This project is very different to anything I've done before and so is rather exciting. It is a completely new residency idea for Sheffield: four very different kinds of artist (including me!) have been chosen to take turns to work in a studio space bang in the middle of town, for a month at a time. My month is going to be September, so it's very soon.
What makes this a bit unusual is that, instead of us paying for the studio space, we are being paid to work in it. Good eh? We will also be given £500 each towards the materials we use during the month.
What makes it unusual for me is that, apart from this being the very first time I have ever worked in a studio space which is not at home, it is the very first time I have been paid to do my new textile work. The idea I pitched was to do urban sketching in the shopping area around the studio, then create interesting textile pieces based on the drawings - all very new and experimental.
I've not blogged any of my stitch work lately. I have been working with maps and this is an example of a recent piece, based on a walk through Lathkill Dale in Derbyshire:
What makes this studio project unusual for you folks out there, is that we will be working in a space which is open to anyone who wants to come and see what we are doing. The studio is in Orchard Square, tucked upstairs, next door to Waterstones. So you can come and have a chat about my work, or even buy some. All four artist will be running workshops too, but I'll tell you more about mine nearer my time, when I've worked out specifically what I'll be doing and when.
The first artist, Zoyander Street, will be in the space throughout August. He is creating virtual pets which you can engage with in the studio. Apparently these pets will evolve, growing more and more like the people who visit. Sounds fascinating. I'm definitely going to visit him when I get back from Chicago.
You can follow the project or catch up at any time, using the hashtag #artistupstairs. I'll post more when it's my turn to be in the studio, of course.
Right, got to go - I am in the middle of packing for Chicago, for the Urban Sketchers Symposium. I fly in the morning - wish me luck!
8 comments:
Congratulations! I'm so very excited for you! What an exciting new adventure! Have fun and safe travels.
I've been following you since the days of flickr and it is exciting to watch your artistic and creative journey grow in all sorts of amazing directions. Congratulations!
Thank you so much guys. It is indeed very exciting to be on this creative journey, moving away from one thing and towards another, very new area.
Hello Lynne, I have been enjoying your posts a long the way and have enjoyed the journey! I trained as a textile designer some 20 odd years ago,but in 2011 I took up illustrating children's picture books. It seems we have ying-yanged! Anyway, I just wanted to thank you for being open in sharing your experiences and I wish you all the very best with your new approach in creativity. ❤️
Hi Kim - fancy that coincidence. I suppose there is a lot of sideways movement in our world. It's all pulling on similar bits of your creativity, just applying things differently. Good luck with your illustration!
Hi Lynne. Looking through some children's pictures and espied one of yours, so thought I would give your blog a visit. How exciting for you to be involved in a whole town initiative! You do live a varied life....glad you still have so much energy! Loving the profile picture. Hope all is well with you and if you are in the Enfield area give me a call. Xx
The above message is from Deborah. Not sure what I am supposed to press to post the comment....I didn't think I had pressed anonymous!
Love Deborah xx
Ha ha - hello Deborah! Lovely to hear from you.
Likewise, if you should find yourself straying Up North :-D x
Post a Comment