Artist Wilma Derksen at work
I know you are wondering, me working as an artist assistant, how did that happen? Well, a great artist I know got a commission to do some paintings, and I mean really large paintings on a very large wall area. And, with that felt it best to recruit an assistant to get the job done.
And I am having a blast.
There are benefits to this job. I get to talk and think “art” with a real artist. We work together, plan aspects of the project, consider options and share in the creative process. It is very inspiring. People come by as we are working and I get to hear my boss explain what she’s doing to others. It’s inspiring to hear how an artist works and thinks.
I don’t mind doing all kinds of jobs that make life easier for her. She is a very creative person who has several projects on the go, so it’s fun to relieve her of the many mundane tasks that need to get done.
How did I get this gig?
Well, I knew this artist very well. In fact since 1966 when I met her at a Bible School we attended together. Some people have dubbed it “Bridal School” because so many students fell in love there and were later married. Well, that is exactly what happened to me, for as it turned out we were married a year after graduation. So you see I had an inside track on this “Artist Assistant” job opening.
And I am having a blast.
There are benefits to this job. I get to talk and think “art” with a real artist. We work together, plan aspects of the project, consider options and share in the creative process. It is very inspiring. People come by as we are working and I get to hear my boss explain what she’s doing to others. It’s inspiring to hear how an artist works and thinks.
I don’t mind doing all kinds of jobs that make life easier for her. She is a very creative person who has several projects on the go, so it’s fun to relieve her of the many mundane tasks that need to get done.
How did I get this gig?
Well, I knew this artist very well. In fact since 1966 when I met her at a Bible School we attended together. Some people have dubbed it “Bridal School” because so many students fell in love there and were later married. Well, that is exactly what happened to me, for as it turned out we were married a year after graduation. So you see I had an inside track on this “Artist Assistant” job opening.
It actually came about that the artist, Wilma Derksen had an
art show with two other well-known artists in Winnipeg. (Odia Reimer and Cliff Derksen) This happened in April of this year, resulting in
a commission, to do large replicas of several of her white paintings she had on display. The largest being seven and a half feet wide and seventeen feet high. So, you can imagine it is a pretty
big project.
Usually assistants have to deal with some disadvantages
like low salaries, lack of employment security, lack of appreciation or recognition, possible artistic competition and worst of all, no benefits. Fortunately in this situation, these things were of no concern at all.
Would you believe, in this unique situation I feel I can speak for the both of us and tell you that we are having fun. Working together on a creative art project is amazing.
How can any employment situation be better than that?
art show with two other well-known artists in Winnipeg. (Odia Reimer and Cliff Derksen) This happened in April of this year, resulting in
a commission, to do large replicas of several of her white paintings she had on display. The largest being seven and a half feet wide and seventeen feet high. So, you can imagine it is a pretty
big project.
Usually assistants have to deal with some disadvantages
like low salaries, lack of employment security, lack of appreciation or recognition, possible artistic competition and worst of all, no benefits. Fortunately in this situation, these things were of no concern at all.
Would you believe, in this unique situation I feel I can speak for the both of us and tell you that we are having fun. Working together on a creative art project is amazing.
How can any employment situation be better than that?
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