Caitlin Howden
“Small Labours and a Whole Lotta Love”

Finding a niche where I was useful as an intern in the development of LABOUR & LOVE, while still learning and observing processes I hope to one day be a part of in the arts, was a labour in itself.

In the end, I gave a little of everything. I was tasked early on by Gabriela to brainstorm creative ideas for supports that went beyond the traditional plinth. Brainstorm I did, helpful it was not. There’s still a document open on my laptop titled ‘ridiculous plinth ideas’, which is full of impractical suggestions like 'train track' and 'lazy susan'.

Cataloguing the works allowed me intimate insight into every piece, fragments of information breaking off and sticking in my head as I went. I may not remember every detail, but at one point or another every artist’s name, bio, work title, and dimensions were held between clicks of my mouse and buttons on my keyboard. Taken apart, reformatted, put back together, and then uploaded.

During install, all of the works were carefully laid out, unwrapped and considered, and moved with gentle hands. Walls were painted, cement was poured, a table was sanded. Each of the works that now hang on the walls, sit on the floor, or populate tables and plinths, has been handled by a microcosm of people, working incredibly hard to assure each work is treated with respect, and placed with intention and meaning.

I was late to opening night, so by the time I arrived I could see that the balcony was near overflowing with people. I had to get my elbows out to move through the crowd, but from my vantage point at the entrance to the Yards I was able to see the fruition of all of the labour that I had witnessed and been part of. A community showing up, celebrating, keeping art alive and thriving. As a student readying to graduate into a sector that seems to be shifting and changing with increasing fervor, seeing the strength of West Space’s community and the success of LABOUR & LOVE, I felt hope and excitement for whatever future I might find myself in.

That no job or task is unimportant or unseen in a community driven by love.