Director's News

Welcome back to our e-newsletter after a well-earned summer holiday. We return to you with news good and news not so, the good news being the completion of Manor Oaks Studios – baring some lovely landscaping – reported on by Mir below, and the not so good being the closure of our exhibition space.

We do not live in uncertain times, someone said to me recently, nothing can be more certain than that times are hard and will get harder before they get better. We hope to find a way to show the work of artists and craftspeople in that lovely space from early next year and are very keen to hear from any potential partners.

To cheer ourselves up we are launching a new e-news item ‘Interview with an Artist’ in which we will bring you inspiring tales of creativity, starting this edition with silversmith Katey Felton.

Kate Dore
Director, Yorkshire Artspace 

Studio Updates

Knutton Road Studios

Building work on the new Knutton Road Studios is progressing and the steelwork is being erected (see image above). We will be conducting regular visits on site in the new year for artists interested in a studio in this new development.  SOAR Enterprises will be doing the first site tour on Friday 14th January 2011. If you are interested in joining the tour then email Sarah.Larssen@SOARegen.org.uk to book your place. The building architects Zero Zero also have a blog of work on site at http://architecture00.wordpress.com/2010/07/09/soar-works-sheffield-work-begins/

Knutton Road Studios are due to open in summer 2011 and will be situated on the top floor of this mixed use building.  All units have natural skylight and are particularly suitable for quieter visual arts practices . Facilities include free on-site parking, a triple height communal atrium space and access to business services. Studio sizes range from 365 sq ft to 675 sq ft charged at £6 per sq ft per annum. Heat and power are charged separately based on usage.

Yorkshire Artspace is inviting applications from artists interested in renting a studio space in this new development. For an application form, click on the link: http://artspace.org.uk/studios/applying-for-studio-space

Manor Oaks Studios

And yes ..... FINALLY!   We are extremely happy to  announce that the beautiful studios on Manor Lane are now officially complete.  Jewellery designer Annette Petch has moved into studio unit 1 from where she runs regular jewellery making workshops.  Furniture maker Finnbar Lucas has moved into studio unit 2.  We warmly welcome them both.

Ceramicist Susan Disley will be moving into studio unit 3 over the next couple of weeks and we will be interviewing applicants for our the starter studio programme for emerging ceramicists on Monday 6th September.  The selected individuals will be moving into studio 4 in early October.

We are aiming to officially open the new studios later in the year.

Open Studios 2010

Our annual open studios event will take place in the weekend of 19th to 21st November 2010. Artists at  Persistence Works and Porter Brook studios will open their doors on Friday evening 19th between 5.30 and 8.30 pm, and Saturday 20th from 11 am to 5 pm.  Our new Manor Oaks studios will be open on Sunday 21st November between 11 am and 4 pm.

Parson Cross - Artists Appointed

Yorkshire Artspace is delighted to announce that we have appointed  artists Steve Pool & Kate Genever of THE COLLABORATORS to work with us in Parson Cross prior to the opening of the Knutton Road Studios. Kate and Steve will help us begin the process of introducing ourselves within the neighbourhood over the coming months and help us work towards a position where a lot more people have some idea about who we are and what we are about. The outcome of this project is a participatory event at the opening of the new Chaucer Buchanan public square with the Library Learning Centre.

Steve and Kate are interested in trading ideas and skills in Parson Cross. They aim to meet people by trying to engage with the 'disorganised majority’ and we will keep you posted on their progress.

Kate Genever is a freelance artist based in Lincolnshire, she completed an MA in printmaking at Royal College of Art in 2008. In recent years she has undertaken a number of site specific public artworks in Blackpool, Derbyshire and Yorkshire. In 2006/7 she was Artist in Residence in Golcar, Huddersfield (see image above: 'Tats' by Kate Genever) on an audience development and inclusion project. She is a part time lecturer at Nottingham and Leeds Universities.  

Steve Pool is a freelance artist based in Sheffield whose practice includes the brokering and delivery of creative projects in education, local authority, regeneration, museums and gallery contexts. Recent work includes; artist and lecturer, Universityof Sheffield architecture department. art consultant, Whitworth Museum, Manchester and artist trainer, Leeds City Gallery. He recently undertook a one-year residency based project Artists, Arts and Artefacts at Artemis, Leeds City Art Gallery.

