INSTITUTE FOR SUSTAINED CREATIVITY
Mentor
Seph Rodney
Arts Writer, Editor, and Curator
I entered the art scene professionally about 12 years ago as a writer and since then have developed into a trusted editor, a widely published critic, and a wide-ranging curator. Since 2016 I have curated or co-curated nine exhibitions, including shows at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, the Church at Sag Harbor, NY, and RX gallery in Paris. I’ve also edited two book projects and published my own book on the changing nature of museum visiting.
I believe I have been most helpful to artists by way of conducting studio visits where I’m able to have intimate conversations about what the artist wants to be and do in the world. The conversations I tend to have in that context focus on looking at the work, among the other things it constitutes, as a means of communication, a way of conveying our experience and revelations to others. Additionally, I often help makers craft their artist statements with an emphasis on clarity and accessibility.
As an editor I am able to match writers with the particular project at hand, can shape and nurture other writers’ voices, lead them to see and appreciate what they have made, and help them to perceive what they may yet manifest that is not currently in their grasp. I’m also able to counsel writers in the basics of interacting with editors: pitching them, following up, maintaining healthy professional relationships.
My work as a curator is diverse. Rather than having any particular ideological commitments, I am attracted to the depth of the exhibition’s premise and the possibilities of its elaboration and thus have organized shows that are based on poetic lyricism, populist ideals, historical developments, and homologies among artists working with similar concerns. I can be helpful to budding curators by discussing ways of working, professional expectations, navigating demanding and complex situations, and fulfilling briefs.
Visual art has transformed my life — for the better. I will always advocate for its transformative powers for any and all human beings.
Introductory Meetings:
I’m happy to provide a free 30-minute introductory meeting with each potential mentee to make sure we are a good fit.
CATEGORIES OF EXPERTISE:
How to Get Your Work Written About
Art Criticism & Writing as a Career
Editing for Books, Magazines, and Websites
Curating with Museums and Galleries