0 Notes June 21, 2011 2009 Art Prize winner on being supported Nicole Caruth:You’ve expressed that you are able to place more energy into making work since winning the prize. Has the prize changed the way that you and your assistants work in the studio? Ran Ortner:Well, I never had assistants before. That’s ridiculously wonderful. To extend yourself through the energy of people who are helping you is such a gift. I was able to be an artist when I was dirt poor and I’m able to do that now with resources. That is exquisite. It has taken a lot of heaviness out of my soul. I think what we have to learn from deprivation is very limited. I think struggle is common in our notion of “paying your dues.” And, yes, there is that. But at a certain point we need to be supported. It is just so lovely to be supported …You cannot give the fullness of your life to your work if a large percentage of it is spent on survival. I can just feel the energy. The acceleration is exciting, because you see the world appearing quicker. What you’re pushing for happens faster.
