Artwork of the Week - Untitled by Dominique Liccia

Artwork of the Week this week is Dominique Liccia’s untitled pen and ink piece.  This work, which is part of ‘Polysémie Collection - Les Amis de Marseille’ - an exhibition soon to be on display in our gallery - is really something! The modest use of pen and ink to create such intricate art is truly captivating, and you can really sense the hours of work on the page to make these otherworldly machines and figures. 

The exhibition includes numerous, excellent works, and runs from the 2nd of June until the 30th of June, with an evening event taking place on the 7th form 6-8pm. Exhibiting artists include: David Abisror, Philippe Azema, Davide Cicolani, Davood Koochaki, Dominique Liccia, Izabella Ortiz, Evelyne Postic, and Maurizio Zappon. One not to be missed!

Posted on 31st May 2018 by PA Editor : permalink
Categories: Artists  Exhibitions  News 

Nnena Kalu - online book

Nnena Kalu's incredible installation came down this morning, but you can now see her creative process and the resulting artwork in an online book.

‘I found the repetition of movement soothing to watch. The use of materials is clever and colour is fun!’ (Kim Pickett, York)

‘This is one of the best exhibitions in G.I. I love Nnena’s work, I’m really excited to see what she makes in the future. Congratulations!’ (Amy Crear, Shetland)

‘Uplifting, a total sensation of energy, love, fun and happiness. A perfect start to my 2 day GI 2018, thank you Nnena.’ (T. Wilkinson, Granton)

Posted on 29th May 2018 by PA Editor : permalink
Categories: Artists  Exhibitions  News 

Artwork of the week - ‘Portrait of the Artist’s Mother’ by Angela McLauchlin

This week we bring you an exceptional painting as our Artwork of the Week – ‘Portrait of the Artist’s Mother’ by Angela McLauchlin. Currently on show as part of the l’Art Brut en Ecosse exhibition in the Polysemie Gallery in Marseilles, this piece is a striking example of Angela’s expressive style.  Angela’s figures are bold, colourful, and stylised, which results in high impact, vibrant work. We love it!

The exhibition will run until the 9th of June 2018, so - if you're lucky enough to find yourself in the south of France - why not pay a visit?

Posted on 9th May 2018 by PA Editor : permalink
Categories: Artists  Exhibitions  News 

“I am going to tell you about my performance experience”

On Sunday 22 April, a group of volunteer performers took part in Spanish artist Esther Ferrer's performance 'I Am Going To Tell You About My Life'. The piece showcases a group of people talking about their life in different languages and BSL. The performance was organised by Monica Laiseca at the Glasgow School of Art and by Project Ability. ReConnect artist Simon McAuley was one of the performers, here is what he said about the event.

"This was the first time I have performed as an artist and so I was a little nervous. Everyone involved was really supportive and there was a sense of being part of something important. Some of the participants were experienced performers and for others it was a first. The process was really interesting and everyone's confidence grew as we rehearsed. We could really feel the project taking shape. To learn about performance art through the piece and from Esther felt like such a privilege. I am so glad I participated and met such inspiring people. I could see why performance artists were so passionate about their medium. I am looking forward to seeing the film of the piece in Project Ability's gallery."

The video of the performance will be on display in our exhibition 'House Party' featuring works by Esther Ferrer, Louise Ahl and Fritz Welch, Jessica Higgins, Sandra Johnston and Pester & Rossi. Project Room, 3rd floor, Trongate 103, until 07 May.

Posted on 23rd April 2018 by PA Editor : permalink
Categories: Artists  Exhibitions  News 

Thank you for your donations towards Nnena Kalu’s installation

Many thanks to everyone who generously donated materials towards ActionSpace artist Nnena Kalu's large installation.

We have received some amazing fabric and wallpaper off-cuts from Timorous Beasties, tartan fabric from Gaelic Themes, plenty of vinyl off-cuts from BD Print and a big donation from Re:Craft as well. Many individuals have also donated old VHS, fabric samples, ribbons, shoe laces, wool, plastic, etc. We are still looking for some old newspapers, plastic and old card, so if you have anything, please get in touch as soon as possible: 0141 552 2822.

