Something?s happening

New work:

Self-portrait, Acrylic on mirror, 21 in x 13 in, 2012

A few people have asked if I sell prints of my work. I can document my own work – it’s the politics I am not sure about. Where, how, pro’s & con’s etc?

Could anyone recommend any companies or point me in the right direction research wise?

New painting:

Familiar, Oil on panel, 24 in x 16 in, 2012

Always feel nervous when I let go of a painting.

I have also added ‘People’ (a selection of life drawing & portraits) to my website .

More stuff coming soon.

Been drawing people’s portraits in public spaces for years but it’s been mostly in secret – they haven’t known. The last two Saturdays I have painted peoples portraits at a couple of arty markets (Mayton Street Festival and The Dandy Lion Market). At the first market I tried to involve the sitter in the art making – a partnership of creativity – ‘Draw yourself in the mirror while the artist draws you’. Everybody shied away and it was only me doing the painting. They were playful and colourful 3 to 5 minute portraits with inks on decorative paper.

It was nerve racking having people watch but fun to produce quick and affordable portraits and another way of exploring and displaying possible roles of an artist. I really enjoy talking to the sitters and hearing snippets of their story. It was their time – I hope they left with an interesting experience as well as a portrait. I will definitely be doing this again.

Can I add street artist to my repertoire?

Last week as part of the Artist Educator course I gave a one off painting workshop within a secondary school with a year 7 class. I was fairly confident about the workshop idea and more worried about, well, me. It was a success – I was a success! An expressive response to objects around us at the same time questioning what painting is. I thought I would really need to encourage the students to be expressive. On reflection, if anything, perhaps a bit of control within their painting needed gently reintroducing. Balance. I learnt its best not to go into a workshop with fixed presumptions of how participants will react, as this will predetermine how you facilitate.

Overall very happy.

I have a new website www.hayleyharrison.co.uk (same address). Please take a look if you get the chance. Feedback always appreciated.

In March I volunteered in a primary school, on a recycled textile project ran by Rowan Arts – got to help pretty much every pupil in the school, which was very moving and rewarding. Previously I volunteered on a craft club for adults (again Rowan Arts). Overall I have gained a lot of experience, met some great people and built up my teaching confidence.

The first level of the Artist Educators course I have been attending has been amazing. Pulling apart what a workshop and artist educator is – working out what is needed and what is of value. The second level involves a placement. Start in a couple of weeks in a secondary school assisting a tutor at a weekly after school oil painting club. Very excited – I wish I had been taught how to oil paint at that age.

I am hoping to now slowly build up my own workshops.

Voluntary work has been getting a bad name recently. People getting exploited. Volunteers making it harder for the rest of an industry. And I am torn, but sometimes the only way to learn is to volunteer. Some places that are beneficial (and sometimes vital) to a community only survive through their volunteers. I think it’s important to consider who you are volunteering for – do you have the same values? How long do you intend to volunteer? Do you need to volunteer? I did. Most importantly what do you expect to exchange?

Hoping to spend more time in my studio. I am in the process of finishing off some new works… I’m also allowing time for general creativeness and really valuing the experience of making. Practice what you preach and all that.