INTERNATIONAL STUDIO EXCHANGE //

International Studio exchange…. Why? 

I have been interested in travelling with my work and allowing my art practice to take me to new places for a long time. I had the idea of doing a studio exchange when I first moved into my studio nearly 5 years ago. I had looked at doing various residencies but it was never the right time or the best fit for me. When the funding became available from GreatPlace Lakes and Dales I thought that this would be the perfect opportunity to make it happen and tailor the exchange around my existing work schedule. I thought that it would be a great way to expand my ideas, methods and connections.   

I hoped that the exchange would give some insight into the different ways of making a living as an artist and most importantly in a rural setting. To reveal how someone has developed a customer base, how he or she showcase their work, how they create and where, and how they get all the creative influence they desire while living where they do. 

How I found my artist…

When I discovered I had secured the funding for the exchange the challenge was to then find an artist somewhere out in the world that would fill the exchange criteria. I needed them to live rurally preferably not to far away; I originally thought I would find someone in Europe or Scandinavia. They needed to have a studio and place for me to stay. 

I composed an advert listing the aims of the project and had a broad open call to artist from all over the world. The process of finding an artist took months and I started to worry I wouldn’t find someone. I had sent out hundreds of emails to artist’s organizations, collages and Universities. I also pushed an online campaign targeting different countries in each post. When struggling to focus my search I decided to give Curator Space a try and created an advert call out to artists using their Platform. This was my best approach and I started to get applications from around the world, all places I had not expected such as Argentina, America, Armenia and Romania. This process in its self was a brilliant learning experience, I am now more equipped at solving problems such as this. It was also an interesting way of connecting with and talking to artists from all over the world, I now have a list of artist connections that I may be able to work with in the future. 

Choosing the artist….. 

There were some strong applications for the exchange and there was much to consider. 

Having the facilities to accommodate myself and have the space to create were very important aspects. I wanted someone ready to collaborate and work together rather than chase his or her own agenda. I needed someone well connected with their artist community as well as the general rural community they live in. 

With all this in mind it was my gut response was to choose not one artist but two….Kees Ouwens and Carmen Jacobo from rural Mexico. They made their application together with the intention to take part in the exchange as a married couple. My original age bracket was intended for under 35s but Kees and Carmen had so much experience and much more to offer being more established in their life and careers I decided to waver that stipulation. They seemed to have a very open attitude about how the project may unfold and how we could work together. They also have the most incredible Studio/gallery and living space in a stunning part of rural Mexico over looking a lake. They are both very respected in their areas of work and have experience of growing their artistic practice in not just one place but also on other countries. 

Kees is originally from the Netherlands, has lived in Japan for 20 years and has travelled to many places with his sculptures. Now living in Mexico he was able to offer interesting insights into building a career as artists in many different rural contexts. 

Now I had my artists it was time to plan dates for the exchange, schedule each stay including various activities to include the community during each stay, book flights and promote the project. 

So after all that preparation in October 2019 Kees and Carmen landed in the UK from Mexico. They stayed for 2 weeks in total and we achieved a huge amount together during that short time. Then in January of 2020 I made the long journey to stay with them in Mexico for 2 weeks. To find out more about the exchange with lots of images to help tell the story then head over to my Instagram or Facebook page where everything that took place was documented. links below.

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE GREAT PLACE LAKES AND DALES SCHEME VISIT THEIR WEBSITE - HERE

PODCAST FEATURE // 2020

This informative podcast is the creation of Blue Moose Dance. It was such fun recording with them and a privilege to be featured. We talked through some essential topics about the realities of pursuing a creative career. This is a brilliant resource for anyone interested in a creative career or want to glimpse into the life of an artist.

To listen click on this link - Blue Moose Dance.

CREATE YOUR FUTURE // GREAT PLACE LAKES AND DALES // RESOURCE //

This was a short clip about me and what I do filmed by the wonderful Film On the Brain. This short film is part of a collection of resources for those interested in the arts living in this rural area.