Studio sort-out (for covid-19)

As I shut the entrance door to the University Medical School Library last night, my colleagues and I pondered when we would next be allowed back to work. During the week, the Government Guidelines have become stricter given the increase of Covid-19 victims in the UK, and the University have reacted responsibly by asking staff to work at home.

The NewBridge Project has similarly responded appropriately, by postponing all public programmed events and group events. Thankfully, at the moment studio use is still permitted, and this remains my safe haven. 

It's been on the cards for a while now, but yesterday seemed the ideal day to have a bit of a studio sort out, get rid of unnecessary things, clear some space in the hope that it would also help de-clutter my mind and aid my ability to focus on the writing that I am currently working on.

NewBridge Writer's Group - Session 7 - The Writer's Plan

Although the group didn't meet up physically this week due to the increasing spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19),  we did circulate the next part of the Writer's plan and I have completed the exercises.

The aim of this session was to think about

1. What do you need in terms of tools and conditions in order to be able to write?

2. If you were going to travel the world, but did not have much room left in your rucksack, what would be the bare essentials you need to write?

3. How will you get yourself in the 'writing zone' as quickly as possible? Do you have a ritual? Read a certain quote? Tell yourself, "You can do this"

1. What Tools / conditions Do You (Really) Need to Write?

We’re going to look at your writing habits to identify the most basic bare essentials you need to write stripping away any faff.

Faff includes – perfect stationery. The right mood / right time of day. Trying to build that dedicated space / tidy up this / take dog out/ put on a load of washing before writing.


• What tools do you use the most to write now?

Laptop

Microsoft Word - ability to dictate, can change page colour so as to help me read (I'm dyslexic)

Googledocs, dropbox and icloud - to save files to the cloud

Also write in a notebook with pen


• What are your writing props?

Laptop, notebook, pen



• Where do you write?

In my studio, in my kitchen, in the library, somewhere quiet



• When do you Write?

When I have things to write about

When I am not at work

Often towards the end of the day, when I am reflecting



Now look at your list and answer:

• What props can you ditch? What is faff and what is actually useful?

I actually don't need much in the way of physical props to write, for me it is more about the headspace to be able to write

Now list your bare essentials to go portable.

Paper
Writing implement



2. Build Your Den

Now you know what the minimum writer’s kit you need is, and how you spend your time it’s time to build your den.

Look at the opportunities in your week where you could make time to write


• Commuting – I can be researching in this time by listening to audio books

I can be thinking about my own writing, and making plans

• Screen time - When I am on the bike at the gym, I could be using my iphone to research opportunities and read writing-related resources

• Breaks at work – I can use my lunch break to write/ and or research e.g. read, listen to audiobooks, research opportunities, read writing resources



Tip – Writing isn’t all Writing

To really use your writing time to the max expand your definition of what writing actually is because it’s not just word count. There may be times that writing itself is difficult but you could:

• Read or listen to audio books / podcasts in the car

• Research

• Plan

• Work on character

• Take an idea for a walk – can you walk at lunch times?

• Have a creative break eg a family day out to an inspirational location

These are all valid writing jobs. Remember that the part of us that creates doesn’t respond to bullying but to play.


3. Monster Proofing Your Den

Now when you go into your writer’s den you’re going to need to switch on your creative head quickly to get stuck in. You don’t want to waste time beating yourself up about how you’re not good enough, so you’ll need a kind threshold ritual. A take your shoes off before you go in sort of thing. Why? Because the second we get ready to write, out jump all the demons telling us we can’t, shouldn’t, who do you think you are.

So, how are you going to ward off your demons?

Choose a thing to do / find a quote to read or write your own to help you get into the writing zone Demon free.


What’s your starting ritual?

Take 5 deep breaths

Remind myself that it is good for me to write and writing is important because

- I am unique and no one else does, or is going to, write the same thing as me

- It helps me get clarity on my own life, form a clearer understanding of who I am and how I got to where I are. I learn about myself, and can sometimes bring closure to issues.