Thanks to BD Print, Re:Craft, Timorous Beasties, Gaelic Themes, Kirstin Leighton-Boyce & family, Suzanne Field, Mhairi and Mary-anne Macdonald, Morag McGilchrist, Margaret Booth, Vicky Dale, Julie McCabe, Tracy Gorman & family, Bevis Evans-Teush, Roheen Cairney, Claire Forsythe, Elle Elart, Alicia Maciness. Apologies if we have forgotten anyone. 

Posted on 11th April 2018 by PA Editor : permalink
Categories: Artists  Exhibitions  News 

Artist Talk - ‘Danglers of Today’

Last week we had the pleasure of welcoming Charlie Hammond and Cameron Morgan to the gallery to talk about the work they have in their flash exhibition Danglers of Today. This work has been developed together as part of a residency / collaborative project that took place over the last few months.

Cameron and Charlie explained some of their points of inspiration, and how they had worked to together to develop the screenprints and ceramics in the show.
The collaboration developed and was driven by ongoing conversations between the two artists. These began around three scrap books filled with old match box covers that Charlie had found in a charity shop a number of years ago. The pair worked together to transform some of the retro graphics on the match boxes into a new series of screenprints, playing with shape, colour and scale.

Following match boxes, the conversation led onto what else you might find in your pocket, which in turn led to the development of the series of prints of loose change, or “danglers” as Cameron refers to them.

These two artists, very comfortable in each other’s company, have developed a mutual way of working together, each inspired by the other’s working practice. Cameron, who is a very prolific artist, spoke of how he had tried to teach Charlie to work more quickly, seizing an idea and running with it. Whereas Charlie had attempted to teach Cameron to procrastinate. Whilst we can only speculate on which artist was successful in these aims, what is for sure, is that Charlie and Cameron found a common and fruitful group upon which to make a dynamic body of work.

Posted on 9th April 2018 by PA Editor : permalink
Categories: Artists  Exhibitions  News 

Call for Volunteers - Esther Ferrer performance

Project Ability is looking for amateur performers to take part in the group performance piece I’m Going To Tell You About My Life, which will premier in April 22nd in Glasgow as part of the Glasgow International festival.

The piece has been conceived by 80-year old Spanish artist Esther Ferrer and involves 10 performers who are fluent in British Sign Language and 10 verbal performers speaking in different languages.

If you are a BSL user or speak a language other than English, and you want to tell others about your life, please get in touch! No previous experience is required.

PRODUCTION INFO

Rehearsal dates: Friday 20th April (pm) and Saturday 21st April (all day)
Performance: Sunday 22nd April, 1-3pm

The rehearsals will be led by Esther Ferrer, assisted by a BSL interpreter.
Project Ability will cover transport costs for all volunteers up to £10 per day

Please note that the performance will be:
- Filmed, and an edited version of the film will be on display at Project Ability’s Project Space for the duration of the festival.
- Professionally photographed, and the images taken may be used for press coverage, promotion of the event on the websites of the project organisers and funders, documentation and evaluation. 

By participating in the event you agree to be filmed or photographed for these purposes.

HOW TO APPLY

To apply for this opportunity, or find out more, please contact:

Mónica Laiseca at monica_laiseca@outlook.com and
Celine Mcilmunn at celine.mcilmunn@gmail.com

Deadline for applications: Tuesday 10 April, noon. Shortlisted volunteers will be notified by email on Friday 14 April.

Posted on 12th March 2018 by PA Editor : permalink
Categories: Artists  Exhibitions  News  Recruitment & Volunteering  Trongate 103  Workshops 

Cameron Morgan and Charlie Hammond’s residency draws to a close.

For the past few months, Cameron Morgan and Glasgow-based artist Charlie Hammond have been meeting every week for their collaborative residency. The pair got to know each other's work and to create a series of prints inspired by Charlie's matchbox collection.

"I liked working with Charlie very, very much – he has a good sense of humour, is a lot of fun, and has a really good nature. I really enjoyed myself’ said Morgan.

The residency, which ended last week, resulted in an impressive body of work.

"Working together with Cameron has been a joy", Hammond said. "Like many good collaborations we started with no clear direction but found our way through action, the work itself the result of these ongoing and very natural conversations.

