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 .