DAVID L. STALLINGS
https://davidlstallings.weebly.com/
“I find being in the presence of other artists inspiring.”
What made you want to Join the Art Gym? The Art Gym is very well staffed, equipped, and managed. It is within walking distance to my house. Having taught art students for 30 years, the idea of working alone in a studio was not appealing to me. I like being around creative people.
I joined Art Gym in Spring 2023 after participating in printmaking workshops led by Sue Oehme. Inspired by her intuitive approach, I decided to join AG. Art Gym is a special art community and is well equipped for printmaking. Staff is knowledgeable and available. There are opportunities to show and sell work, and also to become familiar with Denver’s art scene through monthly Art Crawls.
I initially approached Art Gym because I had gotten a contract position to make and print maps in the intaglio method. When I first approached Art Gym I was only a novice in the intaglio print world. But I quite literally learned everything I know about printing from Art Gym. Greg was a great mentor, while also giving me the space to figure things out on my own.
I think Art Gym does a good job to ensure that artists have the capability to collaborate, conversate, and gain insight from each other. Despite the different mediums that people work with, there's always a sense of camaraderie when artists are together and everyone is always willing to help each other... There have been many of times I've asked another artist working for a quick critique or bounce ideas of them. The staff is very helpful in providing resources and assistance with tools and learning/practicing new mediums.
I was a little worried about sharing a studio. I have had annoying experiences in the past. But from the moment I toured Art Gym I knew this place was different. I love the huge open bright space. I love the people. Art Gym has all the basic tools I need in metalsmithing: jewelry bench, flex shaft, torches, lapidary equipment, hammering equipment, etc. I feel focused on my work while I’m here. The atmosphere of community with other artists who are serious about their process, helps me stay focused. And I have made friends who are also passionate about their work.
Before Art Gym, I was printing relief prints by hand at my kitchen table and was ready to get back into a studio to use presses and begin screen printing again. After the pandemic, I decided to take on a big screen printing commission. The project was nothing like I've done previously, and I knew if I wanted to make the deadline, I needed to force myself back into a studio space, printing routine, and ultimately, a membership at Art Gym. Without having access to the Art Gym and the networks I’ve been able to build here, I can confidently say I wouldn’t be where I am today in my artistic career.
I joined the Art Gym in order to foster connections with the “Art World.” I was pretty brand-spanking new when I joined so I wasn’t even really sure what that meant at the time. Just being a part of a community of like-minded people has helped me immensely. Connecting 1:1 with staff and other members through 1:1 critique and brainstorming sessions has helped me to get 3 new collections finished in the past year. I’ve also really benefited from help with printing a mini-book and photographing all of my pieces. Honestly, just stepping in the door usually inspires me.
I joined Art Gym to immerse myself in the vibrant Denver art community and to have a dedicated space to work on my projects. The collaborative environment and additional space have been invaluable to my creative process. Art Gym has enhanced my practice by informing me about events and opportunities. Interacting with fellow Art Gym members has sparked numerous new ideas and provided continuous inspiration.
The Porter scholarship allowed me to continue to continue my creative explorations when financially I would have otherwise had to cease attendance. It came at a critical time when the art-making process was grounding and cathartic. To have lost that ability would have been difficult. The staff, facility, and feedback received in critique were all invaluable. There aren't enough good words to describe this opportunity.
My introductory visit to Art Gym was filled with surprise and excitement, dispelling any misgivings I may have had about a community work space. The community of artisans is supportive and positive, helping to develop a creative environment to work and learn in. The deciding factor to move to Art Gym was the price. A full year of membership and facility use at Art Gym equaled one month's rent at my former commercial retail studio space.
