Got there early, in the rain. Wondered who would traipse through the puddles and holiday traffic to Craig’s studio. These things don’t just happen, you know. Andy Kennedy had been talking with Craig for months to arrange the studio visit. Craig’s a “big time artist” and frankly I was a bit worried about meeting him. I mean, what if he turned out to be a jerk? What if his art was so jaw-dropping and he was so impressive the whole thing convinced me I was a sham and should give up making art??! (What can I say – the holidays make me crazy.)
My concerns were immediately assuaged when I entered and saw Craig setting up an expansive potluck spread. When someone brings food, I assume the best.
It was a small-ish gathering this time, with a Zoom link available. We waited awhile for folks to gather, wandering the impressive space and drooling over the extensive array of machinery. It was good to see Chaz Martin there, and renewing member Mike Free showed up as well.
Craig’s story starts small, with obsessive sketching as a kid, and ocular migraine headaches. As the headaches continued, Craig’s meditation practice led him to investigate the phenomenon in detail, learning more about neurology, vision and the prominent role of the brain (versus the eyes) in the images we perceive. Craig recommended Beau Lotto’s book “Deviate,” as an eye-opening treatise on how perception works.
The more Craig learned, the more he needed to find a way to translate what he saw with his migraines into moving art, made of light.
Examples of Craig’s work festooned the walls of his studio as he walked us through his career and the process he undertakes with each piece. His candor and detailed explanations somehow made his artwork both more approachable and more unattainable.
Long story short, I’m so glad I set my nervousness aside and drove through the rain and made it to the last member gathering of the year. Craig, warmest thanks to you for sharing your story and your space (and all those cheeses!).
Our next member gathering isn’t until January. Until then, may you be brave, take risks and persevere.
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