fluralbannach

[fluralbannach]

I'm currently learning how to crochet! I would love any guidance I can get, as I've heard crocheting can be difficult. I can chain quite confidently now, but I'm unsure of how to do a one-crochet, two-crochet, and so on. The help would be greatly appreciated as I would like to make something for my boyfriend, his mum, and his dad as a thank you for welcoming me into their family.

[fluralbannach]

Life Drawing practice

Media

- 2B pencil

- Blue and Purple Watercolour pencils (they blend easily)

[fluralbannach]

Funding opportunities, Funding bodies/organisations and Exhibition opportunities

Opportunities and Organisations Supporting Visual Artists in Scotland

By distributing funds from the Scottish Government and the National Lottery, Creative Scotland is a critical lifeline for Scotland's film, television, and creative industries. This financing supports a wide range of groups throughout Scotland, fosters personal growth, funds creative ideas, fresh projects, and new work, and carries out targeted activities in partnership with other organisations. Creative Scotland seeks to address the significant need for support among artists and independent contractors by offering a range of financing options and initiatives.

Creative Scotland Open Fund

The Creative Scotland Open Fund allows people and organisations to experiment with new ways of working and adjust to the constantly shifting conditions of the modern world. With applications ranging from £1,000 to £100,000, the fund provides substantial financial support. Due to this versatility, artists can work on various projects, from modest solo endeavours to larger organisational endeavours. For visual artists who need to be creative and find new ways to produce and exhibit their work in the face of constant obstacles, the Open Fund is essential.

Visual Artist and Craft Makers Awards (VACMA)

The Visual Artist and Craft Makers Awards (VACMA) gives small grants to Scottish-based visual artists and craft makers to help with their professional and creative growth. In collaboration with several local administrations and art agencies, VACMA offers grants of £500 and £750. The application deadline is November 10th. These grants are crucial for artists who want to improve their professional practices, create new projects, and hone their skills.

Jerwood Live Work Fund

With a total value of £660,000, the Jerwood Live Work Fund is expected to provide 12 months of help for at least 33 persons. £20,000 will be awarded to each grantee to help them modify how they produce and distribute live content. This grant is intended for producers, artists, and creatives with no more than ten years of experience whose primary concentration was live performance before COVID-19. Music, theatre, opera, circus, dance, live art, and performance are among the arts that qualify, as do those who work at the nexus of these disciplines. The initiative intends to assist artists in navigating and thriving in the post-pandemic landscape. Applications are due by November 16th.

Tasgadh Small Grants for Traditional Arts Fund

Open to individuals and organisations, the Tasgadh Small Grants for Traditional Arts Fund is administered by Fèisean nan Gàidheal and devolved from Creative Scotland. It helps established performers, artists, and organisations make, tour, and exhibit their work. The fund can also support learning initiatives and professional development to ensure the continuous development and preservation of Scotland's rich traditional arts legacy.

Balavoulin Art Group (BAG) Grants

Currently accepting applications are artists with a solid connection to Scotland’s Highlands and Islands region for the Balavoulin Art Group (BAG) Grants. BAG is dedicated to helping artists who persevere in their projects and professional growth despite obstacles. Submissions are accepted through November 15 and assist artists from this distinctive and culturally vibrant region.

Other Funding Opportunities

While the British Council's Connections Through Culture Arts and Creative Economy Research fund supports UK-based artists, cultural professionals, and members of art collectives, the Awesome Foundation Glasgow Chapter offers £500 monthly mini-grants for creative initiatives. The William Syson Foundation Funding is available to individuals and non-profit arts organisations in Scotland. Grants up to £5,000 are available, with more considerable amounts beginning at £5,001. The application deadline is November 8th (as of 2024); however, submissions are accepted anytime.

Art Fund's Small Project Grants

Small project grants from The Art Fund enable galleries, museums, and other visual arts groups to realise their creative visions. Up to £10,000 in grants are given to projects, activities, and results that fit into one or more of the Art Fund’s four programming strands: Creating connections, Building collections, Shaping futures, and Reaching audiences. Public museums, galleries, historic homes, libraries, and archives with open spaces are among the organisations that qualify.

