Six years and counting - Kaki Steward

Six years and counting - Kaki Steward

Our Artistic Environment


When we write our artists statements, how often do we include the many contributors that shaped our particular style and voice? Our goal is to grab the reader’s attention. While we are striving to tell our individual story, in one page or less, we tend to omit the many contributors that have influenced our journey. They have all been travel companions. Some have been
extremely positive and impactful. Others have been equally influential by convincing us that their style is not for us.


All the ideas and techniques we use are rarely of our own invention because they are a culmination or a collection of thoughts that deserve their credits. Each learning opportunity,whether it’s a painting day with friends or a formal class, has contributed to my journey and are a part of my artistic environment.When I use a particular technique, I can often visualize where I was and who was teaching when I learned a certain skill set. Sometimes I can even close my eyes and conjure up the particular color I used back then only to discover I’m using a grandchild of it now. For example the photo above really started six years ago.

A friend, whom I met in my first Shibori class, and I got together for a day using her smocking machine. My Georgette scarves sat in a drawer forever until I added metallic paint to the ribs. The scarves hibernated in the drawer until another friend and teacher invited me to an Indigo day last week. The piece is still evolving and will, after other artistic influences, probably end up something entirely different.


So here’s my thought, when you finally have studio time start a list entitled “My Artistic Environment”. When you prep a piece of silk or stretch it onto a frame, write down where and how you learned that skill. When you choose your dyes and mix the colors, jot down the book you might have read or the color theory class you took. When you create your composition and
judge its balance & design write down the lecture, article or friend that helped you gain this ability. Also think about who/what might have influenced your choices for this composition.

When you determine that you are really finally “finished” look at your list of contributors. Assess the entire piece and count how many different elements of your artistic environment came into play. You will probably be amazed to discover how many contributors became a part of your story. Now what you do with your list is your choice. You can pin it up in your studio as a
reminder of how you got where you are. That alone serves a purpose. You can also take the time to send a quick email or note thanking those who contributed to your Artistic Environment. I’ll bet those on your list will pin up your thanks in their studios.