger a response that you were not expecting and all of these quantities of potentials are not known to you. When you enter a gallery you don’t know what you are going to come across and that is part of the excitement that visiting a gallery can do for you.
Because not everyone can get to the physical gallery, Kreiva is also online at kreivagallery.com/virtual-exibition
Both sides of this coin are why I do what I do. I think by having the mental health conversation and the well-being conversation it will give artists the opportunity to share not only self expression, but the driving force behind it. It will also allow you to understand why artists make the art that they do and what drives artists to create in the first place.
Despite a huge improvement in how mental health is viewed and treated, it is still a topic that many people feel is tinged with stigma. Many artists struggle and have struggled but don’t want to admit this for fear of judgement, so in order to help society move forward, it is a conversation I am willing to host.
If this is something you would like to see, know more about or you think you might like to take part or contribute in some way; whatever your thoughts are on this matter please email hello@kreivagallery.com and let me know. If you know anyone who would enjoy this newsletter or might like to get involved with the gallery, please click the share button below. Thank you.
This week for paid members, I have a three artist showcase. Keep reading….
Keep reading with a 7-day free trial
Subscribe to Behind the Scenes at Kreiva Gallery to keep reading this post and get 7 days of free access to the full post archives.