“Sometimes our very human desire for meaning can get in the way of having a good experience of the world” Grayson Perry.
Detail You are Here pot
Not much scares an Essex transvestite potter except the “dodgy art pool”.
I spent the day visiting a great exhibition Grayson Perry: My Pretty Little Art Career at the Museum of Contemporary Art, Sydney. I had a marvellous lunch atop the MCA, overlooking the Opera House where Perry would give a talk later in the day on How To Be an Artist Just Like Me. I think as an artist you tend to look for talks, trawl art magazines and even attend art workshops in the hope that you understand the artist better and even anticipate that a little bit of magic will rub off.
The greatest piece of advice came from Perry, who had fearlessly donned flamboyant orange tights, pink perilous platforms and a shimmery blue nappy-like costume, that he was frightened of ending up in a craft store. We all are familiar with the type of store, coloured glass platters, decorator cushions, crafty wood items and pottery. His advice to sail out of that world, be brave and head for open waters to explore the world beyond. Take risks, make mistakes. After seeing the work in this mammoth exhibition I don’t think there was ever a danger of Perry being moored on the fatal shore of the dodgy art pool.
The Tomb of the Unknown Craftsman
Prep sketches for the Tomb
Shrine to Alan Measles 2007
Sketches for The Upper Class at Bay tapestry
Paint later, a painter's blog. 
Thanks for the post. I saw the show last week and really loved it and found it very inspiring. That dodgy art pool is quite scary. I think that in the start of his career ceramics was down there on the ‘craft stall’ horizon, along with the textiles that I work in, so I understand the worry. Grayson is certainly showing the way fearlessly for all of us. I must see if the talk was recorded as I would like to have heard it.
I do hope they recorded it too. So entertaining. If you can download the 3 Reith lectures – great stuff! I’ll definitely go back for a second helping.
Nice article. I love artists that don’t follow the herd and dare to be themselves. David Shrigley is another shit stirrer who comes to mind. If I can get to Sydney I’ll go and see this!
Definitely worth the trip. I love Shrigley too – art with humour can pack a punch- it’s much too serious sometimes.
A beautiful bloq. An amazing artist. There have been some shows on TV about him recently. I think either the ABC or SBS
I can emphasis with your comments about hoping the magic will connect with you
Cheers
His Shows have been great. Luckily saw a few before the exhibition and made seeing the work richer.
Oh I’m so jealous, I would love to see Grayson speak. He’s one of modern art’s most charismatic and likeable voices. He might very well make my fantasy dinner party guest list! Great piece, thank you.
It was a sell-out at the Opera House. I was happy so many were there. Maybe another time. Fingers crossed.
Pingback: My Pretty Little Art Career | leonieandrews
Nice article. That dodgy art pool is quite scary. Thanks for the post.