artist / curator / collaborator
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ARTIST
My artistic practice explores aspects of my own identity. I work with materials taken from the places I lived during my childhood such as rocks, sand, dirt, discarded waste. These take on forms that I feel resonate with the sense of place and my associated feelings and can include sculpture, installation, drawing, photography and film.
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CURATOR
As an independent curator I deliver a range of cultural projects that are a mixture of client led and self initiated. I work with clients such as The Mercer Art Gallery, National Trust, Leeds Playhouse and Sunny Bank Mills. I founded the Leeds Summer Group Show in 2015 and I write a monthly column for The State Of The Arts called Snooping Through Studios.
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COLLABORATOR
I take a collaborative approach to much of my work. Artists began asking to work together and after many conversations and research, I launched The Art Court in 2022. This was set up to support artists and collectors here in the North of England. We sell, source and commission art for public and private settings, and curate exhibitions in stunning spaces.
PROJECTS
Let’s get to the good bit!
10 TOP TIPS
1. MAKE ART
As an artist you can pretty much do anything, but you do need to make art. Whatever form your art might take. Find a rhythm that works for you and your life.
Phill Hopkins’s work ethic
2. AUTHENTIC
Figure out who you are, what sort of artist you are and what you want to be known for?
Allow yourself the freedom to explore, evolve and develop over time.
Sarah Roberts
3. KIND
Be kind to yourself and others.
Try not to compare yourself to others.
Also I think it’s worth being mindful that not everything needs to be perfect.
Good enough is just that, it’s good enough.
Perfectionism stands in the way of many a great project.
Hondartza Fraga 365 Globes
4. SUPPORTIVE
You need to really know yourself and what support structures you need in place to truly thrive.
Identify what you need and put the foundation in place that supports your growth and development.
And then when you’re in a position to do so, you can support others.
Go to openings, support people on social media and be happy for their successes.
Si Smith TSOTA
5. PATIENT
Things often take longer than we would like. That’s just the gestation period needed for some work!
We’ve not got neat career ladder set out in front of us. It’s more like a game of snakes and ladders!
Eva Mileusnic, Critical Mass
6. CULTIVATE CONNECTIONS
Connections are absolutely key!
Connections with an audiences, connections with peers and connections wider networks.
Pete Symonds into to Michael Shaw
Hannah Hughes at Leeds Playhouse
7. RELIABLE & CONSISTENT
Deliver what you promise, manage people’s expectations. And if for any reason you’re not going to be able to deliver, be upfront and honest about it.
Being professional really is an easy way to stand out in the arts
Consistently show up in the studio and have a good work ethic.
Ensure consistent pricing across all platforms.
Keep on brand!
Jonathan Hooper
8. OPEN MINDED
Be open to other people’s ideas, feedback and criticism.
Be interested in what other people are doing. Seek out people who geek out on different things to you.
Chris Leach
DD from Derek Horton, Donna Coleman & Si Smith
9. POSITIVE
Think about the energy you put out into the world and the impact this has on yourself and others.
Work to cultivate a spirit of generosity and foster a growth mentality rather than fuelling limiting beliefs.
“A rising tide lifts all boats.”
There is space for us all to flourish.
Rosie Vohra
10. COURAGEOUS
Set yourself goals.
Be ambitious.
Be brave.
Put yourself out there.
Go for funding.
Put yourself forward.
Speak with confidence.
Throw it out there. Let people know your ideal scenario is and what you want to achieve.
Lorna Johnson into Knole, NT
11. RESILIENT
Things don’t always go to plan.
Be kind to yourself.
Be flexible and adapt to the situation.
Have a good support network around you and
ask for help.
Don’t lose sight of the bigger picture.
Celebrate your successes!
Over to you!
Q&A
