Preserving a Creative Legacy
Anyone who’s lived richly, created and collected meaningfully will take a look at their things and ask “What happens to all of it?” How does one turn beloved or culturally relevant objects into a thoughtful legacy, not a burden for their next of kin?
My Client, the Artist
This artist-client was overwhelmed by the sheer number of objects and was ready to start talking about his artistic legacy while he is alive. That he realized this while he is alive is a huge gift. There is an opportunity to capture information and stories about the objects in his life’s work, and time to discuss other estate matters; to make sure he and his family know his wishes for his artistic legacy, and are organized before the end of life.
[need photo ideas....I have pictures of him in his studio and close ups of tools and art materials that would identify him to anyone who knows me/him]
Identifying Legacy Goals
Helping an artist organize his affairs of 60+ years is a big undertaking. It’s also a process that takes a great deal of sensitivity and care. There is no one way to do this, so starting with the client’s goals was primary. What did he envision for all his life’s work? And what objects do we start with?
This artist-client wanted to tell the most complete story of his career through these found papers and other objects, and to give it an archival home, preferably in an academic institution. Like Joan Didion, this artist kept everything: letters, bills, proposals, marketing materials, catalogs, sketchbooks, and so on. Rich fodder for a good story. He also had much of the original artwork from his book publications.
Incremental Approach to a Living Project
This was and still is a huge project. My first involvement lasted a year. We got through thousands of materials, and cleared creative space for him to continue making his artwork. And of course, the peace of mind knowing his treasured papers have a safe new home, and his family won’t have to attempt this kind of work after he is gone.
Archiving an Artist’s Book Materials
Archiving an Artist’s Papers