by Chelsea Balzer

​I’m not sure whether it’s ironic that, moments after sitting down to write this piece on collaboration, my Facebook feed offered up an article citing research which ‘proves’ that collaboration breeds mediocrity. Perhaps what’s more surprising is how often we don’t notice this message despite its ubiquity.

by Roxanne Nielsen

There is nothing without collaboration, is there? And if there is, does it have meaning and purpose? I don’t know...maybe someone can enlighten me about that! I mean, an artist who is working alone in their studio or in their chosen place of creation is collaborating with their medium, their muse, their vision – they certainly aren’t fighting with those things I hope. So, if that is true, then we are all working together with someone or something all the time. Right?

Lisa Tejero

​I had to laugh when looking up “collaboration”; it has a definition, “to give help to an enemy who has invaded your country during a war.” Does that make our egos the enemy, our common goal the country and our process war? I like the kinetic energy that generates. I like how visceral and dedicated that feels. Not an advocate for war in the political sense, but as an artist, I fight every day for greatness in my work… ultimately to have freedom of expression so I may effect change in someone who may bear witness.

by Susann Suprenant
​co-founder and former artistic director of ætherplough