Open Studios

I realise as time goes on I am interested in achieving more with others than as an individual. Yes I have a successful business but I have that success because I love working with others. My business is not about what I can achieve as an individual but about what we can achieve together as a community. That is why I loved the whole #justacardcampaign because a large part of it was about working with others and community. 

Whether I am running work shops, creating a piece of commissioned work or working collaboratively with other artists it is never about just me it is always about the group. Of course it has its pros and cons especially when strong personalities are involved but when there is strong motivation and excitement and ideas running to and from each other it is a good place to be.

Having now settled into The Old Bath House and watched others move in the ideas start flowing as to what is achievable together and what is achievable within the community of North Broomhill and beyond. Open Studios gives us all a chance to get to know each other a little better by working together to create an event to launch The Old Bath House.

 Ellie Davidson Archer, who is printmaker and illustrator and has a studio in the buiding has already started organising the social media side of things by creating a  facebook,and instagram  page for The Old Bath House.

For the Open Studios weekend I have asked two final year students from Glasgow College of Art to exhibit their work in my studio. It gives Hannah Morice and Almudena Rocca a chance to exhibit in front of the public and also gives them some exposure. Young emerging artists need supporting and I can give them wall space to exhibit and support their work. This collaboration for me is a great opportunity to engage with younger people and their work.

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Morice says of her work  "When painting I don’t use any source material or know what I am going to make. I realise what I am painting as I layer the ink and the landscapes gradually appear. I grew up in the deep countryside, we didn’t have a local shop and the nearest bus stop was a ten minute drive away. I live in a busy city now and it’s so loud and fast. I guess I always involuntarily paint natural landscapes to remind me of when I was young and life was easier". 

Rocca says of her work, ”I am an artist studying at The Glasgow School Of Art. I have been developing a series of line drawings, which consist of faces and figures. Often they will contain political and affirming messages for those who are marginalised by society.” 

  At some point over this weekend I hope you will be able to come and see what is going on and be part of this growing community.

There will be food provided by Box Pizza, whats not to like!

Helen GriersonComment