Author Archives: noelle celeste

Creative Response

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For our creative response, we decided to make a tote bag with a custom print. We decided to work together for this final piece as we gained a lot from “group work” during the times in which explored the art scene through the VABF. We felt that the most significant component of group work is communication, which helped us to develop ideas about this work,complementarily and thoughtfully. Because of the combined effort for this creative response, we had a division of labor. One of us (Anne) took charge of the printing process and the other (Noelle), constructed the tote. The bag was made secondary to the print; we both really loved the design and wanted to present it in a way that was different from the traditional ink on paper printed image.

One of the highlights of the VABF is the membership totes that are designed by different artists every year. This definitely inspired us to create our own tote bag; however, we were more motivated by the idea of creating something utilitarian. The biggest take away from the VABF was this notion of art as accessible and easily digestible. Working for the VABF we realized, witnessed and experienced ourselves, the transition between exclusivity and inclusivity within art. Since the very beginning the art scene has been connected to opulence and therefore has been run by the elite. Progressively, artists have and continue to critique this hierarchy, but, as we have learned in class, there are many ways in which the art scene still upholds exclusivity. Although the VABF might not provide all the answers on how to solve this problem completely, it is a great example of an organization that is working towards a more inclusive art scene; by providing a platform for artist of all levels and backgrounds to present their work and offering a chance for people (those who aren’t necessarily part of the upper crust) to be able to buy art. It was truly eye opening to be able to work for the VABF and be surrounded by such a diverse group of artists sharing knowledge about both bigger socio-political topics and personal interest and for both to be doing so through art, in the form of books and printed ephemera. Our creative response was heavily inspired by the happenings during the VABF but the first epiphany for the idea came about during a class discussion where it was mentioned: “bags are like the souvenir of the fashion show” and an art piece sometimes acts like as a souvenir of the artist. In both a comical and serious way we encapsulated this notion in our creative response. Prior to working for the VABF and learning more about what it means to be an artist in society, we would have never taken this statement seriously and would havenever considered a tote bag to be within the realm of art, but now that we’ve learned how powerful art can be in spreading knowledge, both personal interest and knowledge that can potentially make a huge difference in society. We want to continue to support art that is accessible with the hope that it will connect more people together and create greater dialogue.

Resume Line

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Vancouver Art Book Fair

September 2017 – November 2017

Vancouver, Canada

Program Intern

  • Drafted and organized documents such as exhibitor lists, membership renewals, information guides for the VABF.
  • Worked as a volunteer during events, helping out with hands on task (such as organizing/handing out totes and installation) as well as secretarial work (providing guest with information and directions).
  • Provided and collected feedback and data to help with improvement of further VABF events.

Blog #3 (VABF Day 3)

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Day three was definitely my favorite day. Anne and I worked the front desk area which was very dependent on talking with guest, which we both knew would be a challenge. We were both shy in the beginning, which was a given, but after a while we got a hang of it. I felt that having Sarah (who is a long time VABF staff member) be there with us was what really pushed Anne and I to be comfortable and confident. I have to give huge props to her because her personality and energy is something that I truly admire. For most of the shift we dealt with memberships and general questions. Other than that, it was a very easy going day, Anne and I had good conversation amongst each other, with the guest and staff. We were even able to check out Vancouver Art Gallery’s book sale and purchase some interesting art books.

If I could sum up my whole experience at the VABF in a couple words it would be: curious people making fruitful connections. Despite the utopic nature of this statement; I feel that the VABF has a different atmosphere compared to what would be typically associated with the art scene. For a long time, art (specifically big art institutions) has carried with it a sense of prestige. Even as art becomes more local and inclusive there is still a seductive quality to its atmosphere. In this sense, it is ‘inclusive’ in that art no longer solely belongs to big art galleries and sellers. However, these smaller ‘institutions’ that have been formed can still promote exclusivity. Localized art scenes tend to become niche, harvesting an atmosphere of ‘like-minded’ people, which would then situate those not falling within that category as outsiders. This is a classic example of scenes promoting this need to ‘fit in.’ As much as we would like to establish independence being accepted within a group is very seductive, especially when it comes to the arts, as it has become increasingly regarded as ‘hip, modern and cool.’ From my previous blog post raving about the inclusive nature of the VABF, it would be fair to assume that the VABF would function in this manner. In some respects, this is true. However, I find this to be more of a person to person scenario (exhibitors being from a certain school, thus classmates tend to flock around their booths etc.) The VABF doesn’t create this subliminal exclusive atmosphere, because it is not structured to support any art style or theory in particular. It’s free flowing nature and its lack of specificity when it comes to exhibitors really works towards this idea of art as an open forum. I feel that this is further emphasized as it is a public event, with many of their visitors being people who’ve stumbled upon the event at random, but are still able to participate as the art is presented in a more digestible and interactive way. You don’t have to have an extensive knowledge of art theory, you can simply ask the exhibitor about their work or purchase work you find interesting. With a complete diversity of people and topics, the VABF is reminiscent of organisms or atoms bumping into each other  in a flurry, transferring energies/information. It is a unique space where socializing doesn’t come with the heavy anxiety of trying to ‘fit in.’