Cameron’s energy is infectious (though a few more tea breaks wouldn’t hurt!) and his ability to translate the essence of an object into a direct and playful drawing or ceramic allowed us to progress quickly, screen-printing layer upon layer and developing the works far beyond our initial thoughts.

Not only have we ended up with a great body of work but also a great friendship."

Cameron and Charlie's work will be on display in our gallery in a short exhibition in early April. 

Posted on 30th January 2018 by PA Editor : permalink
Categories: Artists  Exhibitions  News  Residency  Trongate 103  Workshops 

We need you!

Action Space artist Nnena Kalu will be in residence at Project Ability in April and will make a large installation in our gallery for Glasgow International.

We are looking for large quantities of the following materials:

-old VHS videos
-offcuts of carpet or fabric
-ribbons
-plastic wrap, bubble wrap
-coloured tape
-wool

If you have any of these lying about that you are not using, we will happily take it off your hands! Just get in touch info@project-ability.co.uk or drop them at:
Project ability, 3rd floor, Trongate 103, Glasgow G1 5HD. 

Posted on 17th January 2018 by PA Editor : permalink
Categories: Artists  Exhibitions  News 

Artwork of the Week -  ‘The Old Man of Storr’ by Margaret Booth

Artwork of the Week time again, and this week we bring you a classic Scottish treasure – the Skye landmark ‘The Old Man of Storr’ by the talented Margaret Booth. Margaret’s work is always of an exceptional quality; being able to capture the subject with stunning detail, while incorporating her own vibrant, painterly style.  The work is currently on show as part of our exhibition ‘Scotland, The Land Beneath Our Feet’ which is available to view all the way up until the 22nd of December in our gallery.  Not to be missed!

Posted on 7th December 2017 by PA Editor : permalink
Categories: Artists  Exhibitions  News 

Project Ability Fundraising Survey

Like many charities, Project Ability faces funding challenges and we must find more ways of generating income to allow us to continue to deliver our vital work.

With many not-for-profit organisations fighting for the attention of the general public, we understand that it is important to be focused, imaginative and offer something that is genuinely going to engage and benefit our audience.  That’s why we need your opinion on what we should do next. 

It will only take a couple of minutes to answer the four questions here but it will make a huge difference to us if you do it as it will help us to plan effectively for the future.  If you provide your contact details, we would like to offer you 10% discount next time you visit our shop in the Gallery or online.

Thank you!

Posted on 27th November 2017 by PA Editor : permalink
Categories: Artists  Exhibitions  Fundraising  News  Trongate 103  Workshops 

Artist talk by James Jimbo

Last Thursday, former artist in residence James Jimbo came back to Project Ability to showcase the work he produced during his residency. Artists from Aspire and ReConnect came to engage with James and his work, and it was very interesting to see what inspired him during his time with us. The work was very well received and artists enjoyed the skills and playfulness in each drawing and painting.

‘Brilliant work – great colours’
-Edward Henry, Aspire

‘I liked the Elvis one and George Michael, I painted George Michael too, mine was much more colourful'
-Tommy Mason, Aspire

‘Refreshing to see work that’s been created a framework of joyfulness and freedom’
-Richie Davis, ReConnect

‘I really loved the use of line and for me being here in my first week of my residency, it couldn’t have come at a better time to see James work, someone so confident in their own practice – very inspiring’
-Emma Aitken, current artist in residence

Thank you, James Jimbo!

Posted on 14th November 2017 by PA Editor : permalink
Categories: Artists  Exhibitions  News  Residency  Trongate 103  Workshops 

Project Ability pop-up shops coming soon!

Save the date! We will be hosting a series of pop-up shop in the gallery in the run up to Christmas! 

Looking for something original, inspiring and that can't be found in the high street shops? This is your chance, our pop up shops will be packed with original gift ideas, cushions, cards, ceramics, artworks, mobiles, wooden objects, and plenty more! 

Saturday 25 November, 2nd & 9th December, 10am - 5pm in our gallery in Trongate 103.

Posted on 31st October 2017 by PA Editor : permalink
Categories: Artists  Exhibitions  Fundraising  News  Shop  Trongate 103  Workshops 

Project Ability artists at Manchester Buy Art Fair 2017!

