Today, Folk Features announces its latest key partner: Grace Adam, a Suffolk-based artist, educator and YouTuber! Here, the presenter on The Art Channel explains why she wanted to get involved, and what we can expect from her over the coming months
I live in Barsham, just outside Beccles teach at Chelsea College of Arts and lecture on the exhibitions at the Royal Academy of Arts, so part of my week is spent in London. I trained as a painter, then went back to Chelsea to study sculpture and installation. I was a Fellow there for a year, and then took a Postgraduate Certificate. My practice includes drawing, sculpture and installation – and recently creating ceramic objects which is a new venture for me. I’m very interested in the places and spaces we occupy; in public, private and domestic spaces; how we make and negotiate them, and the objects we populate these spaces with.
I’ve been lucky enough to work in lots of amazing galleries including the National Portrait Gallery, Tate, Courtauld and Serpentine, writing and delivering talks, workshops, and Continuing Professional Development.
My colleague and I set up – and present – The Art Channel. We make short independent film reviews of modern and contemporary art exhibitions. Our most recent ones include Cezanne at Tate, Peter Doig at the Courtauld and Alice Neel Hot Off The Griddle at the Barbican. It is free to subscribe, so please do support us!
When did you start doing art workshops at The Raveningham Centre and who are they aimed at? What’s coming up next?
I started the talks and workshops in January. They are very inclusive, so if you went to art college, are a practising artist or just fancy trying something new, you’re welcome. I teach in a tailored and accessible way, so I can introduce people to new concepts and techniques or help them to extend their existing practice.
The last two in this series at Raveningham are coming up soon: Found Objects Sculpture on 15th April and Create an Artist’s Book on 29th April.
Are you planning any more illustrated talks?
Yes, I’m thinking of doing these…What do you think? This is my shortlist:
- Peter Doig at the Courtauld
- Alice Neel at the Barbican
- Souls Grown Deep like the Rivers, which is an amazing new show at the Royal Academy of Arts.
- Drawing
- Colour
- 5 Women Painters who changed the World.
- After Impressionism
I’m not sure which yet, so any feedback will be welcome…
We’re in the middle of a cost-of-living crisis – how important is art during these challenging times, do you think?
Art Is essential. It can be very inexpensive to make and is a way to focus our minds on something else, to be creative, to learn new skills and just have fun. As many people live alone and might want some company, it’s also a way to bring people together. Recently I went to visit the wall paintings at St Mary’s Church, Houghton-on-the-Hill which were painted more than 900 years ago. They are exquisite, and well worth hunting down. There are free museums and collections as well as beautiful churches all around us, so an art fix is easy.
You’ve come forward as the new key partner for Folk Features – what is it about the website that appeals to you?
People are inventive and creative and are doing interesting things. That’s something to celebrate and be part of.
What are your plans for the rest of the year?
Right now, I’m working with the British Council in Myanmar on a lecture and workshops for young Myanmar artists who are interested in curating. Filming After Impressionism at The National Gallery is coming up soon.
I’ve got a busy summer making new work: for an exhibition at All Saints Church, Wighton, North Norfolk; for the Raveningham Sculpture Trail; and for Lonely Arts Club in Norwich. I’m also developing some creative workshops at Toad Hall Lodges, near Southwold.
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