The group met to discuss the practical and operational issues around the Connect exhibition. It didn’t really feel like much work on our part as Maggie Warrn had a list of tasks / considerations to which we had to made decisions. This part of the session seemed to go without a hitch – all of the group agreed on aspects relating to comments books, invitations, timing for the provate view, sales and insurance.
Things became a little more tense when it came to making the model of the gallery and scaling our works down so we could see how it fits in the space. It was at this point we realised how cluttered the gallery was likely to be. Each member of the group had their own requirements: wall space, plinths, lighting, privacy, viewing distance… This was resolved through Maggie overseeing the basic requirements and then negotiations between individuals.
From my perspective, because I remained flexible I ended up compromising and in situation where I feel my work is not in a space that is conducive to what I am trying communicate through the display. I am placed next to work that is large, bright and overpowering, my work is small, detailed and intimate – I just don’t think it is going to work.
I will see arrange to see Maggie before the session next week to see if anything can be done to make this mismatch less obvious.
Filed under: session | Tags: arts people, collaboration, documenting, event, exhibition, free stuff, making notes, space
Niki Russell was on the Connect course a few years ago. He spoke about his experience beyond the gallery. Here’s what he is doing now: REACTOR
It was engaging, but after having had 2 previous sessions led by fine arts focussed speakers I am starting to want more of a crafts input from the sessions. It’s interesting how, knowing that the course covers a number of disciplines, few of the speakers see the need to find out what we do and tailor their talk to the group mix.
Useful pointers included : how to negotiate the use of a space to exhibit in : how to get a mixture of arts and non-arts people in your audience : making notes of other artist’s work you like so you can approach them for future shows : getting things done for free – flyers, refreshments… : thinking about the way in which you show your work : documenting your event : taking a collaborative or committee approach
Filed under: inspiration, research | Tags: Bank's Mill, building, display, open studios, space, work
After the stress of completing the assignment this week it was a real joy to go to the Bank’s Mill Open Studios. Seeing such variety and quality of work on display fed the soul.
It really is a brilliant building with great spaces – it makes me want to move into one! Will definitely bear it in mind for the future as I don’t know how long working from home will continue to be productive. Being in such a place brings more than just the benefit of the space to work in too, I could certainly see myself there: wools stacked, drawings on the wall, laptop and needles.
