Guaranteeing an Effective Project with Eve Jacobs-Carnahan (#121)

We usually start a long-term project with a specific goal or set of
expectations in mind. Rarely does the project turn out the way we
thought it would. More often than not, it’s better than we had
imagined. But before we can get to that point of admitting that the
change might have actually led to an improvement in the original
plan, we have to struggle, to question our assumptions or to ask
for more help or more money. We recognize we can’t continue working
in the same fashion as before, and often we are forced to adjust to
outside forces, like a worldwide pandemic.

In this episode of The Art Biz, I’m joined again by Eve
Jacobs-Carnahan. She was a podcast guest over a year ago and has
come back to offer an update on her project, Knit Democracy
Together, which was developed to discuss the U.S. electoral
system within the context of knitting circles.


Today Eve is sharing a look at how such a long-term project
evolves. She outlines the 5 indicators she is using to measure
effectiveness, and even if you don’t have an art project focused
on making a social impact, these indicators will be useful for
appraising the successful reach of your exhibition, event,
program, or teaching.


Highlights




“It all took on a new significance.” Eve’s project changed
after the 2020 election. (4:27)




The reasons behind improvements in the knitting circle.
(8:11)




The mindset shift that created positive changes to the
project format. (10:02)




Eve’s preparation helped secure her fellowship. (11:41)




Collaboration changes and letting go of tight control over
the project. (13:28)




The topics that the project covers now are not the same as
the initial intended ones. (19:25)




5 indicators to measure effectiveness in any project. (24:44)




Applying these tools to measure other areas of success.
(31:40)




A look at what’s coming next for Eve. (36:40)




The evolution of Eve’s expanded exhibition. (39:11)




 


Mentioned




The Art Biz ep. 64: Knit Democracy Together (first interview
with Eve)




Priya Parker’s The Art of Gathering book




National Arts Strategies Creative Community Fellows




New England Foundation for the Arts Public Art Grants




LBJ speech introducing Voting Rights Act in 1965




Eve Jacobs-Carnahan




Knit Democracy Together




 


The Art Biz Connection


Join Optimize Your Online Marketing starting May 26,
2022


 


Resources




Show notes, images, and listener comments




How to Price Your Art free report




Art Biz Connection artist membership




 


Quotes




“I have definitely let go of some control, and that’s been
good.” — Eve Jacobs-Carnahan




“I realized that I wasn’t going to be as effective by
myself.” — Eve Jacobs-Carnahan




“I’m talking about what people can do to help strengthen the
system so we don’t have chaos, all while knitting.” — Eve
Jacobs-Carnahan




“Change can happen step by step, stitch by stitch and with
many people working together.” — Eve Jacobs-Carnahan




“Artists who want to do social impact work definitely can be
using these tools.” — Eve Jacobs-Carnahan




“Think about the people you know, think about your
relationships with them, and be willing to ask for help.” —
Eve Jacobs-Carnahan




 


Guest Bio


 


Eve Jacobs-Carnahan makes mixed media knitted sculpture exploring
democracy. She uses the comforting quality of yarn and the
charming attraction of birds to tell allegorical stories.


 


Eve’s work appears in Astounding Knits! 101 Spectacular Knitted
Creations and Daring Feats by Lela Nargi and garnered First Place
in National Fiber Directions 2015 at the Wichita Center for the
Arts. She was named a Creative Community Fellow: New England by
National Arts Strategies in 2021.


 


Eve knit away stress while earning a B.A. in History with Honors
from Swarthmore College and a J.D. from the University of
Chicago. She lives in Vermont.


First posted:
https://artbizsuccess.com/effective-projects-carnahan-podcast