Menu
Log in
Log in


Artist Talk: Is That Another Ghost by Vanessa R. Thompson

Join lens based artist, Vanessa R thompson for an in-person discussion about her exhibition, "Is that another Ghost"


Saturday, July 20 | 10:30 AM

Salem Arts Association

159 Derby Street

Salem, MA 01970

There will be fresh donuts and coffee.

A photographic series of multi exposure self-portraits is an exploration of the haunted memories of eating disorders, sexual harassment, death and the shadows of family alcoholism, depression and anxiety all stirred back up by the hormonal whirlwind of aging.

There is no predetermined map to my photographs, just my camera, a pile of props, my body, and sheets of film ready for my thoughts to spill out on to light-stained, ground up bones. It is not until I am standing in my darkroom that I can begin translating the story the film has to tell me.

About the Artist 
Vanessa R. Thompson is a lens bases artist. She never listened when her mother she told her to stop playing with her food. She grew up in the suburbs of Connecticut on a steady diet of 1980s horror films and feminism, seasoned with a dash of disordered eating and splash of punk. Now working out of Salem, MA, she uses items of consumable comfort; food, ephemera, and toys, in her analog photographs that range from abstraction to absurd.

Thompson received an MFA at the Lesley University of Boston, MA, where she studied under Carrie Moyer and Julia Scher. Her work has been shown at Governs Island art fair in NYC, in bait/switch magazine. She is member of Salem art association and Cambridge art association. She uses a collection of vintage film cameras in her home studio populated by an army of creepy dolls, and cranky black cat. 

There will be fresh donuts and coffee.


Monthly Creator Critique Circle

  • Saturday, May 20, 2023
  • Saturday, June 17, 2023
  • 2 sessions
  • Saturday, May 20, 2023, 10:00 AM 12:00 PM (EDT)
  • Saturday, June 17, 2023, 10:00 AM 12:00 PM (EDT)

Registration


Registration is closed


Monthly Creator Critique Circle

We welcome Salem Arts Association Members of all artistic levels and mediums to discuss their artwork in a safe and supportive environment. This is a wonderful opportunity to learn new techniques, get to know your fellow Salem Arts members, and spend time together as a community.

The Monthly Creative Critique Circle takes place on the third Saturday morning of every month from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm.


Schedule

  • Saturday, May 20, 2023, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
  • Saturday, June 17, 2023, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
  • Saturday, July 15, 2023, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
  • Saturday, August 19, 2023, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
  • Saturday, September 16, 2023, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
  • Saturday, October 21, 2023, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
  • Saturday, November 18, 2023, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
  • Saturday, December 16, 2023, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM


REGISTRATION IS SUGGESTED 

This event is only open to current Salem Arts Association Members.

The workshop will be conducted in the Salem Arts Association gallery.

Please bring a snack or beverage to share with the group and artwork to discuss.


GOALS

To facilitate honest and actionable criticism, artist-to-artist, with respectful and open dialogue.

For artists to learn or practice how to both give and receive constructive criticism of their work in a friendly and meaningful way. 

For artists to come away with a stronger sense of community and inspiration to better their own artistic practice. 


How it Works

Critique Sessions will be moderated by the Critique event planner.

Please bring a snack or beverage to share with the group and artwork to discuss.

Salem Arts members will come with 1 - 3 pieces of their own, original work on which they would like feedback.

Note: Prints are discouraged unless the work is strictly photographic. Work must not be in the current gallery exhibition.

Large work (furniture, etc) must be reasonably movable by the artist alone, to expedite the workshop.

Each member will give a short introduction of their practice and the work presented here (an “elevator speech” i.e. 1 -2 min.) and then open it up to the group to provide comments, following the example.

Each member will receive about 10 minutes of constructive feedback, so there will be a limit of 12 members to stay within a reasonable time schedule. 

Easels will be provided, and pedestals on which to place work. 

Work that cannot either be placed on easels or pedestal will be otherwise laid out, either leaned against the wall or flat out on the floor. 

It is necessary for all work to be gallery ready (i.e. dry, fixed, presentable). 

As-comfortable-as-possible seating will be provided for everyone involved.

The workshop will last about 2 hours, depending on member sign-up and conversation. No one is required to stay, but it is to be expected that each artist will receive feedback from all participating members.


Salem Arts Association
159 Derby Street 
Salem, MA 01970  
Phone: 978-745-4850 
Email: info@SalemArts.org


Hours 
Weekends 12-6pm

Closed: Christmas, Thanksgiving
and New Years Day 
Parking: on street when available

              

© 2007 - 2024,  Salem Arts Association is a 501(c)(3 )non-profit organization

159 Derby Street, Salem MA 01970