THE BIG ISSUES ART FOR ALL EXHIBITION 2016
Watts Gallery - Artists’ Village, Down Lane, Compton, Guildford, Surrey, GU3 1DQ 01483 810235 www.wattsgallery.org.uk Project led by Kara Wescombe Blackman, Head of Learning and Susie Batchelor, Head of Learning (maternity cover) Project coordinated by Clare Brunner, Learning Coordinator and Ruth Williams, Community Youth Support Coordinator and assisted by Lauren McCombie Smith, Heritage Learning Assistant Photography by Anne Purkiss All images and text © the artists and authors Publication © Watts Gallery – Artists’ Village Cover Image: Heather from STAR Project, Howls to be Free from the Weight of Life, 2015, glazed terracotta All rights reserved. No part of this catalogue may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying or otherwise, without prior permission of the publisher and copyright owners.
Watts Gallery Trust is a company limited by guarantee (company number 6147572). Registered office as above, Charity No. 313612. VAT Reg. No. 924 8349 02
Supported by:
With thanks to: Jane Allison, Sophie Artemis-Pitt, Louise Arthur, Lucy Ashley, Liz Atkin, Susie Batchelor, Margaret Benwell, Peter Blake, Dr Helen Bowcock OBE DL, Clare Brunner, Thomas Buckley, Elizabeth Cake, Natalie Cini, Jude Cox, Sandy Curry, Deborah Denis, Karen Damon-Aspen, Carlene Dixon, Anne Docherty, Inga Garriock, Ashley Gerling, Natalia Goldman, David Haskins, Anna Hennings, Anne Henry, Sarah James, Jennie Jewitt-Harris, Barbara Jones, Perdita Hunt, Joyce Hyslop, KD Fine Art, Jon Maslin, Tracie McCarthy, Lauren McCombie Smith, Carol McFarlane, Sarah Mitchell, Kelly Nethercoat, James Parsons, Richard Paxton, Anne Purkiss, Virginia Ray, Adrienne Roberts, Agata Sadowska, Melissa Scott, Lucy Shipp, Helen Skinner, Barry Smith, Kathryn Sole, Dr Nicholas Tromans, Sally Varah DL, Ann Varlow, Kara Wescombe Blackman, Anna Wili, Ruth Williams, Marie-Claire Wilson, Andrew Wise.
Working in Partnership with: HMP Send HMP & Yoi Bronzefield HMP/Yoi Feltham Youth Support Service STAR Project Street Level Arts
1 - 13 March 2016 Watts Contemporary Gallery, Watts Gallery – Artists’ Village Free entry, Monday - Sunday, 10.30am – 5pm
INTRODUCTION
Alex from STAR Project, Road of Excitement, 2015, acrylic on paper
Based on the ethos of G F and Mary Watts, that art should be available to all, the Big Issues outreach project at Watts Gallery - Artists’ Village uses creativity and art to promote greater social cohesion and tackle issues of deprivation and social exclusion. The project targets those most in need, including prisoners, young offenders, the homeless, excluded pupils and people with mental illness who have little access to art. The inspiration for the project stems from the philanthropic work of G F and Mary Watts, who cared deeply about a number of social, cultural and environmental issues which are still pertinent today. These concerns are reflected in G F Watts’s work, and in the projects they supported and public art and community art projects they founded. In Compton, Mary led the creation of the Watts Chapel, involving seventy local people to whom she taught craft skills in evening classes. The Gallery was founded with an adjacent hostel for apprentice potters, to offer skills and employment. The project has gone from strength to strength this year, thanks in no small part to the generosity of The Henry Smith Charity, who have funded the position of Community Youth Support Coordinator for three years. This position has supported our work with partner groups, enabling them to enjoy regular workshops with professional artists where the participants feel cared for, accepted and important. A unique series of workshops this year, a book-making course led by renowned artist Sophie Artemis-Pitt, culminated in an exhibition at the University of the West of England.
The Big Issues exhibition this year is the ninth to showcase the quality and messages of the work produced by individuals from our partner organisations. The exhibition provides an opportunity to celebrate the many successes of this year’s participants. We are proud that nine young people have achieved a bronze level Arts Award and many more have reported increased confidence towards academic work. The project is also providing female prisoners and young offenders with hope for their futures; one prisoner is looking to start a craft enterprise following her release, whilst another is using his free time to build a portfolio in order to apply for an Art Foundation Course. Each year, we face a number of challenges. Will there be enough funding? Will we have enough resources to meet the demand? Will there be changes with our partner institutions? Will the participants living in challenging circumstances stick with the programme, or find that their difficulties overwhelm them? Despite these hurdles, with the generous support of donors, partners and volunteers, Watts Gallery Trust is able to continue to offer inspiration and motivation for change, as well as a positive channel for self-expression. As the project nears its tenth year, Watts Gallery Trust is proud to reflect on a truly transformative programme. Thank you to all of our supporters for helping us to continue to reach out and offer participants a ‘second chance’.