https://youtu.be/HDZnh3ZK-sI

Blog #2 (VABF Day 2)

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I’ve put this off for a while and not because I have nothing to write about but because I was getting over this funk I was feeling for the past couple of weeks. I had attempted to write this early but my studies, not just in this class but in most of my visual arts course, took a very dark and sad turn. Nihilism, elitism and more nihilism can really make one feel quite hopeless, and I did; especially in terms of my perusal of a career in arts. Not to say that this is my dire excuse for not writing¾my last-minute cramming and general lethargy can also be added to the list. But, I thought I should mention it because it works as a juxtaposition when thinking back to my experience at the fair; at the very least it snapped me out of all this hypothetical worry.

On day two of the VABF I was stationed to organize and hand out totes for the first couple of hours, it was really relaxed and I had the opportunity to talk to other volunteers. I thought this was one of the most beneficial aspects of the whole experience because I got to talk to a lot of people not only about how they stumbled upon the VABF but also how and why they got interested in arts. It’s really amazing to see such a range of people working in so many different fields, some art related and some¾so far from it, come together because they feel that art is influential and important.  For the last two hours, I was stationed at the mezzanine to watch over the laptop/projector that displayed the program for the artist talks and to help guest find their way and answer general questions. Anne joined me during this time, and we were able to listen in on some of the talks. Although we weren’t able to sit through one fully, it was eye opening to find out what topics these artists have drawn from to create their works/books. Mostly because it ranges from wide socio-political issues to personal interest and to me, seeing this variety was reassuring because it reminded me that even art that doesn’t grasp such profound concepts can still connect with people deeply. That all ideas manifested in art are (in some ways) still worth presenting.

Contrary to what it might seem (standing around equated to boredom) I did enjoy working the mezzanine. Yes, it was quiet most of the time (which I really didn’t mind), but the best conversations transpired during that time. The most memorable takeaway was a conversation I had with an elderly lady who came from Ireland and stopped by Vancouver on her way across the world. The premise of her story ¾travelling solo across the globe at her age, is already so inspiring! She told me a lot about how the places in Vancouver and some of the people she met really reminded her of home (especially because there are areas of Vancouver that derive from Irish heritage [which I learned during this conversation]). However, what really got to me was this notion that people want to connect with other people and how it’s quite special that we are able to do so through heritage, souvenirs, art etc. It is notions such as this that remind me not to stress out over not being able to ‘solve’ huge ordeals/concepts. It reminds me that regardless how small or irrelevant I might think the content I present is, it’s important to realize how privileged I am to have the power to promote the content I want and have it be considered and receipted.

Blog #1 (Sept 28 & Oct 13)

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Leading up to the Vancouver Art Book Fair I had helped with smaller VABF events such as the silent auction and other online work. The silent auction at the Remington gallery was my first taste of what it would be like working for VABF. The vibe was casual and the work flow depended heavily on both teamwork and individual initiative. However, Individual drive was definitely the emphasis when it came to working the silent auction. Given my meek personality this first interaction was uncomfortable; it had nothing to do with VABF (they were so kind and patient), but more so that I didn’t feel I contributed as much as I could’ve. Granted, I tried to be more helpful through online work until the annual book fair, where I’d have another shot at being more of use.

On the first day of the VABF I was stationed on the third floor where most of the exhibitors were set up, my job was to tend to both exhibitors and guest. I can’t think of a better word to describe this experience than heartwarming; I was able to roam around and talk to the exhibitors and it was clear that everyone was genuinely passionate about art but more importantly building Vancouver’s art community. Something that I observed that triggered my use of the word ‘heartwarming’ was that a lot of the guest were reluctant to even touch the work being displayed at the booths but after the exhibitor prompted them to do so and was eager to talk about their work the whole interaction changed. You could actually see the guest becoming more comfortable and involved and that to me showed the influence of VABFs initiative.

VABFs notion of community building within the arts is an inclusive one and that is something I feel strongly about. I think that art can be used as a catalyst for change but to keep it in this exclusive and opulent light prevents it from doing so. Even though this statement may seem too ‘deep’ for the content of this brief blog post, I feel that it is still relevant. To have guest come up to me and say, “I’ve learned a lot”, “met a lot of inspiring people”, “I want to make my own zine” etc. It gives me reassurance that there is a space for newness in art, that it is not stagnant and that it is becoming something that more people are using as a tool to spread knowledge and connect with others.