ALAS Residency

So, on Saturday we visited lots of galleries in the East End and had some introductions to gallerist where possible. This was a really interesting experience and we got a lot of first hand information about how artists are selected for the spaces. The general summery seemed to bit that mainly people are either introduce to a gallery by an existing represented artist or are “pick up” at a group show, open show or art fair.

The biggest message so far has been it is so important to get stuff out there, get involved, get talking and get seen.

I am still wondering about how viable this is as a regional artist??

Today we had two visiting lecturers: Rosalind Davis of Zeitgeist Arts Projects and Sarah Rowles of Q-Art.

Both were talking about peer networking and artist led organisations, there was some really valuable insights and practical tips. The importance of social networking was brought home (something I need to re-evaluate) all part of this network, network, network message that is coming across so clearly.

Something that Sarah talked about particularly captured me: she was reflecting on how outside of London there are very few places with a structured art scene, which means graduates can sometimes feel a bit lost BUT she said that she saw this as a really exciting thing, because people can re-invent the art culture in that city, there is space to change, move and expand.

http://www.zeitgeistartsprojects.com/

http://www.q-artlondon.com/

In the afternoon we had four presentations of our fellow residentees, Julia Miranda, Araba Ocran, Paul Stanley and Jane Oldfield.

Julia’s work I found very beautiful and I am very interested in her process. She works with automatic marks often on found surfaces, and here confidence in her own vision and aesthetic makes for very seductive pieces.

The sculptural pieces that Araba showed spoke of carefully considered production, paring away until she distilled the core of what she wanted to communicate, for me her work has an iconic quality.

I was deeply impressed by Paul’s articulation of the ideas around his work, which obviously comes from a solid theoretical framework. I feel I could learn a lot from this, giving more consideration to to the wider context of ideas my work deals with.

The variety of Jane’s work was both inspiring and comforting to me. I often feel that my work is quite scattered because of the variety of media that I cover but I could see clearly in her work that a theme can unite a body of work as strongly as a material.

http://www.juliamiranda.co.uk/

http://2009.atcamberwell.com/courses/bahons-sculpture/students/araba-ocran

http://paulstanleyart.com/

http://www.janeoldfield.co.uk/

Another successful day, spend all of it drawing and exploring ideas for the show.

Tomorrow we are going on a tour of galleries in the East End to hopefully meet some gallery owners and see some shows, really looking forward to it, I am starting to feel like I am getting to grips with the art scene here and much more confident about my prospect of showing in some London galleries.

Yesterday was the first day of working on our own stuff, there was a really productive atmosphere in the studio with everyone settling in and getting going. My usual difficulty with getting settled at the begining of a project was there, but I got some drawings done that I am pleased with and clarified whihc ideas I would like to pursue. We have quite a short space of time so it is important to have a clear idea to be moving forward with.

In the evening we went out to some private views, I made contact with a owner of an artist books shop and several local artists. We ended up at the Grayson Perry opening at Victoria Miro, which was my first big name PV. I learnt a lot just watching the interactions of people around us, becoming familiar with some important faces in the crowd.

Yesterday we had lectures in the morning and presentations in the afternoon again.

In the morning we talked about international galleries and opportunities, which has inspired me to possible pursue more opportunites in Finland or maybe start forging links with Germany

My presentation was first in the afternoon, and I recieved some really useful feedback. People suggested I should investigate the Kinsey Institute Gallery space who take open submissions and also the Centre for Recent Drawing in London. I recieved lots of generally positive comments and hope that during the next few weeks we will all engage in some really constructive critique now that we are getting to see everyones work.

After me Kirsty Harris, Hana Melly and Suisie Mendelsson

Kirsty’s work was exsquite, beautiful miniture paintings of people, but she also has a real sense of humour other works which I enjoyed.

I was inspired by Hana’s drive to create, even with little time avalible to her, she seems to forge on through ideas always striving for the next developement

Susies work I found very interesting, she challengers herself creatively, never letting herself get comfortable, this gives all her work the excitement of discovery.

http://susiemendelsson.co.uk/

http://kirstyharris.com/

Monday

We had an interesting lecture that gave an overview of the art world from Matt. It was really useful to have all the information compiled and laid out methodically, felt I gained a better understanding of how things connect together and what roles people have.

Tuesday

I the morning we had a lecture about British galleries and East/North London galleries. Really interesting stuff that has got me questioning were my work might fit in the gallery system. I have realised that I need to do some extended research and make a solid plan about what routes and galleries I wish to focus on.

In the afternoon we heard from three fellow participants, Catrine Bodum, David Chalkley and Laurie Nouchka

I was really impressed by Catrine’s clear understanding of her creative process and identity

David’s work I found very interesting, beautiful visual and conceptual twists that are very satisfying and beautiful

The work Laurie has in mind is a large scale site responsive piece which is very ambious, but she has the drive and collaborative skills to get stuff done.

I have already gained valuable lessons and reflections from finding out about other people’s practice, so I am really looking forward to finding out more about everybody.

http://www.catrinebodum.com/

http://www.davidchalkley.co.uk/David_Chalkley_Selected_Portfolio/home.html

http://www.laurienouchka.com/