Perdita Hunt Director, Watts Gallery - Artists’ Village
HMP SEND
Having worked on various projects with Street Level Arts and The Cellar Art Group since the Big Issues programme began in 2008, I was delighted to continue with this collaboration, working this time with HMP Send as the first artist to lead a clay project. The project involved looking at the work of Mary Watts and the Compton Pottery and realising individual interpretations in 2D and 3D forms using terracotta. The women in the group covered a wide range of techniques including hand-building, shallow relief, glazing, and constructing 3D sculpture.
The ‘Sisters in Art’ spirit still continues and there was a relaxing and creative atmosphere and mutual support was strong. There was mention that the workshops were a ‘happy time’. It was great to witness ideas, risks being taken, and thoughts unfolding in this positive atmosphere. It seems that engaging with art as a constant activity has helped to build confidence and provided a good foundation for rehabilitation and preparation for the outside world. It was my pleasure to be involved with a small part of this journey. Adrienne Roberts, Big Issues art tutor
Watts commented, “I don’t paint things, I paint ideas”. In the same way the group created work of personal significance. They worked with a material that would allow them to express their ideas and at the same time enhance their skills - and the artistic ability of the group was impressive! They took to the clay like ‘ducks to water’! Clearly working with Watts Gallery – Artists’ Village, has helped develop and strengthen artistic skills and inspire confidence for trying new techniques and materials.
‘Working with terracotta clay was a new medium for me. Working with clay was very soothing and calming and a good way for me to express my feelings and anxiety in a therapeutic way. I would love to do it again. Adrienne was extremely helpful and comfortable to work with.‘ - Ann Ann from HMP Send, Mermaid, 2015, glazed terracotta
Jenny from HMP Send, Brighton, 2015, mixed media on paper
HMP Send is a closed female training prison in Surrey. Watts Gallery – Artists’ Village has been working with HMP Send since 2008 providing regular workshops supported by the Michael Varah Memorial Fund.
The Michael Varah Memorial Fund Artist in Residence programme, run by the Watts Gallery – Artists’ Village Learning team, is a hugely valuable part of the curriculum of activities at HMP Send. It provides the prisoners with an outlet for creativity and an opportunity for personal and social development. This year, the group have worked with various professional artists specialising in different art forms, giving the prisoners the opportunity to learn new skills and work with a range of materials. A member of HMP Send staff, who works closely with the programme, describes the provision as a unique opportunity for the women to work together, explore ideas for future projects and develop as individuals. It provides an outlet for the women to channel their creative energies and emotions into a really positive experience which teaches them so much more than just art, it teaches them about life.
Akila from HMP Send, Voltage, 2015, acrylic and PVA on canvas
HMP Send is extremely grateful and proud to work with the Artists’ Village and partners in providing the women with this fantastic opportunity. Long may it continue. Carlene Dixon, Governor, HMP Send
‘The Big Issues workshop programme has helped me to add colour and brightness while going through some dark and difficult times. I have explored new techniques and gained experiences which have inspired my work. I look forward to the workshops as I get to spend time with like-minded people and gain ideas and valuable advice.’ - Sam
Susanna from HMP Send, La vie Mediterranean (Gracias Pablo), 2015, acrylic on canvas
The Flame Burns Bright For any funder to commit finance to a community arts project for more than a three-year cycle, the programme itself must be a true exemplar of best practice. What it delivers must demonstrate a real impact on the lives of those taking part, over a sustained period. When that project takes place inside one of Her Majesty’s Prisons – never the easiest environment in which to operate as an external third party, however much a scheme has the blessing of the incumbent Prison Governor – keeping the flame alight for eight years is nothing short of a miracle. That the spirit of the Michael Varah Memorial Fund (MVMF) Artist in Residence programme at HMP Send has continued to burn so bright is due in large part to the creative talent, the empathy and the real enthusiasm of the succession of artists who have led the residency workshops. It is also a reflection of the passion of the Watts Gallery – Artists’ Village Learning Team, who make sure it happens on a weekly basis. No wonder that the Artists’ Village regards the HMP Send Artist in Residence Programme as the flagship model for its work with other prisons. As the long-term funder, before we commit to finance another round of these workshops the MVMF wants to be sure that the programme never becomes set in its ways. We want to know that it is constantly evolving in order to challenge the women offenders and offer them an open door to exciting artistic life-long skills. Skills that have the potential to support their sentencing pathway, their road to rehabilitation and, as our new Justice Minister would have it, their redemption. We need to be assured, through evaluation, that alongside motivating and educating the women in what might be perceived as nonconformist ways of delivering learning within a prison setting we are helping to build their feelings of self-worth and confidence. And that the prison recognises the programme as a valuable part of these offenders’ resettlement journey.