- Writing is a good way to share

- Sharing stories is a good way to form connections

- Writing can raise awareness and bring about change

Publishing and Self Publishing Event at The NewBridge Project:Gateshead

Publishing and Self Publishing


NewBridge Books

The NewBridge Project : Gateshead


Sofia Niazi and Sahra Hersi from Rabbits Road Press coordinated this event about the worlds of self-publishing and publishing.

















Initially Sofia and Sahra gave a presentation about, amongst other things

how and why they first started making risograph zines

how and why they formed and developed One of My Kind (OOMK)

how and why they founded Rabbits Road Press.



OOMK make, publish and distribute books and printed works which arise from self-initiated projects. OOMK also commission new works by women artists and co-curate DIY Cultures, one of the UK’s largest annual independent publishing fairs.


OOMK Zine is a highly visual, handcrafted small-press publication. Printed biannually, its content pivots upon the imaginations, creativity and spirituality of women. Each issue centres around a different creative theme, with more general content exploring topics of faith, activism and identity.

http://www.oomk.net/


Rabbits Road Press is a community Risograph print studio and publishing press commissioned by Create London and is based at Old Manor Park Library. The small-scale publishing press provides printing and book binding services for artists and community groups in Newham and beyond.

The project builds on Rabbits Road Institute’s initiative to establish an accessible and diverse community art space to support the development of new skills, knowledge sharing and social exchange for people living in Newham. A responsive programme of workshops and events explore a contemporary model for community publishing, bringing together artists, designers, writers and local people.

Rabbits Road Press runs regular public Open Access sessions, that are free and open to all, providing an opportunity for people to learn about Risograph printing and offering a space in which to work on creative projects.

With a focus on design education, OOMK also offer a range of private Risograph printing workshops at Rabbits Road Press.

https://www.rabbitsroadpress.com/

The second part of the event was a round table discussion where Sofia and Sahra answered questions posed by those attending the event.

Here are a number of links that arose during this discussion

See Red Women's Workshop was a collective producing silk screened posters for the women’s liberation movement as well as for community groups and others on request.

See Red Women's Workshop

https://seeredwomensworkshop.wordpress.com/about-see-red/


Glasgow Zine Library is a community-based zine library on Glasgow’s South side. Glasgow Zine Library puts on Glasgow Zine Fest, and run a year round programme of events.

https://glasgowzinelibrary.com/

Sahra Hersi is a multidisciplinary architectural designer and artist based in London. After graduating from the Royal College of Art Architecture programme, she found herself free to reinterpret what architecture means. She has been quietly rebelling against her architectural education ever since. Her practice explores shared spaces, the public realm, collaboration and community engagement. Her work is often born out of engaging with local communities and the spaces they occupy.

Sofia Niazi is an artist and illustrator working and living between London and Birmingham. She completed an MA in illustration at Kingston University. As part of OOMK, she currently runs a community RISO print studio in Newham, Rabbits Road Press, with studio mates Rose Nordin and Heiba Lamara. She employs various digital and hand drawn techniques and crafts to explore questions around housing, technology and politics. Sofia has produced work for Migration Museum, Museum of London, Barbican and The Guardian, amongst others. She regularly leads workshops and delivers talks about her work in community, gallery and academic settings.

https://sahrahersi.net/

https://www.sofianiazi.co.uk/

The NewBridge Writers' Group - Session 1 - Where are you now?

Last night was the first NewBridge Writing Workshop session. The 10-week writing workshop has been created specifically for those who have not previously had a formal education or experience in writing (e.g. a university programme) but who are committed to developing their writing skills and also building an understanding of how to get published. 

Dr Alex Lockwood (author of the nonfiction book The Pig in Thin Air, and the 2019 novel The Chernobyl Privileges, shortlisted for The Rubery Prize) has instigated the series, but will be mentoring and supporting me and one of the other participants to facilitate the group.