Networking and Exhibitions

Networking is crucial for visual artists looking for exhibition chances and career growth. Access to exhibition calls, feedback on one's work, and relationships with curators and galleries can all be obtained via joining networks. These networks provide a community of shared learning and support by making partnerships possible that otherwise might not have been possible. Group exhibitions staged by artists can also give artists vital exposure and experience, giving them a platform to present their work to larger audiences. Furthermore, networking assists artists in remaining current on financing opportunities, professional development tools, and industry trends—all essential for maintaining a vibrant and successful artistic career.

Conclusion

The abundance of financing options and support services that Scotland offers visual artists indicates its dedication to fostering and maintaining the creative industry. Artists have many opportunities to investigate and advance their techniques, ranging from large grants from Creative Scotland to more focused, smaller initiatives like VACMA and the Awesome Foundation. In addition to providing financial assistance, these funds promote a feeling of belonging, teamwork, and professional development. Whether you are a painter, sculptor, or computer artist, taking advantage of these chances can significantly improve your professional and personal fulfilment.

REFERENCES

Funding | Creative Scotland

Current Funding Available For Artists - Scottish Contemporary Art Network

Access All Arts Fund

Art Fund | Creative Lives

Arts funding opportunities — Glasgow Life

Getting an exhibition

[fluralbannach]

Benefits of Membership of Art Organisations and Professional Bodies

Introduction

Scotland's creative landscape is supported by various organizations like Creative Scotland, VACMA, Creative Scotland Open Fund, Jerwood Live Work Fund, William Syson Foundation Funding, Balavoulin Art Group Grants, and Tasgadh Small Grants for Traditional Arts Fund. These funding programs help artists, organizations, and museums realize creative concepts, offering networking and professional development opportunities.

 A-N Membership Benefits

A-N: With operations in Newcastle Upon Tyne and London, The Artists Information Company is the most well-known artists' membership organisation in the UK, with over 29,000 members. A-N provides a range of services and supports specifically designed to meet the needs of visual arts professionals and artists for an annual fee of £308. This essay examines the many advantages of A-N membership, the function of professional associations in different fields, and the value of art associations in promoting professional and community development.

A-N offers artists invaluable resources and opportunities, including access to information for applying for art bursaries ranging from £500 to £1500 and comprehensive guides on Degree Shows. The organisation provides research on creative industries and education, ensuring artists stay competitive and knowledgeable. A-N's extensive network connects artists to potential collaborators, mentors, and patrons, fostering a sense of community and reducing isolation. The job and opportunities board lists residencies, administrative roles, and initiatives like cultural reforesting projects, providing financial stability and new avenues for artistic expression and professional development. Participating in A-N helps artists feel connected to the larger community, which lessens the isolation that sometimes accompanies solitary artistic endeavours.

 Professional Bodies for Artists

In the art world, professional associations for artists provide vital support networks essential for both emerging and established creators. The Visual Artists Association (VAA) offers a comprehensive suite of resources, including business management guidance, personal brand development strategies, and tools for sales generation, all designed to assist artists in building profitable art enterprises. Additionally, VAA members gain access to various events, extensive online resources, personalised business advisory services, and specialised training programs, all within a supportive and friendly community. Similarly, the Royal Society of British Artists (RBA) fosters excellence in painting, sculpture, and printmaking. It achieves this by organising prestigious exhibitions and events that provide artists with critical exposure and networking opportunities. Membership in these organisations is often tiered, with categories such as Associate, Member, and Fellow, each with specific requirements and benefits. This structured approach ensures that artists receive the tailored support and recognition appropriate for their career stage, facilitating professional growth and artistic development.

Historical and Regional Art Institutions

The Royal Academy of Arts and the Society of Artists of Great Britain are the country's most famous historical art institutions. Nine eminent art societies with various media specialisations make up the Federation of British Artists. These societies are common throughout the United Kingdom, ranging from Edinburgh to St. Ives, and they offer artists networks of support. To preserve quality and encourage a wide range of artistic expression, they employ strict selection procedures and welcome submissions from all backgrounds.

