Thursday, 9 October 2014

So what does it take to prepare for an art trail?


An art trail is an ideal way of being able to raise the profile of your artistic practice in your local area, as well as gain valuable experience in the process of creating work specifically designed for an exhibition, and the pressures of what that involves.

The creative process of 'ideas development' and making use a very separate component of my brain to what is required to project manage my practice from an flickering idea to a curated showcase.  Often I work to a brief, which means that I present self with a deadline, and thus initiate a sense of urgency into the mix of inspiration, problem-solving and colourful realisation.




Blank Canvas
Always a sticking point!

I have found a cost-efficient method to my collection building madness in preparation for a show: I find that working on a series of paintings gives me drive, kick-starts a design pathway, keeps up momentum, uses time effectively when waiting for paint to dry, and challenges me to produce a narrative.  Phew - this way I am not as overwhelmed as I used to be when contemplating a blank canvas with a culpa and a choccie biccie!

In action, my studio becomes a hive of messy activity - a literal display of throwing ideas onto canvas, but also taking time to manipulate these into a contemporary design.



I plan my exhibition before I begin paintings, so I can design the overall showcase and plan what sizes and shapes of canvas/support I might need.  Once finished, I ensure I have completed a collection that allows for a range of price-points, so everyone can enjoy a piece for themselves if they so wish.

Branding
Commerciality has entered my practice and so undeniably, each show strengthens my approach to making/creating/selling.  This has been key to people remembering me, following me on social media, sharing my new pieces, and thus building my identity.

For me, an art trail has given me time, and an affordable space, to explore how best to develop a collection for exhibition.  It has widened my audiences, created my first sales as an emerging artist and introduced me to supportive communities I am grateful to continue to collaborate within.

Thanks guys!

Movie weekend!

Incorporating shorts, and community inspired films, this year's trail hosts a cinema as well!

Don't miss this - a perfect way to round up what is a really lively trail, so add the dates to your diary!


Hadleigh Old Fire Station will be transformed into a pop-up cinema with an exciting programme of film screenings celebrating the regional and international legacy from London 2012 which underpins the existence of this arts, community and cultural facility in Hadleigh, Essex.

The original Kingsway Cinema, Hadleigh closed its doors in 1970, There are currently no cinemas in mainland Castle Point. Hadleigh Old Fire Station (HOFS) now features a ‘big screen’ situated in the Appliance Hall, a stone’s throw from the site of the much-loved cinema, now occupied by Morrisons supermarket.


Kingsway Community Cinema is presented in association with Hadleigh Art Trail and is made possible with funding from Essex County Council Culture in Essex Small Grant Award.

Friday, 19 September 2014

2 Weeks Today!

Artist Led, Community Focused, Culturally Evolving …

Who has been eagerly awaiting a sneak at what this year's event has in store???  Me, for one!

The brochures for this year's Hadleigh Art Trail are starting to touch down on people doorsteps, and are now proudly waiting to be browsed in venues locally - make sure you pick up a copy and plan your trail experience.  This year, there is an additional pick of cinematic film screenings as well as events to enable you to enjoy the trail over more than just one afternoon visit.  Oh, and many activities are FREE!

If you are exhibiting, or live locally, why not help us spread the work and distribute some brochures?

If you are able to lend a hand please e-mail us at info@hadleigharttrail.org.uk

See you in 2 weeks!

Wednesday, 10 September 2014

Artistic Traces in Hadleigh – wine and private views – the lot!

What a contemplative and cutting-edge way to launch an autumn of culture here in Hadleigh!

‘Traces’ is the result of cross-county collaborations between art studios, but with a fair few artists exhibiting living by the Thames Estuary.  It deals with places, spaces and identities – something both the Hadleigh Art Trail, and each artist exhibiting can relate to.   Hadleigh Art Trail Artists Sue Willis and Alan Hockett (both resident artists at HOFS) are exhibiting experimental pieces that depict a new layer to their practice, and I am now intrigued as to what their new trail exhibition will entail!






This exhibition has been described by curator Jane Morrow as an example of ‘strength derived un numbers’ – Certainly, the colonisation of artists to Hadleigh Old Fire Station has in itself proved that cultural developments germinate and grow using just that.




I, myself, can’t wait to support the Hadleigh Art Trail, and congratulate the Essex Network of Artist Studios for bringing such diverse and informative works to Hadleigh, just at the right time!
Pop along, if you can – the exhibition is on until Sunday!

‘Traces’ – Essex Network of Artist Studios Exhibition
1st September – 14th September – Hadleigh Old Fire Station
Opening Hours: 10am-5pm, daily


Friday, 21 March 2014

Gearing up

It's that time of year again. Lots of 'behind the scenes' activity already! Stayed tuned.

Wednesday, 16 October 2013

Art Trail blog

Thanks to 'mudlark' Nick Ardley for sharing his blog post on his visit to Hadleigh Art Trail...

"Wow, just got home from the Hadleigh Art Trail..." read the blog here
http://nickardley.com/index.php


Tuesday, 8 October 2013

Fair Havens Hospices Day Care


Fair Havens Hospices Day Care Patients have been working hard towards their Hadleigh Art Trail Exhibition.


Shown in Havens Hospices Charity Shop, Venue 15 the work is created by the patients and staff in Day Care at Fair Havens Hospices during their Creative Therapy.

Creative Therapy is a great way of giving patients a choice control and a feeling of self worth. The artworks are always patient led; it's about their aspirations, broadening horizons or introducing someone to a new hobby.


Alongside the patients work is artwork by Creative Therapist, Teresa Rock and in Venue 6, 2nd Time Around Boutique – Creative Therapist Elizabeth Ireland showcases her Fashion Illustrations. Elizabeth says,

“I have a degree in Fashion Illustration and I work freelance as an illustrator, I demonstrate a bold, quirky style of general illustration as well as stylish fashion-based illustrations that have a 1950s influence. I am also a Creative Therapist at Fair Havens Hospices teaching a variety of Arts and Crafts activity. “