Of the 10 sessions in the programme, 5 will be spent looking at the Working Class Writer’s Plan (developed by North East writer Carmen Marcus, in conjunction with the Bookseller magazine) to help those taking part build a community of contacts, fellow writers and performers in the North East and beyond. The other 5 sessions will be devoted to other  creative exercises.

Session 1 was an introduction to the group and the introductory session of the Writers' Plan - Where are you now?

As is traditional in these kinds of scenarios, (a group of relative strangers meet each other for the first time) we began with an icebreaker. 

















- The group stands round a table on which a bowl of water and a box of extra long matches have been placed
- One member of the group strikes a match from the box, and has to tell a story that lasts as long as the flame from the match

Some stories ended prematurely - Stories are valuable
Some stories prompted other stories - Stories are contagious

Writing Plan

Exercise 1 - My Writing Family Tree

Create a map to illustrate your life journey with stories

Where did/do I encounter stories? e.g. books, radio, people, writing groups, television

Who told/tells you the stories? e.g. parents, friends, teachers

Exercise 2 - Why Do You Want to Write?

Who are you writing for? 

What are your favourite books?

What do your favourite authors do that impresses you?




Exercise 3 - The Research Years

Column 1 - List of the jobs you've ever done



Column 2 - List a selection of the wondrous and strange experiences you've had



Column 3 - List your values

Introduction to Art Licks, currently in residence at The NewBridge Project

Last night's event at The NewBridge Project was a chance to meet Holly Willats, founder and Director of Art Licks, and hear her introduce the new project that she has just begun with The NewBridge Project. 

Holly began by giving a potted history of the life of Art Licks, and introduced us to it's various facets.


After graduating with an English Degree from Newcastle University, Holly returned to London and began working in a commercial Gallery. She wanted to meet artists, talk ideas, and see non-commercial art, but felt frustrated about how difficult it was to find information about artist-led galleries and art networks. Her response was to establish Art Licks. It began, in 2010, as a website listing the exhibitions and events happening in London at artist run spaces, project spaces, galleries, collectives, curatorial groups and non-profit galleries and organisations.

In it's 10-year history, Art Licks has expanded

"to provide an essential platform and voice for the lesser-known and under-represented activities that form the grassroots of visual culture in London. Art Licks exists as a website, tours, printed magazine, learning programme, commissioning programme and annual London-wide festival: the Art Licks Weekend, all supporting the work of artists at a critical early stage in their careers, providing the situation to create new networks & audiences. This has become vital given the financial pressures on UK-based artists with increased costs of living, lack of studio provision & competitive funding streams."

For 2020, Art Licks are carrying out a new project for its printed magazine: producing three issues from different cities across the country, starting with Newcastle.

This trilogy of Art Licks magazine aims to explore the varying practices and artist communities across the country: their entrepreneurial methods of collaboration, structures of support, adventurous programming and tactics for sustainability. Based from Newcastle, Birmingham, and Bristol; with host partners The NewBridge Project, Recent Activity, and east bristol contemporary.

Newcastle is the first of the three cities to host Holly, and conversations sparked during the three-week residency at The NewBridge Project will form the basis of the magazine. Rebecca Huggan, director of The NewBridge Project, will guest co-edit the magazine.

Holly and Rebecca had a few prompts and questions to get the group thinking and talking about what we would like the Newcastle Art Licks to include.

To follow the project blog with updates from Newcastle visit

http://blog.artlicks.com/art-licks-trilogy-newcastle-introduction/

I'm looking forward to talking more with Holly and seeing how the project develops.

Exciting news - selected for NewBridge Writing Workshop as part of the tutor team

Last month I applied to the NewBridge Writing Workshop series. This 10-week writing workshop is specifically for those who have not previously had a formal education or experience in writing (e.g. a university programme) but who are committed to developing their writing skills and also building an understanding of how to get published.