Now recognised as one of the UK’s leading festivals of visual arts, Buy Art Fair 2017, featuring The Manchester Contemporary, will bring galleries and artists to Manchester from across the UK. Over 3,000 original artworks will be for sale and we are delighted to announce that three Project Ability artists will see their work exhibited during the fair.

Grace McArthur and Tommy Kemp are two of the very talented artists that will show some work with Heart and Sold, a pioneering arts initiative that promotes and supports artists with Down Syndrome and provides a platform from which to sell their work. More info here.

We are also very excited to announce that Cameron Morgan has been selected to exhibit work at the Manchester Contemporary this year with Venture Arts! Venture Arts are partnering with Castlefield Gallery for the event from 27 – 29 October. He will be showing some of his ringtone ceramics and 'The Three Stooges', a print made during his residency in Wakefield. More info here. 

Manchester Buy Art Fair 2017
27-29 October 2017.

Image: 'One Direction' by Grace McArthur

Posted on 23rd October 2017 by PA Editor : permalink
Categories: Artists  Exhibitions  News 

Artwork of the week - ‘Laundry Day’ by Jim Feeney

'Laundry Day' by Jim Feeney is our Artwork of the week! This painting has Feeney's signature brick reds and browns, surrounding the figure in the foreground and the laundry hanging above her. As usual with Jim Feeney's paintings, there's little guessing that Glasgow is the depicted subject, and certain visual clues help to place the scene quite awhile back in Glasgow's contemporary history. 

This is a very fine example of Jim's work, beautifully painted and nostalgic. You can see more of Jim's newest oil paintings in our Gallery II until 23 September. Titled 'squalor', this exhibition focuses on Glasgow, its people and its streets. Read more about the show here and stop in when you can. We also have Leslie Thompson's solo show in the main gallery, up until 23 September as well.

Posted on 31st August 2017 by PA Editor : permalink
Categories: Artists  Exhibitions  News  Workshops 

Walking Group - Week 16: Glasgow School of Art

"On Wednesday 23rd August the Walking Group were invited to a tour of the Against Landscape exhibition in the Reid Gallery at the Glasgow School of Art.

We were treated to lovely weather and enjoyed a stroll though the city from Trongate 103 up to GSA, via George Square. Once there we met Caroline Grape who would show us around and talk about the pieces and artists a little. She was very nice and had a lot of information about the work and also how the gallery works.

The GSA students themselves invigilate the gallery between lectures, giving them an experience in another area of the broader field of art. We saw many works in a wide variety of mediums including video installations, photography, paintings and sculpture.

We were also shown how the exhibition had been installed via basic wooden stacking blocks made especially so they could travel and be used to display work anywhere. It was actually the final day of this particular exhibition but the gallery space was fantastic and I would recommend keeping a look out for further exhibits on there, you can check out their website at http://www.gsa.ac.uk/visit-gsa/exhibitions/"
-Morag McGilchrist

Posted on 30th August 2017 by PA Editor : permalink
Categories: Artists  Exhibitions  News  Walking group  Workshops 

Artwork of the week - ‘Big Daddy and Giant Haystacks’ by Leslie Thompson

'Big Daddy and Giant Haystacks' is our Artwork of the Week! This drawing was made by Leslie Thompson, who had his first Scotttish solo show open with us last Friday. The exhibition, titled 'Leslie Thompson the Superstar Artist Drawer' is packed full of exciting and fascinating works of art. Leslie Thompson is from Manchester and works with Venture Arts studios, and is a prolific artist. This exhibition shows off some of his most impressive artworks which includes drawing, textile and scultpure. 'Big Daddy and Giant Haystacks' is a fun colourful artwork that packs a punch! Below is a photograph of Leslie when he was at Project Ability last Friday for the opening of his exhibition!

The show is well worth a stop into Trongate 103. It is truly an impressive exhibition showing a variety of Thompson's exquisite work.

Posted on 24th August 2017 by PA Editor : permalink
Categories: Artists  Exhibitions  News  Trongate 103 

Wanted for exhibition: DOLLS

Public call out to artists! Wanted for exhibition: DOLLS

Not just a child’s toy, the doll has been part of civilization since as far back as 2000 BC. The Paddle Doll, pictured above, is thought to be one of the oldest type of doll.

