Question3.qxp
19/8/08
23:20
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Nicollette Ramirez Marketing and communications coordinator, The Chelsea Art Museum, New York
I do exactly as I said before: whatever I want. This freedom for sure has its limitations, economic and otherwise, but I go around when I want, wherever I want, support those who I believe are doing something worth supporting, and every now and again I have an epiphany when I see, engage in, or promote some art or artist, and this is what keeps me going during the dry times of "demand". I try to stay true to my vision and at times this may seem obstinate, but I've realised that going counter to culture often leads to a much more fulfilling path than following all the other lemmings into the shark's mouth. I like the idea of art for art's sake, but this perhaps is just that, an idea. I try to control my input to the system critically and creatively by writing every now and again about stuff that inspires me, as well as making events/parties where people can actively engage in and with artists; where people can dance, and feel alive, and perhaps reach a certain level of energy (creative, spiritual, physical, intellectual); whatever type of energy that reminds them that this is the reason that we're alive, and that creativity is not a luxury or something learned but something as inherent and basically human as breathing, and that it can be manifested in many ways in everyone, if only they value it more than "demands". Thomas Ranahan
Q3
PILOT: artist, Birmingham, UK
You have to believe in the work that you make first of all. It has to be the best you can make it. Then you have to convince your audience and potential curators or buyers that it’s not only good but decidedly individualistic. From a commercial point of view, your work also needs to find the clientele that want to purchase the work. Pressure may be put on an artist to continue making work that is financially saleable but that no longer is of interest to the artist making it. This should be resisted if at all possible. When livelihoods are threatened this
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