A ram’s skull pirate flag was requested for an event I was organizing. It’s medium and heavy acrylic paint on a polyester microfibre sheet. (Bed linens are less expensive than fabric by the metre or yard… and are pre-hemmed!)

I kept the paint quite fluid and used the watercolour technique of working in layers I learned here at Foxsy, letting each dry before working on the next layer of paint. Everyone loved it at the event this weekend, but it didn’t pop visually as much as I’d hoped (see the WiP picture vs the selfie-station). I’ve brought it home to add a complementary-coloured outline to add depth, plus some less-subtle highlights where the fabric is thin, which should help when the flag isn’t in ideal lighting in the future.

I don’t mind “Foxsy Members”. It accurately describes us as paid members. Ditto for Foxsy Friends: it’s literally the vibe. Some of us are getting to know each other pretty well in this little corner of the interwebz.

When I hear “Foxsy Artists”, I think of the instructors or someone whose art is licensed to Foxsy.

I’m “-ish” on “Foxsy Guild”. It kinda works. To me, it connotes peers working separately but gathering within a single organization for mutual benefit; whether for community, learning or accreditation in their fields. It puts me in mind of mentors, sponsors, apprentices, et cetera. Not entirely off-base, but I’m uncertain. (And gaming guilds, but that’s a whole ‘nother thing. ;-D)

I do like Foxsy Creatives. When not identifying as an Artist, I identify as a Creative Type, so that one feels comfortable to me.

Quick disclaimer: words are not my strong suit, so please pardon any weirdnesses in my phrasings.

Normally I’d give a hard NO to politics in this space, however, nothing is normal right now. I think a qualified Yes applies.

Like some of the others have already said, I have zero interest in debating opinions in this space. Yet, at the same time, some very strong feelings are coming up that are difficult to process. For me, art is not an escape from the world; it’s how I deal with it. Learning and practising techniques in the Foxsy space is helping me communicate better with myself and others.

As Shelby points out, artists are important to political movements. They/we record history as it is happening. Caricaturists capture and express complex editorial commentary that might otherwise escape those who aren’t great at reading. They risk persecution, exile, imprisonment and execution for the sake of telling their truth. Art has a massive impact on politics and vice versa, so from that perspective: yes, politics has a place within artistic communities.

But we’re not here for that. This really is a soft spot. This really is an escape from much of what is considered “serious” art. If we wanted to do the “serious” art thing, we’d be attending art history lectures or something. We chose Shelby, Jon, their Foxsy team and this amazing little community they’re building instead.

And now I circle back. The emotions a lot of us are trying to process are impossible to separate from, even when trying to shut them off for an hour of two while splashing paint on paper. I have some very strong opinions, but I don’t think they’re appropriate to share in this space. Talking about how events make me feel is another matter. Fine lines to walk.

I do like the suggestion of a forum space to share projects touching on politics or uncomfortable topics. The opportunity for feedback on the art itself, not the opinions, could be invaluable.

But how to set that up? It sounds as simple as starting a new topic category, but. The actual and emotional time needed to carefully moderate such a space… I have no suggestions. Except a very vague something having to do with art therapy maybe. A guest instructor to help guide those who are interested in using art to get through stuff…? Guh. I don’t know.

Shelby: do what you feel comfortable with. I really appreciate you asking for feedback on this. It’s important. It’s also important that you stick with your vision. Sure, pivot as needed, but don’t try to change the core of what you’re trying to do here. Whatever you, Jon, and the team decide, I will support you.

~ Marquita