Read the digital copy
Subscribe to the KT newsletter
About the Kitchissippi Times
Kitchissippi Times
A community newspaper serving Kitchissippi ward, in Ottawa
Kitchissippi Q & A
Kitchissippi Q&A – Advice for introverted art lovers
By editorkitchissippicom on September 17, 2015 • ( Leave a comment )
Q: The West End Studio Tour is coming up and although it sounds cool, I think it might feel weird to tromp around an artist's home. How can I make this less awkward for myself and the artists?
– T.I.A
This is the home of local artist Barbara Zuchowicz, one of the artists on the West End Studio Tour. It seems ordinary from the outside, doesn't it? But what happens in the basement is kind of magical. Photo by Andrea Tomkins
A: First, I totally get where you're coming from. Under normal circumstances it is a little strange to walk into someone's house, look at the art on the walls, and leave. But these aren't normal circumstances. The artists on the West End Studio Tour are opening up their homes and studios for two weekends: Sept. 19-20 and Sept. 26-27. Trust me when I say they want you to come, and are welcoming people of all ages with open arms.
It's not just about sales either. That's part of it, of course. This is how they make their living, but artists love to talk about their work and hear other perspectives as well. But, as you point out, it might be hard to know what to say.
For this reason, WEST organizers Barbara Zuchowicz and David W. Jones helped me come up with a list of questions and conversation starters for Studio Tour participants like yourself. Consider this a "cheat sheet" of some of the questions you can ask an artist:
Did you always want to be an artist? Why do you do this?
What is your favourite thing about being an artist?
What is your least favourite thing?
My daughter/son loves art. How can I encourage her/him?
What is important to you in your work?
Would you still do this if you couldn't make a living at it?
I love painting and I want to get better. Any tips?
Who encouraged you to make art?
Who are your favourite artists, and how do they inspire you?
What is your favourite thing ("subject matter") to paint?
What's your favourite colour? (Usually, kids ask this question. David W. Jones says his stock answer is: "plaid.")
To this list I would add: I really like this piece, can you tell me more about it? That's the question I like to ask, because there's always a great story behind every work of art, and what you learn might surprise you.
If you would like more information about the tour and the artists go to westendstudiotour.ca. KT also published a Q&A with the organizers in the last issue of the paper, which you can find right here.
I hope to see you on the tour!
Andrea Tomkins,
Is there something in your corner of Kitchissippi that's been puzzling you? Perhaps there's something you've always wanted to know but didn't know who to ask. Send your burning questions (Kitchissippi-related of course) to us and we'll help find the answer.
Categories: Kitchissippi Q & A
Tagged as: art, artists, KT Q&A
The art of knitting unveils its social side at the Carlingwood Library
Russell Yuristy showing at Cube Gallery
KT app
HOK: Humans of Kitchissippi
SHOP LOCAL AND SUPPORT OUR ADVERTISERS
Read the latest digital issue
Instrumental These k… on These kids know how to rock an…
November edition of… on Kitchissippi adjusting to ligh…
World of Maps Turns… on A world of fun: World of Maps…
Events Archive… on 13th anniversary of Arts Night…
a peek inside the fi… on Craving a slice? Use our pizza…
Collectable Treasures
Humans of Kitchissippi
The latest scoop
Follow KT on Twitter
Location and branding key for Kitchissippi owner of ax-throwing venue
Two Kitchissippi residents recognized for supporting mental health work
Nepean High School student looks ahead to the trip of a lifetime
What's it like to flood an outdoor ice rink? Read on.
Local mall hosts a honey of a project
Top categories: The latest scoop
Keep in touch, stay in the loop, and subscribe to the KT newsletter. We promise to respect your time and inbox.
Click here to sign up for the newsletter. You'll be first in line to receive the digital issue of KT, delivered right to your inbox.