Working in a Vacuum

Once artists leave the formal halls of academia we often find ourselves working alone in our studios.  Art can be a very solitary practice.  One has to stay motivated to keep moving forward.  It is easy to become stuck working in this type of vacuum.  Worse yet you can get tunnel vision.  I know sometimes I get so close to my work that I cannot see something that is right in front of me.  A new set of eyes on your work can be a valuable thing.  

For these reasons, I recently joined an artist's critique group.  We meet once a month, informally at one of the group member's homes.  Every month we meet in a different space, get to see that artist's studio, socialize over food and drinks and then spend time looking at and discussing new works in progress.  Each artist's work that is brought to critique gets five sustained minutes of attention.  It's short and yet enough to get a reaction from the group and feedback about its strengths and weaknesses.  I am enjoying the process.  It's actually the first time since taking college classes that I've been able to enjoy this kind of conversation in an organized session.  I would encourage artists to join such a group or form one in your area.  I'm finding it a positive presence in my artistic practice.