The best part of working with living artists is that we can ask them about their work and process, getting behind the scenes to understand what makes them tick. In this Quest10ns series, we ask artists whose work is on view at the AGH ten questions on topics ranging from people, places, time periods, and techniques.
Currently on view at the AGH, Breaking the Vault: Art and Poetic Liberty is curated by nine young Hamilton poets exploring the AGH’s permanent collection. This week’s Quest10ns article features Breaking the Vault contributing poet Jaidyn Fenton. Before you get started, enjoy a video performance featuring Jaidyn’s take on Daniel Fowler’s The Cedars’ Farm, Amherst Island.
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- best place to write…
I’d say that the best place to write is probably in my bedroom or in a meadow somewhere. My room is my resting place. I do most of my thinking there, so it is easy to begin writing. When I am outdoors, soaking in nature, I feel free and my mind is calm, and I can think clearly to transfer my ideas from mind to paper.
- time of day you are most productive…
I am most productive from 7:00 pm to 1:30 am, when it is evening, or the sun goes down. This is partially because I am a very busy person most of the time and do not have space to do the things that might be on my to-do list. Also, I am quite energetic at times and use that time frame to burn-off all the energy that I have stored inside.
- view or sound you see or hear from your current setting…
From my current setting you can hear the subtle life of the city of Hamilton. Many cars zoom passed by, then it all fades out into the audio of the wind. It’s chaotic for the ears to hear, yet peaceful to think about.
- most inspirational word / least inspirational word …
My most inspirational word would be “to heed.” Heeding means to listen to something, pay careful attention to it, acknowledge it and to take action. It inspires me to stay close and attentive to the things that will help me grow as a person. My least inspirational word would be “rejection.” That word has a negative connotation to it and makes me feel a bit uncomfortable.
- another skill you’d like to have …
Another skill I would like to have would be to play over 5 instruments. I personally love chordophones (string instruments), and having the advantage to play many of them, including other types would be sensational.
- an artist (literary or visual) you’ve recently (re)discovered …
An artist I’ve recently (re)discovered would be Leonardo Da Vinci. As I was scrolling through social media I seen a glimpse of the infamous Mona Lisa piece, which I have not seen for quite a while. It still amazes me the amount of detail that Leonardo has put into his work, it’s a beauty to the eye.
- another work (not in the exhibition) that captured your attention in the AGH collection…
Looking through the AGH collection, a painting that caught my attention was one of a woman in a white dress. You could tell she was not from this era; her choice of fashion was elegantly set apart from today’s modern world. Her dress was what you would call “Victorian,” and I have always loved old-fashioned attire.
- person(s) (dead or alive) you’d like to grab a coffee with …
(Ran out of time to answer)
- title of your autobiography …
I do not have an autobiography.
- a recommendation for a book, a song or a movie…
I would recommend reading Controlling the Thought Life by Barrington C. Hibbert. This book reminds me to center my heart and soul on Jesus. It draws me to the Bible and helps to refresh and renew my mind. I know it would do the same for anyone who reads it.
Please note that at the time of this publication, the AGH has reopened!
Featuring an extended exhibition schedule ripe with exciting work new and old, the Gallery has something to offer every visitor, whether this is your first trip ever or just your first trip back. To celebrate the occasion, Gallery admission will be FREE until August 31 during all open hours, which remain Thursday 11 am – 8 pm, Friday 11 am – 6pm, and Saturday and Sunday 11 am – 4 pm.
As we continue to navigate the ongoing public health conditions, the safety of our visitors remains our top priority. For up-to-date information about all of the safety protocols and procedures now in place, head to our COVID-19 Guidelines page.