This is why, in 2015 we collaborated with the Artists’ Village Learning team to explore how, with our support, they might expand what had previously always been a single artist’s residency programme. How could we mix it up, make it different, encourage the Send women artists to get outside of their comfort zone and experiment with new materials and techniques? By serendipity, it was the women themselves, and their enterprise, that gave us the answer. Each year, we set them a Christmas challenge – to design MVMF charity cards that are sold to promote their work across the world. In 2015, we sold an incredible 4,880+ cards and ploughed the profits (far more than ever before) straight back into funding an additional five workshops. These were led by different visiting artists, who introduced the women to new art-forms and skills. The women artists loved that they were effectively paying for their own tuition: it gave them a true sense of ownership and achievement. And their social enterprise model gave us the idea. Instead of one artist, in residence for up to 12 months, we agreed to fund five different artists, each one delivering workshops over a five-week period. Collectively, they have introduced the HMP Send women to ceramics, painting, book art, card design and drawing. It has been an extraordinarily rich and varied programme that has helped to reveal new talents and hidden depths. It has resulted in a body of work to be exhibited and sold in the 2016 Big Issues exhibition. The outcomes for the women are so inspiring that the MVMF has now signed to fund the next Artist in Residence programme. The Send flame continues to burn bright. Sally Varah, Chair, Michael Varah Memorial Fund
Dena from HMP Send, Purple Haze, 2015, acrylic on canvas
HMP & YOI BRONZEFIELD
The staff and female offenders at HMP & YOI Bronzefield always look forward to a visit from the Artists’ Village team. The rewarding part for everyone participating in the Big Issues project is to see how the women put a great deal of effort and imagination into their work. They achieve a lot considering that many have so little experience of art. Nearly everyone ends up actually enjoying it too! Often, they simply cannot believe that their painting will be good enough. When they enter a prison environment the women become invisible to society. Creating a piece of work suddenly gives them the opportunity to be heard. Their ideas are often more powerful than words alone can describe. The women always gain a real sense of achievement and pride to think that their work could be selected to hang on a wall in a professional gallery for members of the public to see. As a communication tool, visual art can really help the women to express their emotions and ideas. The canvases you see speak loudly of their sense of hope and of dreams for the future, fullfilling the Art for All ethos of G F and Mary Watts. Art really can transform the lives of these women, despite their current situation. Our thanks and appreciation goes to all the people and trustees behind the scenes at the Artists’ Village for making all of this happen. Peter Blake, Tutor, HMP & YOI Bronzefield
‘I gained an insight into how I feel about my life and what gives me strength, hope and optimism. It has helped me think about the kind of changes I need to make when I go outside of prison... I learnt a lot about my identity and the type of person I’m becoming and who I’d really like to be and the values I’d like to stand for.’ - Bhavini
‘I have been privileged to take part in the Big Issues workshop, as it has built my confidence immensely as I did not realise I was any good at art. I have used paints before, but to be given the opportunity to take part in such a scheme has allowed me to explore what skills I have without realising them until now.’ - Deanne
Deanne from HMP & YOI Bronzefield, Reflection of Life, 2015, acrylic on canvas
HMP & YOI Bronzefield is a modern, category A, adult and young offender women’s prison located on the outskirts of Ashford in Surrey. Watts Gallery - Artists’ Village has been working with HMP & YOI Bronzefield since 2009, providing artist-led workshops.
