Each week I really send time reflecting on my 2 internships. What did I like, what did I not really enjoy, and always what could I do better. I truly believe every experience is a learning opportunity. From time to time you get to do things that seem mundane but when you jump in the experience is awesome. I share this as I have been calling the artists that painted ornaments for the White House Christmas tree in 2007. I can't think of anything I've enjoyed more than tracking the artist down and getting to talk with them. This particular experience for them was so memorable that they get excited that someone is calling from the museum about their ornament from 11 years. I'm simply calling to see if they would send us pictures, any articles and stories they might have so that we can place it with the ornament. And these ornaments will go on display at some point. How exciting that their art lives on.....and how exciting to hear their stories. How they were chosen, what they painted, and just the experience they had at the White House. I was on the phone with one artist for 30 minutes...I felt like I was there with her. Another artist has had work commissioned by the Vatican! I am starting to look for packages with their memorabilia. Cant wait to see it all! How cool is this...some days and tasks are boring but this blocks those days out! This is what I love about art and museums...things live on!
This is a great practice that you have, Leslie. Regularly reflecting on your internships (and on any learning experience) is so valuable.
ReplyDeleteAnd, now you know another thing about what you like: working with living artists (which would lead you more towards a contemporary art space)!
WOW!! This sounds so cool! You are so lucky to be working with living artists, that is definitely a unique and unforgettable experience.
ReplyDeleteWhat are some of the things you haven't liked about your experience?
In the collections world it is sometimes very boring. I know that sounds generic but I'm not sure how else to describe it. Talking with artists has been fun, pulling artifacts has been interesting, but overall its a pretty quiet job. Maybe that's the part...not much interaction with people. I never thought Id feel this way but I think that's what I am missing. Now I would definitely take a collections job because I love that you deal with the artifacts but I'd have to find an outlet to give tours, etc.
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