DigiDame Discoveries
I never thought so many other couples have l the same challenges and responses as us. We don’t meet many other couples who are around each other 24/7, 365. Those that do understand how much deeper our love is for each other than those who constantly profess their love for each other on social media, or show off holding hands for others to see when they go for a walk.
Deep love is battling it out, making demands, sharing all the good times together, common goals, and keeping each other secure, healthy and happy. I’ll leave interpreting the bedroom rituals up to the individuals.
I found analyzing the couples who are in the art world together very eye opening. Just like Kate Bryan states in her introduction, “artists are special.” Reading about them was an extra bonus for me because we have so much in common.
Bryan has always believed that artists are special. It is rare that a person commits themselves to a life of pure creative expression, governed only by their artistic impulses and motivated by the compulsion to create. It can often make for insecurities or, conversely, large egos as well as a fusion of work and life that is atypical to most people. An artist does not just make artwork; in many respects they are their artwork. As such, it is especially unusual and intriguing when two artists come together in a romantic relationship – often resulting in the doubling of egos, insecurities and passion.
I have always found the subject intriguing, particularly when two artists who are involved or married collaborate on their artwork. One cannot help but wonder if they ever get a moment off. How can they build a side door into a robust creative landscape that they share and cultivate?
The longevity of the romantically linked artistic duo is also extremely vulnerable – what happens when love fades and two artists remain joined under a moniker but no longer by the heart? For artists in a relationship who work independently, there is a myriad of issues to navigate: how to manage jealousy and competition; how to share in your partner’s work without compromising your own; whether to promote your spouse to your collectors and gallerists. And if you should both become successful in your lifetime, which as The Art of Love demonstrates is exceptionally rare, how do you protect your relationship and art from the spotlight of personal enquiries?
Want more? Read the book and call me to attend the Oolite book club at my place where we will be discussing all elements of the chapters we read. The book was strongly suggested by Marie Elena Angulo, Chair of the Oolite’s Board.. Thank you MEA.
Tuesday, July 28th, 6:30 – 8:30 PM. RSVP by Monday, July 27th. You will be provided with the address at the time of enrollment.
Again, thank ooh you!
Lois
DigiDame 