The Artist in Residency Space, W1
Launching the Artist in Residency space at the new Eastcastle Street Store, is the final aspect of the initiative. A dedicated creative hub where the next generation can experiment, grow,...
Five extraordinary makers, creators, and crafters put pencil to paper to embark on a creative journey, creating bespoke artworks inspired by the humble pencil. The result? An eclectic line-up of pieces set to auction next month, with all proceeds going towards supporting the next generation of creatives.
"The way I'd describe my creative process is finding myself and then losing myself and then finding myself again... You make a body of work, it throws a lot of questions at you, you take those questions to the next body of work - that's practice right?
The importance of a fund going to a bursary prize is that you open up access. I grew up in places that I didn't know this world existed, and through the beauty of life I've had the opportunity to access art and access practicing art.
The reason me and Folk align is because they're sincere. They work in an organic nature. I think they really care about their consumers, I think it's quite evident.
The best thing about what I do is that I love what I do - there you go."
Untitled - Aaron Kudi
"I'm a ceramicist. I make large, sculptural, textured vessels, so I find my inspiration from all sorts of places really. Many years ago I went to Iceland and I was just obsessed with it, and in a nerdy way, quite obsessed with rock formations. So really I'm inspired by natural formation and how that kind of cracks through heat and pressure.
I often start; so I'll make a mould and I'll think about a shape that I want to make. I put a slip on before it's bisqued...it's really fun because it's all about the different textures of glazing...playing with how those textures are gonna work together.
The thing about this bursary prize is that it'd be amazing to give someone the opportunity to try and learn a craft.
Folk is a good fit with all craft, because I think there's something craft-based in what they make.
It's like Christmas you know- every time I open the kiln."
Volcanic Fragmented Vessel - Ali Lousada
"I describe myself as a hand weaver. I create cloth by hand and I also dye all of my own yarns. Most of my references come from the world around me...architecture is usually a big reference, both for form and for colour references as well, and I just generally like the rectilinear forms...Weaving is a very rectilinear process.
The patch between my studio and Folk was a really interesting line. I hadn't realised just how much collaboration they do with artists and makers. That was music to my ears. It's a brand that I like the ethos of.
I've had a huge advantage of having a bursary at Cockpit Studios. That's really helped my career, so I was delighted that the piece I create will be auctioned and the money it raises will be used for artist bursaries.
Being able to help other creatives keep going and continue with their making, whichever form it takes...it's a really, really nice part of the project."
Circuit - Dalia James
"I'm an artist primarily working in the medium of illustration. [I enjoy] having almost a visual diary and being quite autobiographical with my work. I think I get inspiration from constantly warping perspectives. I love watching films and sort of analysing the way that they move a camera through different scenes that are very ordinary, becoming this omniscient eye moving through.
The possibilities just seem so interwoven together with the artist and the actual creative process. I think it is so important helping people starting out in a career. I couldn't wait to be part of of [the project].
Weirdly, this tradition sprung into my head, it's the really old folk tradition of Wassailing where, every year, you go out into the orchard and you bring promise for a great harvest in the new year. Instantly I was like 'this is exactly what I want to paint a picture of'.
This is an anniversary...it's a celebration and the idea of humans working interconnected with nature and, sort of, holding hands with one another; that's super inspiring to me."
Wassailing - Joey Yu
Launching the Artist in Residency space at the new Eastcastle Street Store, is the final aspect of the initiative. A dedicated creative hub where the next generation can experiment, grow,...
Five extraordinary makers, creators, and crafters put pencil to paper to embark on a creative journey, creating bespoke artworks inspired by the humble pencil. The result? An eclectic line-up of...
Submissions are now open. Find details about the different support on offer and how to apply here. To celebrate our 25th birthday, we are offering financial support to emerging artists...