Every civilisation has their own evolution and history of doll making. Materials such as corn, bone, clay, cotton, wood and much more have all been used to make dolls. They’ve acted as fertility charms, company in the afterlife and as important symbols during religious ceremonies.
Project Ability is looking for artists to explore the idea of the doll for an exhibition in January 2018.

Russian Nesting dolls, (the matryoshkas) have been around since 1890 and have become much loved by all cultures. More recently, of course, are plastic and rubber dolls like the infamous Barbie and action figurines such as GI Joe and Marvel.

We are looking for artists who are already working with this idea, or artists who would like to try something new. As usual, we are hoping for extremely creative and unusual works of art. We want to celebrate the many charms and eccentricities of the doll.

Important info & dates:

Where: Project Ability, Trongate 103, Glasgow
When: 20 January – 24 February 2018

Deadlines:
Email submission only: on or before 3 November 2017
Please include: title, description of the piece, size, materials and an artist’s price. If exhibited, we will add 40% onto your artist’s price. You may choose for the work not to be for sale.

We will notify all applicants that their submission has been received.

Notification of successful artworks: by 17 November
Delivery of work: on or before 8 December (artist responsible for all carriage costs)

Other info: Artwork must be ready for display with instructions if needed
Artists can submit up to three artworks & up to three images per artwork
Please email questions & submissions to: exhibitions@project-ability.co.uk

Posted on 21st August 2017 by PA Editor : permalink
Categories: Artists  Exhibitions  News 

Artwork of the week - ‘Cleaning Up’ by Jim Feeney

Artwork of the week features a painting from one of our two exhibitions which open tomorrow. 'Cleaning Up' by Jim Feeney is painted in oil on stretched canvas. It takes us back a few decades in Glasgow's history;  evident through the dresses worn by the two young girls. Jim Feeney paints mainly Glasgow scenes, often from long ago, and usually in areas of squalor. The graffiti on the walls allows us a look into the mind of the artist and gives you an idea of the things that play on Feeney's mind.

Feeney has a selection of new paintings on display in our Gallery II from tomorrow. Titled 'squalor', this selection of work is a very fine example of Feeney's skills in painting with oil. He has a distinct and easily recognisable style, often using rich blues and reds which stand out against the grays and rust colours so familiar to anyone who's lived in or around Glasgow's tenements.

You can read about this exhibition here, and everyone is welcome along to see the show, tomorrow for the preview from 1 -3pm, or anytime after that until 23 September. At the same time we are also showing a large selection of work by Venture Arts, Manchester based artist Leslie Thompson.

Posted on 17th August 2017 by PA Editor : permalink
Categories: Artists  Exhibitions  News  Trongate 103 

Artwork of the Week - ‘The Three Stooges’ by Cameron Morgan

'The Three Stooges' by Cameron Morgan is our artwork of the week! This screen print takes inspiration from a recent trip to the Yorkshire Sculpture Park in Bretton. 'The Three Stooges' comes from the 80 strong assembly of identical two-metre-tall graphite figures titled, 'Black and Blue: The Invisible Man and the Masque of Blackness' by British-Trinidadian artist, Zak Ove. Cameron Morgan visited the scultpure park during a two week residency at The Art House in Wakefield where he was working with printmaker Richard Marsden. 'The Three Stooges' is part of an exhibition of prints and mixed media pieces that will preview tonight at The Art House. You can read more about this exhibition, titled 'First Edition' here. We've also made an online book featuring images of all of the work in the exhibition. These prints are all small editions of ten and they are for sale. Please contact the gallery if you are interested, exhibitions@project-ability.co.uk or 0141 552 2822. 

If you are a visual artist and would be interested in sharing your skills with Cameron, please follow this link to read about an opportunity to do just that.

Posted on 26th July 2017 by PA Editor : permalink
Categories: Artists  Exhibitions  News  Residency 

First Edition opens tonight in The Art House

Last June, Cameron Morgan spent two weeks in residency at The Art House in Wakefield, where he experimented with screen-printing.

The work produced is now being exhibited in a solo show titled First Edition, at The Art House, until 31 August. Opening: Wednesday 26 July, 5pm-9pm.

If you can't make it to the exhibition, have a look at Cameron's prints in our online book. 

