One week before the exhibition, we started planning. We had no concept, no ideas for the display, and no assets. This was in April of this year. Angela had worked on an art project that included the repetitious throwing of 366 cups - one for every day of 2020. 

We were working with La Mina, a gallery / art space located on the southside of Culiacán, Sinaloa, Mexico.

 

the project

We were overwhelmed. The idea that we needed to design an exhibit, create posters and shirts and other assets, and then actually set up the display in a matter of one week was stressful and a little anxiety-inducing.

But here's the thing. Because there was so little time to think, things had to happen fast - and they did.

Our conversations got right to the point. There's something about making an impending deadline that requires us to cut out the bullsh*t. With this clarity, there was an energy and excitement that created a tangible sense of momentum.

That week, we worked at high speed. Instead of designing a poster and making sure every pixel was absolutely perfect, we just made it and got it to the printers. We didn't debate about the correct strategy, we just put down ideas and made it. We embraced the imperfections and the momentum.

We felt alive. It was nearly frictionless, like skiing on an open slope.

 

the lesson

What we've learned is that the doing creates opportunities for learning. The doing puts stuff out into the world, where it will be poked and prodded, where it will interact with the real world. Where it will be judged and criticized. And that's where the lessons come in.

This was all possible because we started before we were ready. Even though the apprehension was there and the thoughts of unimpressed patrons was present in our minds, we focused on the process. On doing, not overthinking. On building, not planning (as much).