We were lucky to catch up with Drew Goerlitz and Ali Della Bitta recently and have shared our conversation below.
Drew and Ali, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?
We are currently working on the most meaningful project we have pursued in all collaborative endeavors so far. Our new business is a brainchild that came from wanting independent artists to have a platform to share and sell their work without having a large percentage taken from their earnings. Contemporary North Artist Collective aims to promote and support artists.
Drew and Ali, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
Ali Della Bitta and I both pursued degrees in visual arts and focused in sculpture. In 2002 we met while attending a sculpture park residency in Minnesota. We worked well together and each brought different concepts, approaches and backgrounds of art making to the table.
Our first collaborative commision was a public art project in Silver Springs, MD that was focused on repairing the ecosystem of a community park. The concept of artwork promoting the natural ecosystem and surrounding environment has become a common thread over the last 20 years of our collaborative work..
As individual artists we have both shown nationally and internationally and our collaborative public art projects have taken us to many states and countries. Over the years we’ve met a lot of amazing artists through residencies, academics, and our individual and joint projects. During the pandemic our priorities shifted. We had time to evaluate where we were and to make a change. Years of diverse experiences and skills came together to jump start our business.
Contemporary North, blends residential design and fine art. We create homes that are comfortable, curated and elegant in their aesthetic and function. Our unique residential spaces bring together the natural elements of the environment and one of a kind handmade objects created by artists; developing a language of fine art living.
Our collective is composed of artists who work in a range of mediums and materials and who have traditional fine arts backgrounds. Each artist maintains their own studio practice but works with Contemporary North on original artworks, a unique line for the shop or custom items specific to each home. Our first residence is currently underway and we hope to finish by the Spring of 2023.
We look forward to expanding our collective, meeting and working with new artists and engaging the community.
Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?
Being an artists isn’t linear and it can’t fit neatly in a box. Being an artist isn’t a job. There is no 9-5. It’s not something that you can separate from, it’s part of you. It’s a creative life, a journey, that if you are willing to take the chance at can lead to some amazing experiences. And like everything in life times of deep struggle.
To go from concept to creation… and to be able to share that with people…it’s amazing.
What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?
There is a stigma about being an artist in our society and we need to change that. We can all support the arts in our communities by engaging with artists and art events. It doesn’t have to be monetary support. Going to exhibition openings, artwalks, museums, sculpture parks, or music and dance events. You can engage with artists by taking a workshop our going to an artist talk or Zoom lecture.
There are so many ways you can show support. Art starts conversation, can be inspiring, and builds community.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.contemporarynorth.com www.dregoerlitz.com www.alidellabitta.com
- Instagram: @contemporary_north @a_lil_bitta @drewgoerlitzsculptor
- Facebook: Contemporary North Builders LLC
- Linkedin: Ali Della Bitta
Image Credits
Damian Battinelli