Michael Rosen poem commissioned for Parson Cross

Famous Children’s author and Poet Laureate Michael Rosen has been commissioned to write a poem for the new Library Learning Centre in Parson Cross as part of Sheffield City Council's Text and the City project – a great sign of the commitment to extending the quality of the city centre into the neighbourhoods. Michael was in town recently for Sheffield Children’s Festival when he commented “I’m extremely passionate about libraries and the access to free books, which is like a treasure trove of information and I came up with a Pirate and Treasure theme for the poem for Parson Cross Library Learning Centre. I’m really looking forward to unveiling my poem at the opening of the new library building"

Yorkshire Artspace - NEW Residencies 2011  

We are inviting applications from artists to undertake two residency projects over the course of 2011 at our new studio complex at Manor Oaks and in the neighbourhood of Parson Cross where our new Knutton Road studios are due to open next Summer.

At Manor Oaks we are looking for a mid-career/established artist who works with ceramics. The artist will have access to the facilities at the new starter workshop for ceramicists at Manor Oaks. We are expecting the artist to develop his/her ideas and work in relation to this new site, a former deer park with Tudor remains developed into a heritage visitor centre in the last 10 years.

In Parson Cross we are looking for an established visual artist to develop new ideas and work in relation to the Parson Cross neighbourhood. Residency briefs with details on fees and budgets available as well as the application forms can be found at http://artspace.org.uk/programmes/artist-residencies

Deadline for applications is 5pm Friday 5th November 2010

Starting Out 2010

After a 3-year break, we are re-instating our Starting Out course. This popular course which will take the delegates through an ‘everything you ever needed to know about setting up your creative enterprise’ will take place on six Mondays in October and November at Persistence Works and is aimed at emerging artists/makers. It will cover the following:-

Monday 11th October 2010: Starting Out with Patrica van den Akker, Akker and Co, London - a full fun day about planning your business. Cost £15

Monday 1st November 2010: Work Work Work – a full day of talks and workshop sessions about using your creative and professional skills in other work environments such as education / community outreach / public art and regeneration. Plus a session on working with industry/manufacturers. Cost £15

Monday 8th November 2010: How do you do ... - a full day of talks by artists and other professionals who have experience of the private/commercial gallery sector / museums / craft fairs / event organisation. Plus a session delivered by AXIS on how to get the best out of websites and social networking. Cost £15

Monday 15th November 2010: Know your rights – a half day on legal issues such as contractual agreements, intellectual copyright and public/product liability delivered by Law Firm Irwin Mitchells. Cost £10

Monday 22nd November 2010: You & Your Work – a full day workshop sessions with PR Training Consultant Surriya Falconer about how to market you and your work. Cost £15

Monday 29th November 2010: Money Matters - a half day with sessions on fundraising, basic accounting and pricing your work and services with input from Grant Thornton Accountants. Cost £10 (This final day of the course will be followed by an evaluation session for those artists/makers who attended all 6 sessions)

£75 reduced cost if attending all 6 sessions. Book your place by emailing Mir at mir@artspace.org.uk.

Interview with artist Katey Felton

Name:  Katey Felton \ Building: Persistence Works \ Art Form: Designer Silversmith   Further Information from www.kateyfelton.com

Can you describe your creative practice to someone who may not be familiar with it?  The inspiration for my silverware derives from my strong interest in the creases found in natural forms such as shells, fruit and skin. My work reflects the flowing curves and seductive forms that are pleasing to the eye. I specialize in using the techniques of chasing and repoussé. Each piece is individually hand-formed using steel punch tools and every hammer mark is struck with careful consideration. I aim to make silverware which is not only beautiful to look at but also a pleasure to use. The technique of chasing allows me to create wonderful form and pattern giving movement to sheet silver, almost bringing it to life. I have won several awards the most recent from the Goldsmiths’ Craft and Design Council for my high standards of excellence in the technique of chasing.