 The Value of Art Associations

The Society of Artists of Great Britain and the Royal Academy of Arts are the nation’s most well-known historical art organisations. The Federation of British Artists comprises nine distinguished art societies specialising in various media. These societies, from Edinburgh to St. Ives, are widespread in the UK and provide support networks for artists. They still use stringent selection processes and accept submissions from artists of all backgrounds to maintain quality and promote a broad spectrum of artistic expression.

Community and Professional Development

Being an artist can be a lonely endeavour, but joining an art association helps by bringing artists together in lively groups. These forums provide priceless chances to exchange ideas, get inspiration, and learn from peers. Because collaborators encourage one another to achieve greatness, collaborative environments can greatly enhance artistic practices.

Getting together with other artists can be inspiring in smaller or bigger groups. Knowing that people will view and value their work inspires artists to push themselves, finish projects, and improve their work. A community of artists also encourages open and sincere dialogue, which expands one's contacts and opens doors to new prospects.

Conclusion

In conclusion, becoming a member of a professional organisation such as A-N: The Artists Information Company has several advantages beyond receiving financial assistance. Membership offers invaluable networking opportunities, access to critical information, and a caring community that can lessen the sense of isolation often felt in the creative industry. Art associations and professional organisations from various sectors play an essential role in cultivating talent, fostering professional growth, and maintaining ties to illustrious artistic traditions. For instance, these organisations frequently offer workshops, seminars, and exhibitions that provide artists with the latest industry insights and trends, thereby enhancing their skills and knowledge base. Additionally, Joining a professional community can boost an artist's confidence and motivation, allowing for the exchange of ideas and constructive feedback. This can lead to collaborations, new avenues for artistic expression, and career advancement. These communities often advocate for artists' rights and interests, providing a collective voice that can influence policy and public opinion. This advocacy ensures that artists' challenges and needs are addressed at higher levels, contributing to a more supportive environment for the arts. Thus, joining a professional organization like A-N improves an artist's professional and personal fulfilment and contributes to the creative sector's broader health and vibrancy.

REFERENCES

a-n The Artists Information Company

The Benefits of Membership to Art Organisations and Professional Bodies | by Gemma Murray | Medium

The Benefits of Joining Professional Bodies in 2024 | Crucial Services

Joining a Professional Body or Art Society

About - Visual Artists Association

Art Associations and its benefits - Aartzy

[fluralbannach]

Art Course and Artist Research

All art courses are different, and various opportunities and knowledge are available. However, in this blog post, I’ll discuss the courses I am interested in. Most of these courses will be at Gray’s School of Art in Aberdeen, Scotland. 

Gray's School Of Art provides a student-centred curriculum in fine art and design to empower the next generation of creative graduates. The curriculum encourages collaboration, exhibitions, international field study trips, and entrepreneurial skills. Graduates often set up businesses or pursue further studies, fostering a supportive environment for innovative thinkers to express their uniqueness and make positive changes.

Course 1 - Foundation in Art and Design (BA (Hons))

The foundation curriculum offers a comprehensive first-year experience that explores subject areas through creative activities and opportunities. It encourages exploration, collaboration, and experimentation with ideas. The curriculum applies newfound knowledge to real-world situations, developing a deeper understanding of creativity, critical thinking, and sustainability. It helps students identify their motivations and interests, providing guidance on the most appropriate creative direction and subject areas for the second year.

This full-time, studio-based year will develop your creative and critical practice and challenge your understanding of the Art and design disciplines. These experiences will expand on your contextual and practical knowledge, introduce you to the Creative Industries, and inform your course options for Year 2.

This course offers a wide range of experience and specialisms, providing numerous employment opportunities. Through the "Creative Futures" module, students can identify and exploit their niche within the Creative and cultural industries while focusing on the relevant creative landscape after the first year.

The entry requirements for the Foundation course include one of the following: an SQA Higher, BCC in Art & Design, a GCE A Level in CC in Art & Design, a H3H3H4 Irish Leaving Certificate Higher in Art, and an IB Diploma in 24. All applicants with the required qualifications will be invited to attend a portfolio review/interview and participate in a selection process. Successful applicants will be offered a place after viewing their digital portfolios. If more information is needed, an interview will be scheduled. Applicants will also be invited to an Applicants Event to meet staff and students, experience the teaching environment, and ask questions. International students must meet direct entry requirements to gain additional points through Robert Gordon University's International College. English language requirements include an IELTS of 6.0 with no lower than 5.5 component.

