Launching our NEW BLOG!

Welcome to Showcase BAS

During Open Studios 2013 we are launching our new blog. We are introducing you to the diverse range of creatives here at the Studios. Gain an insight into the processes of the individual Artists and have a peek inside their Studios!

Coming up soon meet our resident stonemason Jem Hobbs, artist /designer and educator Paula Tew and oil painter Ewan Robertson.

So let us introduce you to a select few...

Mary-Jane Evans

Can you tell us about your background and current art practice?

I completed a degree 7 years ago in three dimensional design. My approach to working was very explorative. I enjoyed 'breaking the rules' and finding my own exciting way of working. I have carried on in the same vein by constantly pushing experimental processes. I source inspiration from a variety of sources. I am inspired by architecture and the Jurassic Coast where I was born. More recently inspiration has come form news reel coverage of war zones.

Some people find my work quite sinister but I see beauty in destruction. I like my work to appear decayed and to exaggerate the deterioration process. I fire my pieces up to three times using corrosive materials. I also create delicate pieces, I love the purity of porcelain. I make more traditional vessels that are more commercial.

I work intuitively, starting off on a small scale-the piece grows and emerges. If I feel like a piece isn't working I smash it up into pieces and use them in another piece. I never throw anything away!



How often are you at the Studios?

This is my main place of work, I am here 5 days a week. My studio is both a making and teaching space.

I offer 1 to 1 tuition and workshops with a maximum of 8 people.

How long have you been here and do you intend to stay?

I've been here for 6 years, i'm quite a long-term resident! I can't imagine not being here.



What are the benefits of having a studio here?

The studios benefits my practice. I love it here! There is a feeling of belonging to a community. We are all supportive, it's a special place.

mjmceramics.co.uk

bathartistsstudios.co.uk/mary-jane-evans

Gillian McFarland

Can you tell us about your creative practice and what inspires you?

My practice is constantly developing it is playful and therapeutic. I like working with textured surfaces and the act of making a mark interests me. I am interested in the notion of mark making without actually drawing or using a pencil. The idea of using Braille inspired me as my mother was blind, so I began to puncture papers to create marks.

Earlier work consisted of stark white papers and repetitive mark making. I then began to use ink blots and free-flowing marks, I like the idea that everyone has their own interpretation of what they see and not everyone sees the same thing. My earlier work was very controlled and the mark making was very precise, in contrast the ink blots are free and uncontrolled.

What processes are you exploring now?

I am now interested in staining and exploring the impact we have on the environment. I am inspired by the traces that are left behind by humans, I think this came from when my family home was taken down after my mother died. When the rooms were emptied we found traces all around the walls were my mother would feel along the walls to find her way around. 

How do you use your space? 

My studio is a space to be with my thoughts and to get away from my busy lifestyle.

Can you tell us about any projects that you're working on at the moment? 

I am a freelance Art Educator at The Holburne Museum. I'm also working on the Drawing Room project at St saviours Infants and St Marks. I deliver creative art days at Sheldon Secondary School. I work with Mary Caron Courtney at the Gardener's Lodge Art Group at The Holburne Museum and also the Wednesday Development Group.

I am also leading the BAS Education Outreach Development Programme. 

How often are you at the Studios?

Not enough! Several times a week I am in and out. I've been in Studios three years -I love it here I don't ever want to leave.

Describe what it's like to be an Artist here...

The experience of being an Artist at BAS is welcoming and supportive -it is a unique environment. There is no competition and there is mutual respect and support. It's a special place, there is a real buzz here and it is brimming with potential.


Click here to hear more on Gillian .

Georgia Cox

Can you tell us a bit about your art practice?

I paint portraits and still life in oil. At the moment I'm concentrating on flower compositions.  

How much time do you spend in your studio? 

I'm here as much as possible both at weekends and on weekdays. 

How long have you been at the Studios?

I have been here about a year and a half now.

Can you tell us what you like most about being an Artist at BAS?

I love having the opportunity to paint every day, the studio Artists' here are inspiring and I feel part of the family.

www.georgiacox.co.uk

Mary Caron-Courtney

Tell us about your creative practice...

I am a Mixed Media Artist and Art Educator. 
My creative work is mainly process driven, I like to work with any given medium that is in front of me. 

I used to work to set themes but now I enjoy the process of the work developing over time. I have a free approach to working without trying to focus on the outcome. I enjoy deconstructing textures and working back in to a piece through peeling sections away, revealing layers and scratching away at the surface. I work with a variety of papers, fabric remnants, bead and wire embellishment.

How often are you at the Studios?

I aim to be here 2-3 days a week. I also teach the Wednesday Development Group in the school room with fellow BAS artist Gillian McFarland.


How do you use your studio space?

I use the studio space for developing my own practice. It is essential to have a creative space away from home. I also use the studio as a base for prepping materials used in my role as an Art Educator.



What are the benefits of having a studio here?

I enjoy the social interaction and being part of a collective. It's great to be able to share ideas and collaborate on projects. It's wonderful to have my own designated place to just 'be'. I had quite a long break from creative practice, so it's great to be surrounded by well informed current Artists. I hear first hand about local opportunities and exhibitions and have access to magazines and journals.

Do you intend to stay at the Studios?

Most definitely.

Mary will be giving a brief talk and family workshop at The Holburne Museum, Bath.

Sunday 15 September
"I'm a Mixed-Media Artist..." with Mary Caron-Courtney
Mary works with a variety of materials and will show you how to create beautiful collages using paper and textiles - inspired by the colours in our exhibition Rembrandt and his Contemporaries: Paintings from the Royal Collection.