Led by the University of Sunderland’s Dr Alex Lockwood (author of the nonfiction book The Pig in Thin Air, and the 2019 novel The Chernobyl Privileges, shortlisted for The Rubery Prize) the programme will include a series of exercise-based workshops aimed at building confidence and a creative toolkit. Workshops will also look at the Working Class Writer’s Plan (developed by North East writer Carmen Marcus, in conjunction with the Bookseller magazine) to help those taking part build a community of contacts, fellow writers and performers in the North East and beyond.

I am delighted to announce that my application has been accepted and I have been selected to be part of the tutor team. This role will include some mentoring or support from Alex Lockwood on developing my writing facilitation.

I'm looking forward to meeting Alex on Thursday, along with the other two applicants who have been selected for the tutor team. 

Eyesore billboard progress by marginendeavour

2019 in review

2019 has been a year of ups and downs personally, socially and creatively. It began with a serious foot injury which meant I was bedridden for a couple of months. During this period I turned to writing as my creative outlet. Over the past few months I have lost touch with this aspect of my practice, but writing regularly is one of my priorities for the forthcoming year.

My understanding of time changed during the months of my recovery and on my return to the studio I referenced this in the watercolour paintings that I made of diaries, calendars and notepaper.

 

Throughout March 2019 Caitlin Merrett King was resident at The NewBridge Project, working closely with studio and associate members to record Group Show, a podcast acting as an informal archive, giving voice to the inner workings of NewBridge, friendships and current collaborations.

Caitlin's podcast became the ideal opportunity for the group of women (see image below) who were involved in the realisation of Bobby Baker's Great and Tiny War, to talk about collaboration and some of the associated issues.

Episode 8
https://thenewbridgeproject.com/events/listen-group-show-caitlin-merrett-king/



The work of marginendeavour (David Foggo and Helen Shaddock in collaboration), has become an increasingly important aspect of my practice. 

We also contributed to Caitlin Merrett King's Group Show podcast (episode 1) with a work titled 'The Back and Forth'.

https://thenewbridgeproject.com/events/listen-group-show-caitlin-merrett-king/

Much of our work in the studio has centered around the idea of an eyesore on a billboard. We produced a number of 'mock ups' for billboards, and are currently working on a life-size billboard to be exhibited in the Spring/Summer.









I was delighted to have my work included in a new publication WordPower: Language as Medium.





As life became more turbulent, drawing became one way in which I tried to deal with what was happening.



In August 2019 David Foggo and I hired the NewBridge Project Space for a small exhibition, Bits and Pieces, featuring some of our solo works as well as one work by marginendeavour. We collaboratively curated the exhibition to emphasise links between individual artworks and our practices.















Working within the grid structure of the Frieze listings page, I set myself the challenge of using coloured hole reinforcers in different ways to fill the blank spaces.













marginendeavour created a new eyesore artwork for the Newcastle University Fine Art Postcard Auction.



marginendeavour continue to work on the life size billboard.




After a few months of creation and development, we launched the marginendeavour website. Please visit it at https://www.marginendeavour.co.uk/

I also updated my own website http://www.helenshaddock.co.uk/

One of my artworks was included in the Gallagher and Turner Open Exhibition 2019.
https://gallagherandturner.co.uk/open-exhibition-2019


Another series involved collaging complementary colours in the blank grid spaces within the Frieze magazine listing pages.









In November marginendeavour and Lesley Guy from TOTALLER joined Theresa Poulton, Jill Tate, and Matt Pickering for a roundtable discussion in which we exchanged ideas and experiences with other artists with a shared interest in working collaboratively and collectively.



My most recent series of drawings has been based on the 26 letters of the alphabet. Each A4 sheet features one letter










As the world counts down to the start of a new decade, I am currently working on a series of number drawings.

I'd like to thank you all for your support throughout the year. 

I look forward to continuing to share my artistic process with you.

May 2020 be filled with creativity.