Course 2 - Fine Art - Painting, Photography, Printmaking, Sculpture, Moving Image (BA (Hons))

The Fine Art course prepares students for their future careers as artists by enhancing their critical aptitude, creative skills, and professional understanding. The curriculum covers various disciplines like drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture, photography, and moving images, utilising both analogue and digital methodologies. The course includes studio-based projects, public exhibitions, work experience, and international study options, culminating in an annual Degree Show.

In Year 2, students expand their understanding of theoretical principles through creative interaction and learning from tutors, technical experts, peers, and themselves. They develop critical writing and professional skills, deepening their awareness of the Creative Industries. In Year 3, students develop creative play, risk-taking, and critical thinking by exploring their chosen themes and workshop interests. They gain personal insight into professional ambitions through work experiences, placements, or international study. In Year 4, students have an extended period of supported independence to produce a fully realised body of work, answering critical questions and showcasing their talents.

Gray's School of Art’s curriculum allows students to customise their learning experience through optional study pathways. These include an intensive studio-based study, which focuses on developing a deeper understanding of their studio practice, and a combined work experience and studio pathway, which broadens students' awareness of the professional working environment. Students can also undertake a semester-long international study with partner institutions across Europe, Canada, and the US. 

The entry requirements for Year 2 students include relevant GCE A Levels, HNC/HND or Diploma in Foundation Studies, GCE A Level BCC, or IB Diploma 27. Advanced entry applicants with the appropriate qualifications will be invited to an advanced portfolio review/interview and participate in a selection process. Widening access applicants have minimum SQA Higher CCC entry requirements, including Art / Design and English. Applicants who may not hold standard qualifications are encouraged to apply if they can provide other relevant creative work, qualifications, and life experiences. A portfolio review/interview is still required for this candidate category. Successful applicants should submit a digital portfolio through a Flickr account, and if more information is needed, an interview will be invited. 

Course 3 - Art Therapy - Provided by Alison - Provider website

Art therapy is a psychotherapy method that uses art as a form of communication between therapist and patient to treat various mental health conditions. This course explores the concepts and practices of art therapy, providing skills to work confidently with clients of all artistic abilities in multiple settings. It covers the history, principles, key figures in its evolution, and the critical types of art therapy, including individual and group therapy. The course also explores the value of art therapy in personal and professional lives. Creativity is a powerful tool for improving mental health and well-being; art therapy offers a way to tap into this side. The course discusses creative therapy, mindfulness practices, and techniques for using art therapy with clients. It also focuses on drawing and its application in treating children with physical and mental impairments. The course also covers common mental illnesses art therapists encounter, recording techniques, supervision, boundaries, and therapeutic limitations. This course is designed for anyone interested in learning about art therapy and working with clients with physical and mental impairments.

You can email the provider for further details about entry requirements and certificates.

This course is online and completely free!

In conclusion, the varied range of courses offered by Aberdeen's Gray's School of Art are intended to empower and inspire graduates who are creative. A comprehensive first-year experience is offered by the Foundation in Art and Design course, which promotes creativity, critical thinking, and practical knowledge. Through studio projects, exhibitions, and possibilities for overseas study, the Fine Art programme prepares students for professional employment by allowing them to specialise in a variety of areas. The course on art therapy also covers the therapeutic use of art to mental health issues, with a focus on creativity and mindfulness. Taken as a whole, these courses provide students with extensive chances to investigate, refine, and utilise their creative abilities in a variety of professional settings.

Here's a little about what artists did to get where they are in their careers!

Kara walker

Walker attended the Atlanta College of Art, where she focused on race-specific issues and a double standard often levelled at minority art students. She later attended the Rhode Island School of Design, where her work expanded to include sexual and racial themes based on portrayals of African Americans in art, literature, and historical narratives. An expert researcher, Walker began to draw on diverse sources, from portraits to pornographic novels, that have continued to shape her work. Other artists who addressed racial stereotypes were also important role models for the emerging artist. While in graduate school, Walker alighted on an old form that would become the basis for her most vital early work: cut paper silhouettes, widespread in Victorian middle-class portraiture and illustration. These silhouettes possessed a streamlined elegance that simplified the frenzy she was working on, making them the basis for her strongest early work.