How long have you had a studio at Yorkshire Artspace and what brought you here? I secured a place on the very first Silversmithing Starter Studio programme in 2002 and moved from Birmingham after completing an MA in Jewellery and Silversmithing at Birmingham School of Jewellery. After the programme finished in 2004 I set up a shared studio at Persistence Works with fellow ‘graduate’ Paul Butler and in 2006 I was able to set up a studio by myself.

How do you make your living as an artist/maker? As well as working to commission I run metalworking workshops for all ages, do seminars, talks and demonstrations (for the National Trust for instance) and have worked for Sheffield Assay Office in the past.

How does having a studio at Yorkshire Artspace support your practice? Obviously the Silversmithing Starter Studio Programme was instrumental in the setting up and development of my business. A fully equipped affordable studio, help and support from staff and mentors on the programme and commission opportunities put me in a great starting position. I am currently working on a commission from the Sheffield Assay Office for one of their Guardians. I was introduced to this particular person on one of the early tours of Persistence Works for Sheffield Assay Office, the main programme sponsor, and as a direct result he was the first client I had. The owner of a reputable store in Sheffield, he saw my work and instantly commissioned around 8 pieces for his Sheffield, Leeds and York stores. I feel it is a really creative environment in which to work. I have the benefit of both worlds, if I want to concentrate on designing and making I have my own private space in which to work and if I want to bounce ideas off colleagues all I have to do is step outside my door. I find talking to other artists very stimulating and it is also beneficial for collaborative practice.

What has been your highlight over the last year? I had the pleasure to work on a very special commission for the Sheffield Jewish Reform Congregation. The pieces commissioned included a breast plate and a pair of rimmonim. I was delighted that the whole congregation was involved in the consultation process and every member was engaged in decisions about the design of the pieces. It was a privilege to make such precious items which will be used for many years to come. I am very proud of the final work produced and all involved agreed that they were beautiful to look at and a pleasure to handle.

What are you working on at the moment? At the moment I am working on several private commissions, one of which is very challenging and rewarding as it has been the first time I have worked with stones. A client saw my work on display in the Millennium Galleries and came to visit my studio asking if I could set two sizable opals into a piece of silverware. After our initial conversation I sat down with the client and a sketchbook and together we came up with some initial design ideas. The ‘Ripple’ bowl is hand chased in Britannia Silver with the idea of dropping stones into water.

Yorkshire Artspace Artists' News 

City States: an exhibition by Keith Hayman and Jenny Jackson

Stepping through the fading red doors of the old empty building, they were met by two rusting towers rising out of a sea of rubbish. And there were sounds such as they had never heard before. How were they to describe what they had experienced that night?

City States, a construction and sound collaboration between artist Keith Hayman (image above) and composer Jenny Jackson is at X-Church in Gainsborough from 11th September to 9th October.

Private View and Live Performance: Saturday 11th September at 7pm.  For more information visit www.slumgothic.co.uk 

Origin010 - New work by Paul Evans, Chris Jones and Humanstudio

Exhibition continues until 12th September with Artists' talk on Thursday 9th September from 7.30 - 8.30pm.   Sheffield Institute of Arts Gallery, Furnival Building, Sheffield Hallam University, 153 Arundel Street, Sheffield S1 2NU.   For further information please visit www.origin010.org

Steve Dutton and Steve Swindells will be showing new work in the group show 'Surface Depth' at H Gallery in Bangkok between 2nd and 30th September.  Their work entitled 'Death to the Fascist Insect that Preys on the Life of the People' was the revolutionary slogan of the Symbionese Liberation Army (SLA) of 1974.  

Dutton and Swindels have developed a process of transcribing texts into musical notation. This process involves 'writing' onto a muscial software programme.  A number of their recent pieces have used political, or inflammatory slogans as the 'base' text from which a sound work is then developed.  More information on the show from www.hgallerybkk.com

Paul Morrison will be showing at Galerie Bob van Orsauw  in Zurich from 25th September to 6th November 2010 together with photographer Walter Pfeiffer. More information can be found on www.bobvanorsouw.ch/flash.htm

"Morrison will among other things execute an expansive wall painting.  Via a virtuoso game of positive and negative forms, as well as with different non-co-herent visual angles, the artist prompts a decentered feeling in the viewer - an appeal to rethink the usual practice of visual and verbal attribution in a happy-go-lucky way". Galerie Bob van Orsauw - press release August 2010

Workshops for the Public

Jewellery Making with Annette Petch on Saturday 25th September & Saturday 13 November 2010 from 10am to 4 pm in studio 1 at Manor Oaks Studios.  On this course you will design and make a piece of silver jewellery, possibly a ring to fit your finger, a pendant, or a pair of earrings. No previous experience necessary. The maximum group size is 4 people. Techniques covered may include cutting and shaping, annealing, silver soldering, etching, chasing, roller texturing and patination.

