archive consultation and preparation

I work with artists and arts-related businesses to organize and identify studio or business materials with the goal to make them more easily accessible and presentable to a Special Collection, heirs, or an Archive. I follow best practices developed by the Joan Mitchell Foundation Creating a Living Legacy program and based on my personal experience working with artists in their studios. I draw on practical training as a volunteer at the Multnomah County Library Special Collections and the C.C. Stern Type Foundry, and as an employee of the Oregon Historical Society Research Library and at X Gallery Art. My work is informed by the Society of American Archivists Archival Standards.

As artists, we are often focused on the immediate and the imminent: making the work, preparing for exhibitions, seeking new opportunities, and of course, attending to all the other things we do in our lives. Long-range thinking and big-picture planning often fall to the bottom of the list. As do tasks that fall under the category of studio admin: organizing and keeping track of inventory, images, research, communications in a consistent, coherent way.

Some of the questions that arise when organizing archives can feel overwhelming, and Rebecca brings a formidable, supportive set of skills in response. She is detail-oriented, methodical, innovative, compassionate, and undaunted by complexity.

Together in my studio, we have reviewed decades of art making, assigning each work a unique inventory number, identifying and compiling relevant digital records for each work, and noting supplementary information. Rebecca’s individualized approach—creating a customized system that takes into account the specific concerns posed by my work—is invaluable, and effective. Working one-on-one with Rebecca to organize what I’ve made thus far, and to plan for the future has added stability and structure to my practice. I value her expertise and feel fortunate and grateful to work with her.

—Heather Watkins

Archive Preparation:

Includes sorting of existing archive materials, filing, labeling, creating an index or spreadsheet, and recommending appropriate storage. I will work with consideration for your designated beneficiary to make information most accessible to their needs whether that is an heir, family member, community or institutional repository.

Studio Archive and Legacy Advising:

Refine or develop a system of career documentation that serves not only current studio operations but future legacy considerations. This can involve an assessment of inventory records and data, storage needs, studio workflow and archive materials. It might also involve an ongoing relationship working with you and any studio assistants on systems of documentation and conversations regarding your legacy goals.

Archive management:

I work with artists or arts-related organizations to refine or develop a system of documentation that serves not only current operations but future legacy considerations. This includes evaluating the existing archive components, creating accessible documentation, developing written procedures for studio managers and solo practitioners, training invested stakeholders, and periodic follow-up to adapt and refine according to need.

Oral History:

Conduct, edit, and support the publication of oral history audio in service of legacy documentation. I can also offer support for artists wishing to interview each other, or “in community” by assisting in the development of interview questions and advice regarding appropriate tools to conduct the recordings.