Gone: A Historical Romance of a Civil War by Bettye Walker (1994) was a critical success, leading to representation with Wooster Gardens. She later received the MacArthur Foundation Achievement Award in 1998. However, Walker faced opposition due to her use of racial stereotypes. Betye Saar, famous for her iconic use of racial stereotypes in 20th-century art, questioned Walker's use of racist images and spearheaded a campaign questioning the art world's betrayal of African Americans. Walker's series of watercolours, Negress Notes, was criticised for its brutal and sexually graphic content, while others defended her for exposing the ridiculousness of these stereotypes. Despite these criticisms, Walker's work continues to be a significant influence in American art.

Obviously Kara Walker is an African-American artist, the process and opportunities are slightly different than in the UK where we have apprenticeships, college, university and foundation courses.

Anish Kapoor

Kapoor, a young artist, initially enjoyed finishing his mother's paintings but had no intention of becoming an artist. At 17, he and his brother travelled to Israel to live and work at a kibbutz, embracing communal living and utopian ideas. Initially, he planned to study engineering but realised he wasn't good at mathematics. After hitchhiking across Europe, he settled in London to attend Hornsey College of Art in 1973. His mentor, British-Romanian sculptor Paul Neagu, encouraged him to pursue Performance art, which influenced his sculpture approach.

Kapoor, a postgraduate artist, quit Chelsea School of Art after a year and returned to India. He realised his art was about ritual and doing, leading to a three-year period of creativity and the creation of his first major works, ritualistic pigment sculptures. Initially mistaken for a female artist, Kapoor gained recognition within the international art community despite the confusion surrounding his material.

Nicholas Logsdail, owner of Lisson Gallery in London, invited Kapoor to join the New British Sculptors group in the early 1980s. Kapoor, known for his use of traditional earthy materials and spiritual expression, represented Britain at the 1990 Venice Biennale and won the Turner Prize in 1991. The group included Julian Opie, Antony Gormley, Richard Deacon, Tony Cragg, and Rachel Whiteread, providing a network for Kapoor to exhibit and share ideas.

Kapoor is a good example of studying abroad, and the opportunities are different but only for some.

Judith Tucker

Judith Tucker is an artist and academic who explores the intersection of social history, personal memory, and geography through drawing, painting, and writing. She holds a B.A. in Fine Art from the Ruskin School of Art, University of Oxford, an M.A. in Fine Art, and a PhD in Fine Art from the University of Leeds. She was invited to be an artist in Contemporary British Painting in 2013 and is currently vice-chair. Tucker writes academic essays and collaborates with radical landscape poet Harriet Tarlo. She has been a finalist in the Jackson’s Painting Prize, the Scenes of Everyday Life category prize, and shortlisted for the Westmorland Landscape Prize and New Light Prize. She has exhibited in various venues, including Arthouse1 and Collyer Bristow London, as well as in China. She also serves as a Senior Lecturer in the School of Design at the University of Leeds. However, Tucker died on 13 November 2023 in a tragic car accident, but her memory and work will live on in her students and artwork. 

In conclusion, Walker, Kapoor, and Tucker's varying career paths show the range of paths and difficulties artists encounter in various cultural situations. Despite backlash, Kara Walker's emphasis on racial themes and contentious usage of stereotypes have solidified her position in American art. The path taken by Anish Kapoor, who went from communal living in Israel to becoming a well-known sculptor, emphasises the value of cultural inquiry and mentoring. Despite her tragic passing, Judith Tucker's artistic and scholarly fusion of social history, firsthand recollections, and geographic location has left a lasting legacy. The varied experiences and possibilities that these artists had in their home nations shaped their individual contributions to the art world, as these artists' tales illustrate.

