Back in May I wrote an entry about my experiences of finding and moving into a studio in east London, it’s been 6 months since I moved in and this weekend we had our first Open Studio event. Open Studios are a chance for the public to look round artists’ studios and discuss the work with them, unlike exhibition openings this is a more intimate way to engage with art and its creators without the ceremony of a white walled space. Studios such as mine, which is run by ACAVA, host yearly Open Studio events to publicise their activities and those of the artists renting from them, it’s also a vital part of their funding and charitable status to offer an education and outreach program.
For the artists themselves it’s a chance to assess their work midway through creation and discuss thoughts with the public, it can also act as a great networking opportunity in which people are willing to approach you in your work environment and you never know who may turn up, whether it’s a gallerist, collector or fellow artist looking for works to include in group shows.
Over the past 6 months I have managed to fill the space with no end of clutter, numerous canvases and considerable amount of dripped paint – on the floor, walls and even the ceiling! So it felt strange to go and tidy it all up (purely for public safety rather than any real curatorial thought!), and while the space still resembles a painter's studio I hung a few of my large new canvases along with some smaller works for all to see.
The artists I share with: Alex Daw, Begoña Morea Roy, Elizabeth Eamer, James Unsworth who all showed a selection of work. Our studio is on Vyner Street between Nettie Horn Gallery and The Victory Pub.
Bethnal Green
E2 9DG
Andy Wicks is a John Jones Artist Surfaces consultant and a practicing artist.
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