Cost £75 - this includes a small amount of silver. Bring a packed lunch and footwear suitable for a workshop environment as you will be using heavy and sharp equipment. Tea, coffee and biscuits are provided.

Location of studio 1 at Manor Oaks Studios is: Green Estate, 389 Manor Lane, Sheffield, S2 1UL.   There is a car park on site, and the studio is also accessible by public transport.

To book your place, contact Annette directly: annette@annettepetchjewellery.co.uk or phone 07952 235985.  Early booking is recommended. For more information about Annette and her work go to www.annettepetchjewellery.co.uk

Printmaking with Rosemary Watson (etching / drypoint) on Saturday 9th October, 2 pm to 5 pm in studio 22 at Persistence Works Studios. Suitable for beginners as well as more experienced people. Maximum 4 places. These workshops use non-toxic printing inks.

To book your place or request further information, please contact the artist directly on 0114 2364930 or email Rosemary on info@arosemarywatson.co.uk.  Cost £25 including materials. Rosemary will be holding further life drawing and printmaking workshops in November and December. Email Rosemary for further information. 

Art & Craft Fairs in September and October

Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair

Friday 22nd to Sunday 24th October 2010 at the Pavilion in Spinningfields, Hardman Boulevard, off Deansgate, Manchester, M3 3AQ. www.greatnorthernevents.co.uk Admission on door: £6 (£5 concession)

Now in its third year, the contemporary craft buying event will feature 150 designer-makers in ceramics, jewellery, textiles, glass, furniture and other fashion, home and interior products.

Origin – the London Craft Fair

Thursday 23rd September to Wednesday 29th September 2010. The new venue this year is at Old Spitalfields Market in London, E1 6EW. More information can be found on www.originuk.org

Frieze Art Fair 2010

Runs this year from 14th to 17th October, again at Regents Park in London. See www.friezeartfair.com for the programme of talks, performances and gigs.

Affordable Art Fair

Is on between 21st and 24th October at Battersea Park in London. For further information visit www.affordableartfair.co.uk

Opportunities

Jerwood Painting Fellowships 2010 - call for entries

A new initiative from Jerwood Visual Arts created to support three outstanding painters.  The purpose of the Fellowships is to offer structured opportunities for emerging artists to develop in two distinctive areas: studio practice and professional development. For more information and to enter on online visit www.jerwoodvisualarts.org

UK Young Artists

Describes itself as a 'showcase for the best of the UK's young and innovative talent'. Its first national event will take place in 2010 with the chance to be selected to represent the UK at the Biennale of Young Artists from Europe and the Mediterranean in Morocco in 2011. For more information and to enter online visit www.ukyoungartists.co.uk

1-2-1 Advisory Sessions

• For career development and funding applications: Contact Mir Jansen, Programme Manager professional development on 0114 2130111 or mir@artspace.org.uk

• For arts education & outreach: Contact Rachael Dodd, Programme Manager education & outreach on 0114 2130111 or rachael@artspace.org.uk

Contact Details

Yorkshire Artspace
Persistence Works
21 Brown Street
Sheffield
S1 2BS
www.artspace.org.uk
info@artspace.org.uk 
0114 2761769 

VAT Registration No 737 719 009 Charity No 1049370 Registration No 3034923

To unsubscribe please email info@artspace.org.uk

September 2010

Director's News Open Studios 2010 Parson Cross - Artists Appointed Michael Rosen poem commissioned for Parson Cross Yorkshire Artspace - NEW Residencies 2011   Starting Out 2010 Yorkshire Artspace Artists' News  Art & Craft Fairs in September and October Opportunities

For more info

Visit the all new Yorkshire Artspace Website for more news and info...