Culture Northumberland Research Interviews #10
Claire Venus with three Northumberland artists
Good afternoon all.
Claire here. I’m aiming to publish more of the behind the scenes of our current research into the possibilities for Culture Northumberland and the people the project supports. You can find our previous posts, videos and podcasts here.
A couple of weeks ago I met with three Northumberland artists.
Here is a replay of our conversation.
About the artists
Lori, Gillian and Helen met at The Old Bathhouse Studio in Broomhill where they each had studios. The artist studio opportunities aren’t currently open in this space but it’s sounded to be a brilliant experience for them all.
You can follow the Old Bath House online here; https://www.instagram.com/theoldbathhouse
Artist Bios
Helen Grierson has been working for the past 23 years in Northumberland and Newcastle as both a stained glass and fused glass artist.
Her work has involved commission work, making large glass splashbacks mostly for private residences and stained glass door and window panels.
Title Rose Rooted Triptych/ Technique Fused glass incorporating powders and paint and cast glass/ Artist Price £1600/ Retail Price £4000/ Dimensions 68.4 h x 15.6 w x 10.5 d (cm) each piece/ Weight 3kg each piece/ Photographer name Steve Eyles
Helen has also run very successful workshops involving all ages and abilities.
Lately, Helen has been able to focus on more personal work looking more closely at her own views and that of our cultures on women and ageing. Work she hopes to exhibit early next year in 2025.
🫖
Gillian Lee Smith - Scotland-born artist Gillian Lee Smith explores the lost and found, connection and heritage and the past and how it has shaped us. Having previously worked as a Reminiscence worker with older people, Gillian has developed a fascination with our own stories where the seemingly ordinary is made extraordinary. Initially completing a degree in Performance Costume from Edinburgh College of Art, Gillian graduated in 2005 and has rooted her practice in drawing and painting ever since, exhibiting locally and nationally. Living in Northumberland for the past decade, Gillian has found great inspiration in our local area's people, industry and landscape.
Gillian will be exhibiting her recent 'Beneath Shadowed Woods' artwork at Drywater Arts in Amble from 6th September to 5th October 2024 and her 'The Lost and the Left Behind' artwork at Baillifgate Museum in Alnwick from February to April 2025.
Website - www.gillianleesmith.com/ Instagram - @gillianleesmithartist
🫖
Lori says; I am a Yorkshire born painter and mixed media artist. I moved to Northumberland in 2018 to pursue a full-time career in art. I was a resident artist at The Old Bath House until December 2022 and now work in my home studio at Guyzance Bridge.
I am currently working on building a body of work with a theme of “The forest and folklore.” This work consists of charcoal drawings and oil paintings and is about how the forest plays a part in folklore.
We talked about;
The opportunities of working together.
Rural living and working
Online sales and reach
Mailing lists and e courses
Collaborations and shared practise, works space and ideas
Traditional and unusual venues
Read more, see dates and pop along to join in;
✉️
Thanks for reading.
We’d love to here more from you in the comments or in reply to this email.
Claire
Claire Venus
Culture Northumberland