Posted on 26th July 2017 by PA Editor : permalink
Categories: Artists  Exhibitions  News 

Royal visit at Project Ability

On Monday 24th July, we were delighted to welcome Princess Eugenie in our studios, accompanied by Glasgow's Lord Provost Eva Bolander.

After a short meeting with our Director Elisabeth Gibson, where she learnt more about our charity and the work we do, the Princess was introduced to the Aspire, ReConnect and Create artists present on the day and spent some time in the workshops.

She took time to talk with everybody, signed our comments book and even took part in our young people's performance workshop!

"What an amazing organisation. Thank you for sharing with me and I hope to see you all soon. 
Eugenie"

For more photos of the Princess's visit, please see our Facebook Page. 

Posted on 25th July 2017 by PA Editor : permalink
Categories: Artists  Exhibitions  News  Workshops 

Artist Residency / Creative Partnership opportunity

Project Ability has a new opportunity for a visual artist to develop a creative partnership with artist Cameron Morgan, FRSA. 

Cameron Morgan is a prominent learning disability artist.  He has received a professional development award from Creative Scotland to support his continuing artistic practice.  He is based in Glasgow and works in Project Ability’s studio in Trongate 103.

Fee: £2000
Closing date: 25th August 2017, 5pm.
Interviews: 1st September 2017, Project Ability, Trongate 103, Glasgow, G1 5HD

This is a call for an artist to open their studio to Morgan and share their practice.  It’s a “residency”, in your own studio; a day a week over 12 weeks to reflect, create, experiment, and learn while collaborating, conversing and working alongside Morgan.
What you choose to do and the approach taken will be a conversation negotiated between you, Morgan and facilitated by Project Ability.  Possible project outcomes if new work is made is a shared exhibition or artist talk.
This is the first of three opportunities that will be offered over 12 months.  Your commitment to the partnership will be approx. 12 days, 60 hours.

Morgan has exhibited widely and received public and critical accolades for his work.  He is expert in creating temporary gallery installations; large scale paintings worked directly onto the fabric of the gallery and his humorous ceramic sculptures.  He spent much of 2016, in the studio working on his Glasgow International commission TV Classics Part 1 (http://www.tvclassicspart1.co.uk): Project Ability, April 2016 and Put Your Sweet Lips Closer to the Phone: Tramway, September 2016. 

Learning disabled artists are under-represented in every area of contemporary visual arts; their work is not held in national collections and it has little exposure in public galleries.  The work is seldom researched, documented or critiqued.  There are a few notable artists who are change makers.  Through their talent and determination and the expertise of their support studios, their work is reaching audiences.  Cameron Morgan is a change maker.

The project explores the nature of artistic collaboration, knowledge and skill exchange and works towards a more equal and improved integration of inclusive arts practice. Project Ability supports artists with learning disabilities to develop their artistic practice and contribute to the contemporary visual art landscape. 

Interested? Send a covering letter describing your interest in the project, your C.V. and 6 images to director@project-ability.co.uk by Friday 25th August. 

Posted on 25th July 2017 by PA Editor : permalink
Categories: Artists  Exhibitions  News  Recruitment & Volunteering  Residency  Workshops 

Shop Item of the Week - by Tommy Mason

Shop Item of the Week is this lovely drypoint print by Tommy Mason. Titled 'Hill', this piece measures 20 x 28 cm and is priced at £25. You can view it on our online shop here, or pop by the gallery to see it in person. As always, if you would like this print framed, we can assist. Just contact us at exhibitions@project-ability.co.uk or ring 0141 552 2822.

Tommy Mason has work in a show that opens this evening at the Lighthouse in Glasgow. Organised by RECOAT, 'This WIll Ruin Everything' features the work of 40 fine artists who cross over into design. We are delighted that Tommy has been invited to exhibit with RECOAT. Please follow this link for more info about his exhibition.

Posted on 14th July 2017 by PA Editor : permalink
Categories: Artists  Exhibitions  News  Shop 

Summer workshops public performance

The first of our two week-long performance workshops will be drawing to a close on Friday. The young artists involved spent the week experimenting with music, textures and movement, responding to our current exhibition Young Talent through the medium of performance art.

Led by drama artist Clare Hume and with tutor Allan McKeown, these multi-sensory workshops have been a great opportunity for our participants to explore art via a more unconventional channel.

