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Monica is an artist/organizer. She graduated with an MFA from the School of the Museum of Fine Arts where she studied sculpture and installation. Since then, she completed her MSEd and served as a corps member with Teach For America in Chicago. Her experience teaching in a complex urban environment inspired her artistic practice to take new form. Instead of fabricating objects, she worked as a social worker, community organizer, and family advocate trying to create a safe space for her students to learn, play, and grow. Monica’s time in Chicago made her acutely aware of the importance of fostering art and culture and developing community ties. Her current position brought her back to her alma mater and Boston, a city she loves. In all her work, she strives to make positive contributions to the schools and communities in which she works.
Published on May 9th 2020. Artist responses collected in months previous.
What projects are you working on right now?
All my projects start with detailed research, often with a specific exhibition invitation in mind. Over the last three years, I studied Buddhism, Ayurveda (the mind/body health system of India), Shamanism (the spiritual practices of indigenous cultures), Curanderismo (the diverse folk healing system of Latin America), and Reiki (hands-on energy healing). These teachings have become embedded in my life and art-making—affecting everything from the foods I eat, to the materials I use, and the interactions I have. I'm currently picking away at two projects. I'm writing a collection of poetry that I hope to publish, and I’m planning a two-person exhibition with my best friend from grad school. The two of us completed a micro-residency at iartcolony in Rockport, MA—spending one weekend each season exploring the island of Cape Ann. During our stay, we responded to the changes in the natural environment through writing and performance. And, we shot lots of film and digital images! The show is an opportunity for us to refine what we made and create new work.
How do you keep yourself accountable in your practice?
I used to feel the need to produce something creative each day. Over time, I realized that sleeping, talking to my family, and practicing yoga are just as important as the time I spend researching and working in the studio. Being trained as an artist, I approach everything from a creative lens. After grad school, I taught preschool for two years. At the time, I thought my practice was dead. Now, I realize that my work just looked different than it did when I was in school. Instead of fabricating objects, I was organizing community peace walks and advocating for safe spaces in the neighborhood.
How do you stay motivated to pursue your creative work?
Since I have a full-time job, sometimes I feel like I only get to be an artist at night and on weekends. But, no matter what, I always carve out some time each week to write, read, or experience something that informs my practice. As for staying motivated, my art is my passion. I’m always motivated!
Where do you hope to be 10 years from now and what would you like to say to yourself?
Ten years from now, I'd like to be able to dedicate more time to my practice or have a job that blurs the line between art and work. I have an idea for bringing complementary and integrative health care approaches into classrooms and underserved communities where access to affordable health care is increasingly hard to come by. Doing that work would unite my research, passion, and practice. I’d tell myself: “Go for it!” and “Don’t wait!”
What projects are you working on right now?
All my projects start with detailed research, often with a specific exhibition invitation in mind. Over the last three years, I studied Buddhism, Ayurveda (the mind/body health system of India), Shamanism (the spiritual practices of indigenous cultures), Curanderismo (the diverse folk healing system of Latin America), and Reiki (hands-on energy healing). These teachings have become embedded in my life and art-making—affecting everything from the foods I eat, to the materials I use, and the interactions I have. I'm currently picking away at two projects. I'm writing a collection of poetry that I hope to publish, and I’m planning a two-person exhibition with my best friend from grad school. The two of us completed a micro-residency at iartcolony in Rockport, MA—spending one weekend each season exploring the island of Cape Ann. During our stay, we responded to the changes in the natural environment through writing and performance. And, we shot lots of film and digital images! The show is an opportunity for us to refine what we made and create new work.
How do you keep yourself accountable in your practice?
I used to feel the need to produce something creative each day. Over time, I realized that sleeping, talking to my family, and practicing yoga are just as important as the time I spend researching and working in the studio. Being trained as an artist, I approach everything from a creative lens. After grad school, I taught preschool for two years. At the time, I thought my practice was dead. Now, I realize that my work just looked different than it did when I was in school. Instead of fabricating objects, I was organizing community peace walks and advocating for safe spaces in the neighborhood.
How do you stay motivated to pursue your creative work?
Since I have a full-time job, sometimes I feel like I only get to be an artist at night and on weekends. But, no matter what, I always carve out some time each week to write, read, or experience something that informs my practice. As for staying motivated, my art is my passion. I’m always motivated!
Where do you hope to be 10 years from now and what would you like to say to yourself?
Ten years from now, I'd like to be able to dedicate more time to my practice or have a job that blurs the line between art and work. I have an idea for bringing complementary and integrative health care approaches into classrooms and underserved communities where access to affordable health care is increasingly hard to come by. Doing that work would unite my research, passion, and practice. I’d tell myself: “Go for it!” and “Don’t wait!”
Find Monica Lynn Manoski on Instagram
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