Radical dreaming in art for a better future

To be made uncomfortable
A3 size/11.7x16.5” 150gm smooth cartridge paper
Megan Chapman 
2020
private collection

The pandemic has changed how some of us think about art and work. Perhaps some have realised that the traditional capitalist system is not always beneficial and that there are other ways of living. This has led to a shift as we desire to create a more compassionate inner landscape and society.

We are becoming more aware of how our work can contribute to the greater good. Some of us also realise that we have been exploited or have even exploited ourselves in this outdated system. We may also have begun to deepen our understanding of the importance of art-making post-pandemic, as it allows us to express ourselves in creative ways that can bring joy and deep healing during difficult times.

This shift in thinking has helped us to see our lives beyond striving or has helped us redefine success. Some of us are learning to be even more mindful of our actions and decisions as we build a better future for ourselves and others.

I have always questioned the system rooted in production and consumption. I realise the need for a post-capitalist society. Art can bring joy, solace, understanding, empathy, and hope in times like these.

In a post-capitalist society, joy and optimism are essential for creating a better future. By allowing ourselves to dream of utopia, we can explore the potential of our collective imagination and creativity. We can use this to envision a world where everyone has access to basic necessities, is treated with respect, and is free to pursue their dreams without fear of oppression or exploitation. By looking beyond the limits of our current system, we can create a more equitable and just future for all.

To create this utopia, we must fight against the dominant paradigm, educate others, and challenge their current views with a more radical vision of an equitable society. This means that we must work collectively, in solidarity, while also challenging our assumptions and biases to continually improve our understanding of the world. This idea of creating a better future is not new—it has been part of human life for thousands of years. Utopian ideals are constantly expressed through art, literature, religion, philosophy and science as people endeavour for better lives.

Join your union: https://www.artistsunion.scot/

Obviously not me

I am behind on my blog and it drives me a bit crazy so I thought I would at least catch up with one and make some progress. I can partially blame my lack of writing on the fact that the previous two blogs were scheduled to be posted on Christmas and New Years Day. Who is going to write or read an art blog on a holiday? Obviously not me. 

So here we are, I will check-in today and work backward (the December 25th blog is mostly written already - it's the year in review blog so it is easy for it to become overwhelming). 

I have not yet painted or drawn anything in the new year. It is the 8th day of January and I am not too worried about it. I can feel the work bubbling up, it is almost to my fingertips, but not quite yet. There has been the post-holiday haze, more horrible covid news, and an insurrection to process from back home. I focus on walking, nature, films, music, dumb shit on the internet, and cooking good food. I focus on chatting with friends and family (ps. check in on your people). If you don't have people, consider me one. How are you doing? Check-in and let me know. I do care. Yes, really. These things seem important just now. 

The work is coming and it will pour when it does, I am resting just a little longer first. 

Thank you to everyone who drops by here and to everyone who supported me and my work in 2020. You all are bloody amazing. I am so thankful to have you in my corner. It makes all the difference in the world.

Take care and best wishes for this crazy new year. 

Love, 

Megan 

The magic is in the schedule and in the practice

Small works framed for The Velvet Easel Gallery exhibition: "Off the Wall"
Happily, the two on the right sold on opening day. 

Dear Readers, 

I don't seem to have much to say about painting right now and I find that very frustrating. My studio blog is an important part of my process. It is a practice that I value right along with my painting. They work in concert together. My painting spurs on my writing, and my thoughts, words, and daily life spur on my painting. They each help me understand my motivations and why I paint. Sometimes, it's a simple reportage post of what happened one week in the studio, sometimes it's a love letter to the process, and sometimes it's just photographs of the work. The point is, whatever my blog is, I show up each Friday (well, usually). 

The magic is in the schedule and in the practice. This important practice has been hard for me lately. So here's to checking in, acknowledging the importance of the process, and stating my intention to get back into it. That's really all I can do. It doesn't help that I have had three viruses in the past 6 weeks. Perhaps this is a sign to slow down and nurture myself, to breathe in and breathe out and just be. There is an ebb and flow to nature and right now I am in the ebb. Looking forward to sharing the flow again with you one day soon. 

Thanks to all of you that check in here, your support and interest are also part of the process and part of my community that I hold dear. I plan to "catch up" later this weekend.

To quote Thich Nhat Hanh, "Darling, I care about the suffering."