The group will be showcasing a performance for the public on Friday 14 July, at 1.30pm in Trongate 103. Everybody welcome!

Next workshop: week starting 24th July. There are still a few places available, call us on 0141 552 2822 to book a place. 

Posted on 12th July 2017 by PA Editor : permalink
Categories: Artists  Exhibitions  News  Workshops 

Artwork of the week - ‘Horse’ by Kyle Morrison

Artwork of the week is this painting on paper of a ‘Horse’ by Kyle Morrison. Kyle is part of our Create programme for young artists. This painting is one of two horses he has in the Young Talent exhibition which opens in the Project Ability gallery this Saturday, July 8th, at 1pm.

This ‘Horse’ is reminiscent of historic cave paintings found in places such as the Lascaux Cave in France. The simplicity of form and colour looks as though it has been borrowed from these paintings from the Stone Ages. Kyle has done a series of these Horse paintings and each has its own subtle variations in the same way as the cave paintings do.

Posted on 5th July 2017 by PA Editor : permalink
Categories: Artists  Exhibitions  News  Trongate 103 

Cameron Morgan - Arthouse residency Week 1

Cameron Morgan is now starting his second week in residence at the Arthouse. Technician Jim Ewen spent the first week with him, and brought back many photos and many stories. 

Tuesday 20th June: we started the day meeting Richard Marsden -the screen printer- who would be working with us exploring the process. We jumped straight in, turning Cameron’s picture of the combine harvester into a 4 colour print. This involved quite a lot of preparation of scanning editing and colour separation on the computer. Printing the images onto acetate. Coating the silkscreens, then exposing them, and finally, washing and drying the screens. Next, Cameron mixed some ink and taped up the excess areas of the screen. Now we were ready to print and 10 sheets later we were done. The first colour of the combine was done.

We stopped for lunch and in the time we had left we made some experiments using tape. Set a shape with tape on the back of the screen and then use ink to make some interesting colour prints. We learned how the ink mixes on the screen and how to mask off areas like a stencil.

Wash up time and that was our first day with Richard. We had a break and then came back for the rest of the afternoon. Cameron worked on a new drawing of an agricultural windmill or water pump as they were used, and I made some experiments with paper stencils. We decided to make Cameron’s drawing into a stencil and started cutting it up. It felt good to be thinking up ideas and just doing it. Just a few hours ago we didn’t have the confidence to do that. Now it felt natural, like we knew what we were doing. And it worked, we got a good print from the paper stencil.

Wednesday started with the aim to complete the combine harvester. Another 3 colours to print. Because the ink was water based and because of the weather, the ink dried quickly so we could over print after about 40 min. The finished edition of 10 prints were just stunning. A major achievement in so little time.

In-between the colour printing, when Richard washed the screens or prepared the next one, Cameron got on with developing the windmill print. He traced on top of the print where highlights should go and then made another paper stencil. This time with a grey ink. It was coming on really well. We removed the stencil for the final print just to see what would happen- a ghostly image of the windmill appeared. Later on Cameron would draw on top of this print to create a fantastic finished piece.

After a very busy day, it was time for dinner. We tried the Thai Street Food Wakefield and it became our favourite restaurant.

On Thursday the plan was to do another of Cameron’s drawings. This time of a tractor ploughing a field. We were going to do 3 colours in just a few hours. With screen printing there are always test prints before the good paper goes in. we had built up many such prints and they were overprinted with each new colour. The result was a stack of chaotic and beautiful prints which could easily go into the coming exhibition.

The final edition of the tractor was finished just as the photographer arrived so Richard decided to make another colour experiment print. Making a shape with tape on the screen Cameron then literally threw ink at the screen. Almost got the photographer too! He made some great prints with bright, bright colours.

Again in-between printing the tractor we worked on the windmill print. Cameron made a third stencil for which we printed in pink. He also over drew another of the ghost prints. They turned out great, and with that Thursday was done.

Friday started early. It was my last full day with Cameron. I would be going home on Saturday and Jason Davis would be coming down to take over my duties. Richard wasn’t working with us today so we had to carry on experimenting on our own. Through the week I had been making experiment prints with paper stencils and then overprinting with an exposed screen with a drawing on it. My drawings and paintings are all based on an imaginary place called Zillerholm. It allows me to mash out lots of different places and cultures in one place. The prints I made tied into this as well. I was really pleased with them but I didn’t need to do anymore of them. So today, Cameron and I worked together, using everything we had learned, to make hybrid drawings and prints.

