Smearing RED paint on SHP *stupid hearing people* (shhhh)
April 2, 2007 by challymack
Whew.. I spent all day today (Sunday) lazying around and even ignored my dishes. (no, they didn’t bite when I passed them). Truth to tell, I was recuperating from a two-day show and sale sponsored by the Arkansas Sculptors’ Guild second annual Invitational show/sale held down by the river in my home town (Little Rock).
While most of it was ok, I still had to content with *ahem* hearing people’s lack of comprehension about dealing with the deaf. I had a perfectly nice short note on my table letting them know I am deaf (didn’t want them to think I was ignoring ‘em) and still they came up and started talking. (can’t they read???) One man (I made a vow not to call them stupid hearing people) (ok.. so I just did.. sue me) kept on talking, leaning in closer and closer when I made it clear I didnt understand him (had my hearing aid on - not that it did me a lot of good). I kept asking him to simply write it down and he literally stood up and held up his hand, shook his head and walked off. Ohhh I wanted to smack him.
THEN this woman who claimed to have learned some signs (very badly) and when that failed, she came around the table and came right up to me. (invaded my personal space!!!!!!!! ACCCKKKK!!!!) and tried to talk right into my face.. I damned near pushed her away, and ended up backing away while telling her she was making it worse.
What’s a deaf artist supposed to do in a hearing artists environment, I ask ya? me think if they hold it again next year, I will ask them if they will pay for half of an interp’s fee and I can come up with the other half.. but frankly they’re usually a full two day event which means $$$$.
*sign*
Let me say something on this.. I think there is a real need for some kind of deaf artists’ retreat or an conference to work with resolving problems encountered in the hearing world - many of us do have to associate with hearing people - especially those who are gallery owners, patrons, possible clients and collectors. Who would be responsible for providing interps for deaf artists who are being featured in gallery receptions? What about painting/sculpture workshops with full access? And while I’m on this tirade, how about art centers and organizations who sponsors workshops geared for the hearing artists….. and yet I hear of none destinated for the deaf. Why? In summer time, there are many art classes and the hearing do not have to think twice about enrolling in them (or enroll their children).. but where does that leave the deaf community and/or the deaf kids? ZIP. I realize that in my area, there is probably a limited interest in this kind of venue but I don’t doubt for a minute that other deaf artists faces the same situation I encounter here.
How can this be resolved? I think there is a growing interest in the arts amid the deaf community across the country, due to improved education, exposure and mainstreamed programs. This was evident at the Deaf Way II in 2002. You wouldn’t believe how many deafies were buying art there! The only opportunities I’d had to compete with my deaf peers in the art community was in Nashville, TN and they were with a focus on the aspect of De’Via (in ASL, Deaf Art View) or Deaf art. While I welcome this, I’d like to see other categories of art in juried shows for the deaf too.
Comments, anyone? If you know a deaf artist… fer god’s sake, send this to them and get ‘em to send their viewpoints. Did you ever want to take art lessons but …..? Then say something 
Ah me.. I believe I have vented and feinted enough…
oh have a nice April Fool’s day.. (BUT the above post is true-biz!)
Til next time
RFW
Aggravating!!! When a deaf businessman hangs out his shingle, or operates a display in a trade show, or displays artwork in an exhibition, we all encounter the SHP’s. To make it worse, we can’t have other Deaf people in the exhibit because if we are seen using signs with each other, they stay away!
This might be one of those situations where a hearing friend or relative is indispensable. Hearing people are grateful to lean on these people and eagerly use them to make the connection with you. Where there is a dollar to be earned, go with the flow rather than wrestle to the death for every buck just to have it on your own terms.
Most customers aren’t SHP’s, though. Just unsure. Make it easy for them by using your hearing allies.
As an artist, perhaps you have an opportunity to use your talents to your best advantage. Suppose you prepared several cartoon-type posters in advance, explaining the SHP’s “communication handicaps” graphically - a picture is worth a thousand words. People might even be willing to buy prints of laughable situations. Sometimes its a lot easier for people to take a *hint* if its presented in a humorous manner, rather than a “slap upside the head.”
There are LOTS of examples of humorous looks at the Deaf/Hearing gap - you probably know them better than me! In doing a few posters or bumper stickers, you might be doing a big favor to other Deaf business people who have the same problems, and who would benefit from your designs of a “More Accessible Deaf Booth”…
Just my humble opinion….
Gallaudet does offer BA in Studio Arts– but it seems that RIT might be a better place to attend as an art student because they do offer art galleries opening for NTID/RIT Deaf students to showcase their pieces– I haven’t heard anything like this for Gally. I doubt they do have an art gallery on-campus???
