Inspired by my visit to Grizedale, I had spent some time exploring some of the more traditional crafts you can find in Cardiff Market, such as cake makers, tailors and engravers. I wouldn’t say that these tradespeople consider themselves artist but I enjoyed exploring their work and their wares as if they were.
Quite a bit of my time was spent with the local engraver, who at my request, engraved a few test pieces of text work.
You Don’t Have To Be An Artist uses found text, found in a youtube video when researching the process of engraving. The line resinated with me on a number of levels: a struggle in the pursuit to know where my work might be leading and the highs and lows of making work; the idea that artworks can encompass a wide range of practices and be applied practically to our every day settings; that you shouldn’t have to consider yourself an artist to access and experience the arts.
The work I developed from this text resulted in the making of a lightbox sign, which replaced g39’s previous gallery lightbox signage. I wanted the sign to highlight that art can be accessed by everyone – and if it was, perhaps everyone would have a pencil. I wanted the sign to have a function, relevant to the artist led space of g39. I am really pleased that the lightbox has received positive comments, with people noting that the sign had encouraged them to enter the building.
Image of lightbox taken by Anthony Shapland.
