One Small Step…
Today marks another day of big change. With my internship at Emergent Literary coming to a close and my last term at Bennington just beginning I can’t help but reflect on the communities that going to Bennington has allowed me to be a part of. And with four years under my belt, I’ve come to realize just how important it is to have a supportive community, especially as an artist. Honestly, it is something I greatly took for granted as a young college student, but with the world looking so different than it did just mere years ago and a rising tendency for artists and collaborators to work so far from each other, I wish I could go back and tell my younger self to really take the time to be an active member in my artistic community. So for everyone entering new opportunities this new here are some things I’ve found incredibly valuable to help foster connections with those around me and help me grow as an artist.
1. Take advantage of your environment
During my freshman and sophomore years at Bennington I definitely did not take advantage of the resources around me as much as I could have. With 24 hour access to studio space and professors making themselves available for outside class help, these things really made a difference in helping me grow as an artist. Now I frequently spend all hours of the day in the print shop working side by side with my peers and professors and the collaborative work style makes work so fun and so rewarding.
2. Don’t be afraid to reach out
In line with my first piece of advice, don’t be afraid to reach out and strike up conversation with people working around you or others you notice have similar interests. I am so grateful that my classmates have become my friends and these friends have become integral to my creative process. It always helps to have someone to give you an outside perspective on your own work or inspire you with thoughtful conversations.
3. Join the conversation
Another great way to feel a part of your community is to engage with your peers and artist friends and actively support their work. Repost and share work from artists you love and you’ll be sure to find new artists and probably even get the same support in return.
4. Be confident in your work
Something I struggled with in my early college career and even now, is confidently sharing my work. Part of my struggle came from never feeling fully finished with a piece enough to share it with the world, but once I started feeling comfortable showing my work to my close friends and classmates and hearing their input, I realized that people feel the same way about my work as I do about theirs. I learned that if I took myself and my work seriously then those around me would as well. It all starts with confidence and the courage to put yourself out into the world!
-Elisha Aflalo
Cover art: FLOWING, Sarah Lai, 2017 via @artistsofcolour on Twitter