We started with some quality paper, Fabriano Rosapina, and using watercolour, graphite and ink, made some paintings which were all about mark making and colour. Then we tore them up. We prepared the screen with a landscape format and attached strips of tape. Cameron mixed some bright colours and then we started printing. At first on fresh paper and later on the torn up paintings.

We over printed some twice, and on some prints used Cameron’s tractor plough image as well. It was a really fun day and we got what we wanted -the happy accident. It turned up everywhere. The paintings we torn up were printed really randomly, however when we fitted them back together in 2s and 3s it worked so well. They were meant to go back together. We were really pleased, the creative gods were blessing us today.

We cleaned up the studio and as I sorted out all the prints we had done over the 4 days, Cameron started over drawing 2 of the prints. He created a couple of gems. And with that we were done. A nine hour day. My legs were aching. I needed a sit down and a cold beer. I got both. It was a real pleasure working with Cameron and I really enjoyed our chats in the evenings over food and beer. I’ll miss Wakefield as well, the Arthouse staff and the sun. Time to go home.

Posted on 27th June 2017 by PA Editor : permalink
Categories: Artists  Exhibitions  News  Residency  Workshops 

Cameron Morgan shortlisted for Dentons Art Prize

We are delighted to announce that Cameron Morgan has been shortlisted for the Dentons Art Prize. Dentons is collaborating with curator Niamh White and artist Tim A Shaw to host a biannual £5,000 prize for the most exciting emerging contemporary artists working today.

The Dentons Art Prize is awarded by an independent jury of top art world professionals. Past panels have included high profile artists Richard Wentworth, Mark Titchner, Susan Hiller and Michael Landy, gallerists Neil Wenman, Simon Lee, Hannah Barry and Maureen Paley, collector and philanthropist Valeria Napoleone and curators Ziba Ardalan and Ellen Greig.
Each artist exhibits a selection of artwork at Dentons One Fleet Place meeting rooms and receives 5 hours of pro bono legal advice. Previous winners of the Dentons Art Prize include Paresha Amin (S/S17), Alexandra Lethbridge (A/W16) and Aimee Parrott (S/S16).

In conjunction with this award, Dentons also celebrates one artist with the “Staff Prize”. This will be awarded to the most popular artist as voted by Dentons’ London employees.

Congratulations to Cameron and all the other shortlisted artists! 

Posted on 19th June 2017 by PA Editor : permalink
Categories: Artists  Exhibitions  News 

Project Ability artists visit NHS offices in Glasgow

The NHS recently bought a selection of paintings from Project Ability artists, which are now adorning the walls of their Glasgow and Edinburgh offices.

Yesterday, the artists were invited to visit the NHS offices in Cadogan Street to see their work in situ. The paintings looked amazing on the offices' coloured walls, and the artists were delighted to see their artworks on display. They happily posed in front of their paintings, and answered questions from the staff.

Everybody then enjoyed some refreshments and canapes afterwards.

Heather Lander, Project Ability's Exhibitions Coordinator said: "It was really great to have the opportunity for the artists to see their work in situ within the NHS offices. The reception the staff from the NHS put on for us was brilliant and very generous. The paintings look fantastic! Thanks to everyone who made it possible."

Artists: Fiona Thornton, Obi Oguguo, Martin Sloss, Jim Feeny, Craig Murray, Cameron Morgan, Jonathan McKinstry, Ronnie McCulloch.

Posted on 7th June 2017 by PA Editor : permalink
Categories: Exhibitions  News 

Cameron Morgan at the ArtHouse

Cameron Morgan will be in residence at the ArtHouse in Wakefield, from the 17th June to the 1st July.

He will be working in the print studio with local print maker Richard Marsden for three days each week. The outcome of the residency will be exhibited in the ArtHouse from the 26th July for one month with the possibility to then travel to other locations.

We are very much looking forward to seeing what he will create in the studio!

Posted on 5th June 2017 by PA Editor : permalink
Categories: Artists  Exhibitions  News