However, because you are living in Little Rock– it is bit different from the Deaf art scene in Los Angeles or NYC… I am sure there are some at Chicago.
I do know that there is some art gallery opening for Deaf artists at DC, but never at Gallaudet. Should we expect Gallaudet to promote awareness of Deaf artists? You have to remember that people usually perceive “Deaf Art” as “pretty pictures with gracefully hands signing away” that Chuck Baird started the whole thing… people never think “Deaf Art” to be about oppression, struggles in hearing classrooms, frustration with heraing aids/CI/whatever…. et cetera. But if I am Deaf, but I don’t do those topics in my artworks, is my work still called “Deaf Art”?
Let’s get back to the point about workshops….
YOU have to realize that many universities don’t really help many art students preparing to deal with dealers, gallery, et cetera– and usually after MA or some type of retreat, people DO learn something about the “business of selling art”… education won’t give you that. Even for the hearing people.
I totally support the idea of having a Deaf art retreat– I thought it will be GREAT– to share experiences, ideas, and inspiration. I already met and shared images of our artworks with a Deaf artist from Seattle. I do want to meet more Deaf artists. You cannot be an artist without knowing your peers’ works.
(I found http://www.etsy.com as my potential spot to sell my art to cut out the middleman of selling art– from artist to customer and lessen the hassle of explaining that I am Deaf.)
Hey gnarlydorkette (interesting name there)
thanks for your comments! Yes, I am aware that Gallaudet offers a BA in studio art….. however I was already working at an professional level when I entered there in 1998. I never took art courses there because most of them were geared at the introductory level - and from what I’d seen, not a great degree of challenges to be met. For a serious (not to be taken in the wrong way) fine art program, you’d expect to see a graduate study program there as well and this was not the case at Gallaudet.
Actually
Gallaudet DOES have a great gallery - in fact two of them. The WAB (Washburn Art Building) was renovated during the year of 2001 -2002 and completed in time for the Deaf Way II, which afforded a ‘grand’ opening of the new galleries (complete with a beautiful hardwood floor and lighting) and a smaller one upstairs. Prior to that, we used to have exhibition receptions for visiting artists and they were a hit. I don’t know if they have kept up with that since my graduation (’02)
On the subject of Deaf artists.. again it was Gallaudet who’d first brought awareness of this concept after offering the first De’Via class during either fall of 2000 or spring of 2001 and was taught by Paul Johnston (who I might mention, was one of the founders of De’Via (deaf art) way back in 1989. He was in the company of Betty G. Miller and they lead a four day workshop which resulted in a manifesto which defined Deaf Culture art. You can read up on it in http://www.deafart.org
and yes.. Chuck Baird was among the 8 artists in the workshop.
But you’re right about one point.. if you’re Deaf and do not focus on producing De’Via work, then it’s not ‘Deaf’ art. That’s what I was touching on in my rant (grins)… I do De’Via work now and then - and have even sold several of them. One of my De’Via paintings now hangs at Gallaudet. But it’s not the only gendre I concentrate on. I do clay sculptures, mostly figurative studies - either draped or nude. My acrylic and watercolor paintings focuses on thematic series based on life and people. I don’t like to limit myself.
Right.. if you ever hear of a university that goes out of its way to help their art students learn how to deal with the business aspect of their career, let me know :). It’s really a hit or miss vocation (ugh) It’s a matter of getting yourself out there and sell yourself as an artist but one has to keep in mind that you can’t please everyone - and that not all of your work will be significant.
Yeah! I’d love it if there was a Deaf artists’ retreat and a chance to share ideas, experience and techniques. I realized this is what’s needed back last September when I was invited to show my work in an group exhibition at NTID among other Deaf artists (no.. our work was not based on De’Via) and it was Great! I got to meet new artists who shared some of the same problems I’d encountered in the hearing world and it was a good way to bond. It was an experience well worth it. Though it wasn’t a retreat in that respect, I can see the need for something of that nature.
Dianrez - thanks for your comments! I love your blog! We have to chat online sometime (or VP).
Hope your experience at riverfront(?) was too discouraging for you not to display your works again, because arkansas need deaf artists like YOU and i would LOVE to bring my students to see your works!
I need your advice… i have two students that are excellent artists. U wont believe how good they are. their works always shock me and I truly believe that they ought to be enrolled in art camp or some sort of schooling that will encourage them to be artists and have career in arts. I want to make sure that they go in right directions. Any suggestion? Thanks!
Gina
p.s. keep in mind, they are only 10 year-old kids…
having my comment read.. oops.. here’s the correction:
**was NOT too discouraging………… :o)