Specialised Trade.

Whilst on my travels a couple of weeks ago, I similarly learnt that specialising in a trade could be a good idea to go alongside owning a space (a plan of mine for the future – which might not come about). Framing could be a good choice, because at what point will no one what something framed? Exactly! I doubt that will happen.

Must also remember to make what you do obvious to passers-by, e.g. big windows or clear signs, and again, placement is key.

 

Garden City Gallery.

You may remember at the beginning of the week I visited Letchworth and not only did we stop at the LAC; we popped in to a lesser-known space called Garden City Gallery. This space definitely helped when we discussed ideas about possible future career spaces and we discovered it is good to look up on places after you visit, it will help you gain insight of your experience.

We would not have known about the place if our friend had not told us of it, as it is a doorway situated between two shops, partially hidden by the ‘signage’ of the shoe shop next door. We later discovered that the woman who owns the gallery space also owns this shoe shop. 

Up the stairs, you will find three main spaces with different purposes. They are used to show work, you can rent a space for this purpose, even meetings, or you can attend workshops they put on. There is also a small art shop adjoining the first room on your right, which is reasonably priced, plus a small kitchen area.

It was mentioned that a downside of having the place is that mainly because of where it is placed, not many people notice it and go in. In reality, the space is a hobby. More networking and advertising is needed and we agreed after the visit, that someone could even be hired to do that. There are signs in front of the entrance advertising forthcoming workshops and that they sell art supplies as well, but these look outdated and cluttered.

With a few little effective changes, it could be made more fruitful. It was pointed out that a successful space was out in Wymondley, which of course we had to visit and find out for ourselves (coming in another post).

LAC Freya Purdue.

I visited Letchworth yesterday, with a friend, to look at some spaces and of course, we had to stop by the Letchworth Arts Centre! This was my second time visiting there, last time being when the 3^rd years had a show there and I was pleasantly surprised at the show now there.

Freya Purdue is exhibiting until the 15^th May, so there is still plenty of time to have a gander, or if you cannot make it, have a look at her website.

LAC is positioned above a pub called The Three Magnets and heading into the Arcade, it is the first door on your right, if you are approaching from Leys Avenue. You go up the stairs, or lift, and depending which way you turn, you end up either in the Foyer gallery space or in the café, which is also used as hanging space. You will then soon come to Main Gallery and be delighted with the amount of space there is.

I rather enjoyed Purdue’s paintings; it was a lovely show, however, my images of them definitely do not do them justice! I am going to have to brush up on my photo taking skills… I was more drawn to the ones with brighter colours and more outlined patterns (makes sense to me). The space was right for the larger paintings; they each had enough room to be viewed on their own. Although, I feel the lighting in places let some of them down. The one above is certainly one of my favourites, not because of the painting itself, but simply for what the shape reminds me of. You can see the elephant too, right?

I have got them on my brain.

Plastic Andoid Scream.

This is very overdue, but I was involved in another exhibition last month, called 'Plastic Android Scream' at University of Hertfordshire Gallery. As well as being a part of the show, I even got to be an invigilator for a couple of hours. It was interesting stuff!

Take a look at the site, to see all who were involved: #P #A #S (Find me if you can!)

Below are a selection of pieces from the show...

Back In The Studios.

Back in the studios this week - how exciting! I have my studio space now so I am ok. We met some of the new people who are joining us for second year and got told by Michael that we should probably put some work up for our new tutors to see. I've put up plenty of references, did a couple of illustrations and started another two.

The first one completely threw me off, the shape of the paper confused me. I hadn't worked on a rectangle piece of paper for months! I'm so used to my little square sketchbook. It wasn't a great start, it was great to have space and talk to people though. The next one was better and I let myself loose with the scribbles (it made me feel good). I started a new elephant piece on a larger scale before the meeting. However, afterwards I decided to leave it and go home. The next drawing was from a photo Uncle Clive sent me of a dinosaur skull, which I absolutely fell in love with. This is the biggest one of them all, which meant I struggled on proportions, but it's fine, I'm allowed to make it up haha! They'll get finished little by little probably while I work on this new project.

Studio Preparation.

Preparation for hand in. We went into the studios today, on a Saturday! I know, dedication right? It was actually quite enjoyable and didn’t take as long as I thought it would, especially with the extra help. Me, Ros and Clive (oh and the boyfriend) cleared out our spaces and got rid of any blu tack, nails etc off the walls and re-masking taped a few bits. Then it was time to fill in any holes and smooth them off. Next job, roller and paint. It was so much fun! And seeing as I had most space now, I had most to paint. I got a bit messy and did the floor. Luckily though, we’re apparently going to paint that as well.

Once I had done my area, I let the others do theirs and I began to fiddle with the arrangement of my sculptures. I think I know what  need to do to get them ready and sorted for wednesday. Clive also helped me to roughly measure out where my paintings will go on the wall. There will be a surprise in store as well, but I’ll let you in on that secret later. I reckon we'd make good decorators, possibly an alternative job choice, if we never make it as artists? It was also good bonding time. Hahaha!

I am looking forward to it all coming together and being finished. I know what I need to get done, mainly book work for the Art Talks and visits. I’m debating whether or not to quickly sort out a sketchbook for my projects, although really, my blog has turned into my sketchbook. I just hope it will be accepted. Maybe I’ll print it off?… We’ll see.