Nahsuirah from HMP & YOI Bronzefield, Rainbow Waterfall, 2015, acrylic on canvas This year I was able to run a three day painting workshop at HMP & YOI Bronzefield with the support of Watts Gallery – Artists’ Village’s Learning Coordinator, Clare Brunner. Introducing the ethos and themes of G F Watts as an inspiring starting point, the theme of hope seemed to make the biggest connection with this diverse group. The first hurdle was persuading some of the group to pick up a pencil, with the usual cries of “I’m rubbish at art” only to see their pride in what they had achieved by the end of our session. Three days can make a difference; it is fast paced while focused on a goal, all important life skills. The Big Issues project and exhibition continues to show how important and vital the arts are in this challenging space. Making art that illustrates the women’s personal stories of hope is a unique opportunity to motivate a more positive personal dialogue that they are then able to express through their art. To recognise and celebrate their accomplishments builds self-confidence and self-esteem. Additionally, the sense of achievement in completing a project like this can inspire a positive sense of self and a realisation that hopes and dreams can be the key to change. Sandy Curry, Big Issues art tutor
HMP/YOI FELTHAM HMP/YOI Feltham is a prison of male juveniles and young offenders between the ages of 15 and 21 and is located within the London Borough of Hounslow. Watts Gallery - Artists’ Village has been providing workshops at HMP/YOI Feltham since 2013. This year’s collaboration with the Artists’ Village has been a positive one. Several groups of young adults at HMP/YOI Feltham have so far taken part in workshops. The first on mono-printing and the most recent, sculpture using paper and card. The visiting artists, Anna and Ruth, introduced the boys to the life and works of G F Watts and his philanthropic attitudes. His belief in Art for All has become his legacy. Anna and Ruth created a challenging and experimental working environment which stretched the learners to achieve above and beyond their expectations. The whole process, from planning to execution, has been incredible in terms of increased self-confidence and creativity. Having seen the grandeur of the Artists’ Village, the thought of their work being exhibited is quite overwhelming for the young men taking part. Jude Cox, Art Tutor, HMP/YOI Feltham
Anthony from HMP/YOI Feltham, Patriotic America, 2015, drypoint on paper
Most of the participants at HMP/YOI Feltham have had little or no positive experience of art since primary school. Often a lack of confidence is an initial barrier, however after an introduction to the work of G F and Mary Watts and a demonstration on a particular technique, the atmosphere changes as individuals settle and concentrate for up to a period of three hours (six hours over two days). The results are astonishing and often unexpected. Security restrictions on materials and equipment are a challenge, but do not limit the scope or scale of the work produced. Consideration, cooperation and respect are as integral to the creative process as the art materials provided. The Big Issues workshops offer an uncompetitive environment for the young men to take time to explore and reflect on values and take pride in a personal achievement. Ruth Williams, Community Youth Support Coordinator, Watts Gallery – Artists’ Village
‘It’s been a good experience, it takes you away from prison. It’s good to work amongst the others on a constructive task.’ - Naphtali
‘I enjoyed the 3D building and the freedom to build what I wanted. It makes me feel I’ve done something worthwhile.’ - Marcim
Left to right: Leo from HMP/YOI Feltham, Blond Horse, 2015, paper mache and hair Jamie from HMP/YOI Feltham, Newspaper Horse, 2015, paper mache and newspaper Stanley from HMP/YOI Feltham, Horse, 2015, paper mache and brown paper
YOUTH SUPPORT SERVICE Youth Support Service works with young people aged 16-19 years to help them achieve their goals in work, education or training. Watts Gallery – Artists’ Village has been working in partnership with the Youth Support Service to provide regular workshops led by professional artists and the opportunity for young people to undertake Arts Awards. Typically the young people taking part have not been successful in mainstream education, have been in trouble with the police, or have experienced a breakdown of family life and as a result are looked after by the local authority. The young people participating in this project have learnt many new skills such as sculpture, working with clay and self-portraiture. They have used these experiences to work towards bronze level Arts Awards, which will be a fantastic achievement as it is a nationally accredited qualification. The Artists’ Village has provided a nurturing environment, individual support and respect alongside the creative workshops. This has given them the opportunity to achieve some incredible artwork but also to develop their own self-belief and self-confidence. Overall the young people have enjoyed the courses and learnt a lot, not just about the Wattses and the Artists’ Village but other art and the different forms this can take. Each of them has gone on a journey of self-discovery and are gaining the confidence to continue that journey thanks to the hard work of the Artists’ Village staff, artists and volunteers involved in the project. Karen Damon-Aspen, Youth Support Service
Young people taking part in Youth Support Service workshops provided by Watts Gallery Trust
Georgia from Youth Support Service, Lost Intensity, 2015, drypoint on paper
‘Not only have I gained experience but also confidence in my art skills, myself and in general. After every session my confidence has gradually increased. During my first session it was very difficult for me. Coming here has helped me a lot when it comes to dealing with my anxiety. Overall the friendly and calm atmosphere of the workshop has been a great help for me.’ - Naomi
STAR PROJECT The STAR Project provides interventional educational opportunities to pupils years 8-11 from Waverley Federation Schools: Broadwater, Glebelands, Woolmer Hill and Rodborough. 2015 represents the first year of partnership between Watts Gallery – Artists’ Village and the STAR Project.
