Focus on the Masters (FOTM) is a nonprofit art archive and education program that documents, preserves, and presents the works and lives of contemporary artists in southern California.
Founded in 1994 by Donna Granata, FOTM is the only biographical resource of its kind in the country. Its archive includes oral histories, videotaped interviews, photographic portraits and examples of artists’ work. I’m extremely honored to have been selected for inclusion.
Going through images, stories, and themes of my life and artistic development is a deep and emotional process. Somewhat ironically, it brings up all kinds of old doubts and feelings of inadequacy even while buoying one’s spirit with its honor.
The old “imposter syndrome” rears its head (Did they really mean to choose ME? They must have made a mistake!).
And how we approach anything is how we approach everything (I seemed to start out organized and in control then, before I knew it, I was drowning in a sea of images, overwhelmed and second-guessing each choice).
But mostly, I’m really grateful for having so much experience watching my mind. I can let the waves crash through and know that the ocean is doing just fine.
Donna is a great support. She clearly LOVES what she does, bringing artists’ stories to life and preserving them for appreciation and understanding in generations to come. Her endless curiosity and love, not only for the process but for each artist, is a gift!
The culmination of the month-long documentation process is a videotaped interview with founder Donna Granata in front of a live studio audience. I’d love for you to be in that audience on March 28, 2015! I hope to share some of my love of life and beauty with you that night…
(And I hope to be able to edit and share the video with more of you in months to come. I’ll need your support for that. Stay tuned for a crowdfunding campaign soon!)
UPDATE
The interview went great! You can now support our campaign to raise funds for editing the video.
Click below for more information
And as a special bonus, Himalaya restaurant in Ventura is offering to donate a portion of its income from supporters of the ARTS to Focus on the Masters on March 31 and throughout the month of April. Just print this flyer, take it to 35 W Main Street, Ventura, CA 93001, and enjoy a delicious meal while supporting artists, arts research, and arts education!
