Speaking of Art with Debbie Nadolney

2015/10/03

By M.Sebastian Araujo

Art is ALIVE and WELL in Provincetown! Always known as a welcoming place to Artists. There are many great galleries among which, AMP Gallery has EARNED its place .Its groovy creative vibes emanate out into the world,attracting visitors and artists from near and far. The magic is all because of the creative energy of Debbie Nadolney.Recently I had the chance to find out just why…

What made you decide to open AMP Gallery ?

I think the real question might be, ‘why do I show art?’ On the most intrinsic level, the selling of art helps support the artists and sustain the gallery space, but the exhibition of art in a curated environment gives new perspective on individual works and, hopefully, sheds light on an artist’s particular creative process. I’m a painter, musician, occasional poet and performer. For me, bringing all forms of art (film, video, sound, installation, performance, photography, painting, etc) together in one space makes sense and blurs any misunderstood distinctions of what is entertainment vs art in the context of a gallery space. In a curious way, I like to think of curating as painting with other people’s work. Opening AMP Gallery in 2012 has proved to be one of the most expansive choices I’ve ever made.

What in this World of ours do you think affects Art?

You could almost say everything influences art, and perhaps art influences everything. However, it’s been my experience that most artists cull their inspiration from what they know and are close too in some way – their own life experiences, or the experiences of others viewed through their own lens.

What changes do you see in the Art Scene today…?

There are so many. On a broad plane, the move towards more digitally driven art, the re-appropriation and re-contexuralizing of imagery, the questions posed of what is art and what isn’t, and the possibility of almost anyone to create a work of art due to technology are some that immediately spring to mind. Some of the changes are really exciting, and some are disturbing. The marketing of art and ideas/concepts has changed quite a bit due to the way ideas are so rapidly turned into commodity. This is unfortunate. Though the final execution of a work is still utmost important, there was a time when ideas and concepts had a chance to gestate and mature before becoming co-opted. There were underground movements and manifestos. That said, the art world is still awake and thriving. Perhaps its the history that is being lost – the origins of where we are now. At AMP I attempt to include artists whose work is in process, so that viewers also get a chance to experience the growth of an idea.

What makes people collect art?

Honestly, it varies quite a bit. My favorite collectors are the people who simply fall in love with a piece. Sometimes they court it for quite a while before taking the plunge, but ultimately buy it because they want to live with it. There are, of course, collectors of a particular persons work, or those who purchase based on a perceived or (art)market-driven value. Anyone purchasing or collecting art is a supporter of art, and goodness knows artists need as much support and encouragement as possible.

If you could do anything else in life, what would it be and why?

I might be a tennis player. I’m kind of crazy about the sport…a perfect blend of intellect, strategy and physicality.

What is it about Ptown that keeps you and other creative people living there or coming back?

There is really no other place like Provincetown. I’ve been coming here since 1975 moved by its rich history and the amazing combination of people, artists, and beauty. For me, to have the opportunity to contribute to an art culture that has given me so much joy over these many years is a gift. Perhaps now more than ever, because of rising costs of living and gentrification, it is that much more important to continue to expand that culture and creative dialog in an effort to keep Provincetown in the forefront as a living artist colony.

To Find out More Click Here: www.artmarketprovincetown.com, https://www.facebook.com/drnadolney?fref=ts (AMP page), http://womr.org/podcast/gallerist-debbie-nadolney