RESOURCES

Foundation course - Foundation in Art and Design Course with BA (Hons) Degree | RGU University – Aberdeen, Scotland, UK

Fine Arts course - Fine Art - Painting, Photography, Printmaking, Sculpture, Moving Image

Art Therapy course - Intro to Art Therapy & Provider Website 

Kara Walker - Why is Kara Walker so important? and Kara Walker Paintings, Bio and Ideas 

Anish Kapoor -  Anish Kapoor Art, Bio and Ideas and The Creative Life of Anish Kapoor

Judith Tucker - Judith Tucker and Judith Tucker - Contemporary British Painting 

[fluralbannach]

Artist Biography

Katy L Edgar, or “Kite,” is a 19-year-old artist from Portsoy, a small coastal town on the north coast of Scotland. She studies Contemporary Art Practice at Nescol. This young, ever-growing artist strives to create art that can influence how people see our planet and how we, as a society, can make our planet thrive as we do. 

Being an artist is in Edgar’s blood, as her Grandfather, Uncle, and Great-aunt were all self-proclaimed artists in their own right. Since the passing of her uncle and grandparents, Edgar’s passion for art has all been for them, to make them proud beyond the grave. 

Kite is very much into creating “Political Art," which can start conversations about political topics and social issues. However, her heart lies in creating artwork that appreciates the world’s nature and how lucky we are as a society to be gifted with such a beautiful and natural home.

[fluralbannach]

Artist Statement - KITE

My artistic journey is a deeply personal exploration of our inherent bond with the natural world, a connection nurtured by the captivating intricacies of nature's marvels. In each brushstroke, I strive to capture the transient beauty of nature's ever-evolving landscapes, from the tranquil allure of a solitary forest clearing to the commanding might of a roaring waterfall.

My inspiration comes from nature, which leads me to explore its depths and depict its diverse aspects on canvas. My goal with every painting is to capture the richness of nature's visual appeal and its deep emotional connection to humans. With my artwork, I want to take people to the centre of the woods, allowing them to take in its unadulterated beauty and ethereal charm. 

I am not just dedicated but profoundly driven to use my role as an artist to advocate and steward in a time of mounting environmental crises. Through my art, I seek to ignite a sense of immediacy and duty to protect our planet’s priceless ecosystems for future generations.

I get inspiration from many artistic sources, but three artists in particular: Dale Chihuly, Vincent Van Gogh, and Jean-Michel Basquiat. I find great inspiration in their audacious experiments with colour, form, and texture, and I try to borrow pieces of their styles into my work. I want to push the limits of my imagination and keep developing as an artist by embracing a broad range of innovative concepts and methods. 

Ultimately, my art is a testament to my deep-rooted connection with the natural world. It is a testament to the enduring power of creativity to elevate, inspire, and—most importantly—ignite change. My determination to pursue my artistic endeavours is grounded in a strong sense of purpose and a commitment to harnessing my skills to advance society. I aspire to use art as a dialogue catalyst, stimulate thought, and ultimately, galvanise action to defend our planet's delicate ecosystems.

[fluralbannach]

My artwork at the exhibition held in the healthcare centre!

[fluralbannach]

These are some art works from my graded unit at college.

Update: 08/05/24 - I got my grade for this project and the course yesterday! I got a C 2 marks off a B! I’m so proud of myself!!

[fluralbannach]

Hiya! I created this project during my spare time and wanted to showcase my process!

Media

Specialist Watercolour palette

Spectrum coloured pencils

GACDR watercolour brushes

All my materials range from £15-£30, just in case you were considering some new supplies!

[fluralbannach]

I found some unfinished projects while cleaning out my art folders! The piece on the left is my attempt at looser brushstrokes, and the one on the right is a piece I did to commemorate my grandparents after their passing.

Media used - Acrylic paints

[fluralbannach]

This is my first-ever digital work!

The idea was to showcase nature and movement within a Photoshop/digital art piece.

procreate - 11/12/23

[fluralbannach]

Another one of my artworks from the start of this academic year!

Indeed a very spooky hand🤭

coloured pencil - 14/09/23

[fluralbannach]

my first artwork of the academic year!

watch me constantly progress and grow as an artist! 🩷💐

acrylic paint, observational work.

painted 04/09/23.