STUDIO BIZIO BY JOANNA BLACK
do you feel in control?
Artists frequently navigate the fine line between creative freedom and societal constraint. They may challenge prevailing ideologies, question authority, and provoke thought among audiences. This act of challenging the status quo can position art as a tool for social change, encouraging dialogue around issues like civil rights, identity, and the human experience. By presenting alternative narratives, artists can empower viewers to reconsider their values and beliefs.
control ©joanna black 2024
The correlation between control and mental health issues is a complex and multifaceted topic. Control can manifest in various forms, such as a desire for personal autonomy, the ability to influence one's environment, and the management of emotional responses. When individuals feel a lack of control in their lives, it can lead to feelings of helplessness, anxiety, and depression.
Research suggests that a perceived loss of control, whether in personal circumstances, relationships, or broader societal contexts, can contribute to the development or exacerbation of mental health issues. For instance, individuals who experience trauma or significant life changes may struggle with a diminished sense of agency, which can lead to increased stress levels and anxiety.
Conversely, the pursuit of excessive control can also have detrimental effects on mental health. Perfectionism and the need to control every aspect of life can result in chronic stress, burnout, and feelings of inadequacy. Those who face rigid standards often experience heightened anxiety and may find themselves in a cycle of self-criticism.
The relationship between the arts and control is just as complex, encompassing themes of expression, censorship, and the power dynamics inherent in the creation and dissemination of art. Throughout history, art has served as a reflection of societal norms and political climates, often acting as a form of commentary on the structures that govern us.
Artists frequently navigate the fine line between creative freedom and societal constraint. They may challenge prevailing ideologies, question authority, and provoke thought among audiences. This act of challenging the status quo can position art as a tool for social change, encouraging dialogue around issues like civil rights, identity, and the human experience. By presenting alternative narratives, artists can empower viewers to reconsider their values and beliefs.
However, the control exerted over the arts can stifle creativity and limit the spectrum of voices represented in the cultural dialogue. In some cases, this leads to self-censorship, where artists, (substitute this also for employees, husbands, wives, children if applicable) second-guess to avoid backlash or repercussions.
control underscores a critical dialogue about freedom, representation, and responsibilities. The tension between expression and restraint will continue to shape how people think and operate, influencing how stories are told and which perspectives receive visibility.
Humanity as a whole wrestles with control in the context of social norms, technological advancements, and ethical considerations. The rise of surveillance, data privacy concerns, and the influence of social media reflect a struggle for balance between security and freedom. As societal values evolve, so too does the discourse surrounding the limits and implications of control on a collective scale.
In summary, control is a complex concept that permeates various facets of existence, shaping interactions within companies, between employees and employers, among nations, through religious practices, and in the broader context of human society. Achieving harmony between control and freedom remains a persistent challenge across all spheres of influence.
Do you feel in control?
If would like to get in touch, please do. signing off, joanna black :)
investing in something that brings you joy
a poster might initially not cost much to buy, but in time they can become very valuable pieces. A bright yellow poster from the Shea Stadium concert is the most valuable Beatles poster ever sold, having sold for $275,000 at Heritage Auctions in April 2022; DAVID BOWIE - A RARE CONCERT POSTER FOR THE FRIARS, AYLESBURY. Sold for £2,600 and The highest price paid for an original Sex Pistols poster was £32,000 at auction”.
a poster might initially not cost much to buy, but in time they can become very valuable pieces. A bright yellow poster from the Shea Stadium concert is the most valuable Beatles poster ever sold, having sold for $275,000 at Heritage Auctions in April 2022; DAVID BOWIE - A RARE CONCERT POSTER FOR THE FRIARS, AYLESBURY. Sold for £2,600 and The highest price paid for an original Sex Pistols poster was £32,000 at auction”.
Finished framed poster inclusive of multiple friendship bracelets.
taylor swift, an icon to many people and lothed by others. She’s clearly knows her mind and is absolutely not afraid of standing up for what she believes is right, especially for women.
a client of ours went to see her not only in Edinburgh bt also in stockholm. The reason she likes her so much is because of what I have said above and for the independence of spirit, joy, friendship and support that she trys to instil in her fans and for them in turn to convey to one another and the world.
The reason posters can garner big prices is generally because of scarcity. people, even now, don’t think posters can go up in value that they buy. People back then didn’t think cheap ephemeral posters would have any value so stuck them to their walls, unprotected or in cheap frames with ordinary glass. They were enjoyed for a while when their owners were young, living at home or perhaps in student accommodation, bedsits and just pinned them to their bedroom wall only to be binned when they were either wrecked, or very washed out by the uv light hitting them.
Now of course, I am not for one minute suggesting that all posters will go up in value. that said look at early 20th centry travel posters, art gallery show posters, so what I write doesn’t just refer to concert posters which have. given what I have written, it should be noted that Taylor swift is bigger than the spice girls and unlike them, she doesn’t appear to be someone who is going to stop making albums anytime soon. if she remains as popular as she is today let alone starts to appeal to new fans, perhaps her posters will go up in value substantially.
the bracelets are all names of her albums making it less personalised and therefore more universally appealing to potential fans.
With this in mind she wanted to turn the poster into a unique artwork that wouldn’t fade or go nasty and she wanted it to look interesting and not “just a bog standard framed poster”.
our client wanted to preserve this poster, in part because it might increase in value but also because she wanted to display it in a way that made it special. This poster purchase was an inexpensive investment which might pay big in years to come.
after giving this request a lot of thought and how we could also incorporate friendship bracelets (something Taylor swift is synonymous with), the edinburgh leg of the eras tour poster was framed. who knows, Maybe she will get a signature one day too from Taylor, and then it might be worth even more money, potentially.
nonetheless, even if the poster doesn’t accrue substantial increases in value in the future, the positive memory enshrined as an artwork will last a lifetime and transport her back to the event as if it happened only yesterday.
I think we created a really beautifully framed ephemeral art piece, even if I do say so :). understanding investing, preserving, designing, and art (ephemeral, antique, contemporary…) when advising clients is important. I believe we really do come up with interesting concepts for enhancing items needing framed. any questions, please get in touch. signing off, joanna black :)