DIY Feedback

' As ever, the nurturing environment pervading Core Gallery always leaves me feeling glad to be associated with such a positive and encouraging place and group of people. Your warm welcome yesterday and reading Rosalind and Jane Boyer's list of key requirements for a sustainable artist-led space in their respective Core interviews before coming along quite literally made my heart sing!  'co-operation, honesty, integrity, trust, sharing, responsibility, communication' -  sweet music to my ears!' 

' I learned what it means to be a professional artist nowadays: It is not enough to produce one's art - we need to write statements, applications, press-releases, organise (and usually pay for) the transport of work to and from exhibitions, keep our web-sites updated, maintain real and virtual networks, etc. etc. And of course everything has to be done really well.
In that competitive wilderness Core Gallery's DIY-programme offers vital resources.'

' Core Gallery's affordable DIY-educate events not only help us raise our game as professional artists, but also make us feel connected. The combination of practical and skill-based workshops and discursive events is constructive. '

'What you all are doing at Core Gallery is admirable as it gives those people who are trying so diligently to continue as artists a chance to feel connected with other artists in the same pursuit, to hear how art practice is discussed at the moment and to begin to feel part of an art community. I went to school in another country so I lack the old ties to other former students that helps to network. Also, I can see that it is important in the current financial climate to create the opportunities ourselves.'

NUTS and BOLTS

‘Thanks very much for the helpful and motivational Nuts and Bolts talk last night'

‘You managed to create a good, relaxed atmosphere so the audience found it easy to engage, and ask questions etc. They all seemed to enjoy it, was the feedback I got.
And what you all said was clear, helpful and made sense.
I for one, have been busy updating and editing my various statements/profiles etc today, and I'm sure I'm not the only one] It all bodes well for the future.
Many thanks to you all for another enjoyable learning experience at Core.'

Show and Tell

Just a note to say what a refreshing and inspiring Phoebe Unwin gave. I liked the imagination, range and bravery of the work. It was great to hear how she goes about achieving these qualities - through the process (and philosophy) of art making. I feel inspired to get right back into the studio. So thank you.

Image right courtesy of Phoebe Unwin and Wilkinson Gallery.

Engine Chat Chat

‘ Thanks for organising Engine ChatChat. It's great to see what other artists are up to and comforting to know that you're not alone in facing obstacles as to why and how your work won't quite move forwards at times.

I find it really useful to be able to present my work and even if I didn't come away with any concrete answers yesterday, I was given plenty of food for thought.

‘Just wanted to let you know how helpful it was to attend the ChatChat and the afternoon discussion. When one is in art school one has a special status and so much input and a real sense of being part of the world of art. Later, after struggling alone to be an artist one can then feel on the outside.

' I presented a piece of work at EngineChatChat . I really enjoyed the session. Lots of us feel fairly isolated with what we do. I make my work at home and longed to talk about ideas and processes in a friendly environment, raise questions and uncertainties, and to get such engaged feedback from other artists was wonderful. And it was great to hear people speak about how they think and work. '

One to One tutorials with Graham Crowley, Andrew Bryant

Graham Crowley:
' I would like to start by expressing a big thank you for the much needed kick up the backside that your crit gave me, it has spurred me on and given me the motivation to push my work to another level'  DIY Member

‘  It is seven years since I had a one-to-one crit, with someone who was prepared to look at my work and tell me, honestly, what they saw. And the connections, sparks, observations will nourish me for a long while yet.

It was a liberating experience, the chance to say out-loud one's doubts and hopes, and to return to one's work feeling energised.’

"I had a tutorial/crit with Graham Growley, which was in equal measure challenging and encouraging - a brilliant combination. I found it productive and exactly what I needed at a point where I feel a bit unsure about where I want to go next with my work. It helped me clarify my ideas and contextualise my art."

Andrew Bryant

' Thank you for your time spent on my tutorial. I very much appreciated your input. It was hugely encouraging experience as you have made it so easy to share my thoughts including my doubt.
I am excited to consider the issues highlighted through the conversation as well as the different approach suggested.
Thanks again for your support' 

"Thanks for the fantastic feedback yesterday. I found it really useful speaking with you about my work and appreciate your intelligent & insightful comments. And significantly, I felt you listened - I mean, really listened! - to what I was saying. So thank you very much for that. Off to the Susan Hiller exhibition tomorrow hopefully and it'll feel good to go there with some thoughts in my head about documentation and presentation."