A big thanks to George Bradshaw for the big laugh this lunch hour. His “Public Museum” film showing at the JW Marriott is a hoot, just what I needed. Amy Hofacker’s “Lifemouse” animation at the Plaza Towers lifted me as well. Thanks Amy.

I’ve been in a funk these last couple days about Artprize. There’s something about it this year that feels like mockery to me. I think it’s the voting aspect of it. I can’t get on board with it this year and I’m not voting. Today I own that the mockery may in part be my own art baggage related to the “thumbs ups” and likely more of the “thumbs downs” I received in my past creative pursuits. My skin wasn’t very thick back when. So on this particular day Artprize is helping me grieve the loss of my creative past. (And I know from experience that if I’m feeling this others are too.) Once I/we are past the grieving we can start building our creative futures. That’s how it works…get rid of the old and make room for the new.

I’m also not voting in part because there’s too much work to consider with a critical eye. It makes my head spin. The simple primitive quality of David Borgerding’s Sasookasoon sculpture speaks to me and I love this piece, yes, love it. Still I won’t vote. Voting is the engine that wants to drive this event. For me voting rushes it all, overshadows the intrinsic value of art, and dismisses some really wonderful works. I’m staying in the driver’s seat and for me that means not voting this year.

I’m even having notions of entering a piece next year. No votes required.