The things we can learn from other people

(image by Hazel Dooney, used with permission)

I think mentors and teachers can appear from almost anywhere, at any time, and come in all sizes, shapes, backgrounds and ages. It's always educational to see how other people do things, and to be open to lessons/ideas hidden or obvious that they exhibit by example.

Hazel Dooney is an artist in Australia that I've been reading and watching for the past year or so. She's young, aggressive, prolific, and outspoken. All indications are that she has an incredible work ethic, and a sharp focus on who she is and what she wants to do. More importantly (to me) she is making her own way and forging her own path in, around and thru the higher end fine arts biz. She's a good example of a self-determining thinker and doer; truly a working artist. We've exchanged a couple of emails, and I think it's safe to say she has a pretty solid DIY ethic in regards to presenting, marketing and distributing her work. There is a willingness to pursue alternative venues, take some risks, and experiment with methods that communicate her work and ideas far outside the accepted mainstream of the art/craft world.

In addition, Ms. Dooney is conversant in several different media, and integrates them well, even though her primary focus lately has been large scale enamel paintings. She is also an excellent writer and storyteller. Her blog is updated regularly and is like a daybook of an artist in evolution. Her writing is clear, honest and articulate, and doesn't hold much back. She challenges assumptions, poses questions, and shares with us the answers and possibilities she comes up with.

I highly recommend that you take time to read this recent blog entry of hers. I found it to be challenging, inspiring, and motivating, and it made me optimistic. I'd love to see discussion spring up around some of the ideas and points she makes in this piece, there is a lot to work with and think about in those few paragraphs.

Thanks to Hazel for letting me include an image and her posts here at Shoestring.