The specific “box”

In the era of non-gendered genders, trans, bis, polys, is being straight still the norm? I don't want to get into a debate about current relationships, but I like the idea of a mixed identity. I draw a parallel with genres, but I want to talk here about the reality that many entrepreneurial artists face: that of having to fit into a (too) specific “box” to define themselves. Here's what I want to talk about. We are certainly not alone in our situation.

We are two girls in business, co-owners of our company. So we are entrepreneurs. The heart of our business is a blown glass workshop. So we are also glassblowers/artisans. All we want is to make our workshop and our building profitable so that we can make a living from our blown glass all year round. So you have to do things that sell. But deep down, we are constantly renewing ourselves and we do it for our own pleasure and that of visitors. We therefore make unique creations and installations, to keep creativity and fun at the center of what we do. We are therefore also visual artists.

But what do we do with all this?

On a daily basis, we must enter one “box” to apply for an artistic grant, BUT we must enter another “box” to apply for a grant for the growth and expansion of a business. We must also enter a “box” when we transform the material into utilitarian objects, BUT in another “box” when we take the same material and make it a work of expression. And finally, we have to enter a “box” to have an exhibition, BUT we have to enter another “box” to put on an exhibition in our gallery/store. What the?!!?

Why do we have to separate ourselves into a thousand boxes to be able to be all of this at the same time, when for us it is logical? Because that’s really all we are, simply.

And very often, unfortunately, the “box makers” have difficulty seeing beyond them and consider that we do not fit inside enough to comply with our request. So, pedal again, you’re not out of the woods, girl!

It should be SO much more cool to be versatile, agile and creative all at the same time. It would make a world much less rigid, more fluid and authentic. All these “boxes” that you have to check each time, realigning yourself to meet the right criteria, it’s exhausting. It's mental gymnastics. It’s also a lot of paperwork and less fun.

I propose that we break down all these small box barriers and move forward on all fronts in a more inclusive world, in arts and culture! Will this be the new revolution? It would be beautiful, colorful and creative in any case as a revolution! I'm voting for.