Evie from STAR Project, Light Angel, 2015, drypoint on paper
We offer a range of programmes to include, 1-2-1 teaching, 10 week interventions right through to bespoke full-time packages delivering both functional skills and GCSE. This last year we have been fortunate to work in partnership the Artists’ Village to provide pupils access to a range of inspirational workshops as a part of the Big Issues project. The students who participated in these workshops gained confidence in learning new skills which they were able to transfer into both academic and social situations. The students experienced positive risktaking through experiential learning and attained a greater understanding of their own potential, and the production of a finished product at the end of each workshop gave tangible evidence of a job well done. The interest in participating in these workshops was very high and the consistent attendance of students involved speaks volumes. - Tracey Hills, STAR Project
Young people taking part in STAR Project workshops provided by Watts Gallery Trust
Laura from STAR Project, Woodland, 2015, acrylic on paper
‘I really enjoyed the STAR Project and I feel like I’ve had lots of fun and happy memories. I also liked trying and experimenting with different types of art that I’ve never tried before and finding my strengths. Sometimes things got difficult and I was convinced on giving up but luckily, over the weeks, I slowly learned how to overcome the difficulties and became more determined. Finally, I felt proud and happy when I got good results from my work because I wasn’t expecting my work to, well, be art. I just thought that it would fail.’ - Freya
STREET LEVEL ARTS Street Level Arts is an art rehabilitation group set up to offer creative activity for people recovering from homelessness, substance addictions and mental health problems. Street Level Art participants have enjoyed the series of workshops at Watts Gallery – Artists’ Village this year. We began with an inspiring visit to Mane Chance Sanctuary where we spent an afternoon learning about the tremendous work they do rescuing horses and helping them to regain trust in humans. This struck a chord with some of our participants who were very moved by the experience, and some beautiful prints and photographs were made reflecting the time spent sketching in the tranquil surroundings. Limnerslease, home of the Wattses, was the focus of subsequent sessions where we gained inspiration for making paintings incorporating photographic transfer prints portraying elements of their home and creative lives together. Anna Hennings, Big Issues art tutor
‘It gets me out of the house. It is lonely living alone. Here I get to talk to people. If you had of asked me 8 years ago whether I was into art, I probably would have said no. But I think with art now, I really get something out of it.’ - Trevor
Members of Street Level Arts working with paper clay in the Foyle Pottery Studio
We finished the course with paper-clay workshops with Joyce Hyslop, former Apprentice Potter at the Artists’ Village. This gave the group the opportunity to try out this new and exciting medium to create their personal versions of Mary Watts’ Tree of Life and other sculptures. This has been a positive and life enhancing experience for all and we are very proud of the achievements of the Street Level Art participants. With many thanks to all at the Artists’ Village and for the much appreciated support of Anne Docherty recruiting young people from the YMCA and of our volunteers Ann Varlow and Joyce Hyslop.
‘Participating in the Big Issues workshop programme was an opportunity to express artistically once again in familiar surroundings that inspire productivity and creativity.’ - Louise
Clare from Street Level Arts, Pheonix with Eagle, 2015, paper clay
Julian from Street Level Arts, Oh Well, 2015, paper clay
James from Street Level Arts, The Corner Room, 2015, watercolour on paper
Anna Hennings, Big Issues art tutor
CAN YOU HELP TRANSFORM LIVES THROUGH THE BIG ISSUES PROJECT?
Buying an artwork will provide a valuable source of income for a disadvantaged person, which could help provide essential items, such as clothes and food. Many participants have also volunteered to give a percentage of the proceeds back to the Big Issues Project allowing this important work to continue. It will also encourage a sense of self-worth and achievement. Some of the artists will never have received praise or positive recognition in their lives before. Your donation will make a real difference to the lives of our participants £10
Could buy a canvas and paints to unlock artistic potential in a homeless person who has never had the opportunity or confidence before.
£25
Could provide sketchbooks for a group of prisoners to continue drawing in their cells preventing isolation and allowing self-expression.
£50
Could give a group of young people their first chance to explore an art gallery by paying for a minibus to transport them to and from Watts Gallery - Artists’ Village.
£150
£500
£5,000
Could fund a professional artist to lead a workshop for a group suffering from mental health difficulties. Could enable a young person who is not currently in education, employment or training (NEET) to complete their Arts Award. Could cover the costs of the exhibition, raising awareness of this valuable work and
inspiring self-worth.
Donate either online at www.wattsgallery.org.uk, by cheque made out to ‘Watts Gallery Trust’ or by calling 01483 813 597.
Louise from Street Level Arts, Day Falling, 2015, drypoint on paper
Watts Gallery Trust receives no regular government funding and is completely reliant upon voluntary income to deliver the Big Issues. We need your support to ensure this life-changing project continues.