Develop Your Creative Practice
Develop Your Creative Practice
Arts Council Grant Recipient
In 2022, I was granted the DYCP grant to develop and experiment in my studio. Thrilled for this opportunity, to grow my practice in an intentional, supported and focused way. Much of my growth focused on the following areas:
- studio experimentation and development
- new material acquisition and experimentation
- learning new skills: sewing and photography
- research and development
- coaching
Being Awarded this grant has been instrumental in propelling my artistic practice to new heights. The grant provided me with the means to invest in various aspects of my growth and development. Here's how I leveraged the grant in different areas:
Material Exploration and experimentation
One of the main ways the grant was used was material experimentation. I have been wanting to grow my practice not only in concept but in material exploration and usage. DYCP grant allowed me the backing to push my materials further. I was able to learn how to sew, and used these skills to develop new works that are both sculptural, textured and challenging. I am proud of what I was able to produce. See more of my new soft sculptures and textile work here and here
Creating new work: The financial support from the grant enabled me to dedicate focused time and resources to creating new artwork. I was able to experiment with different mediums, techniques, and themes that had intrigued me for some time. This freedom to explore uncharted territory and push my creative boundaries resulted in a significant evolution in my artistic practice. The grant provided the necessary breathing space to take risks, innovate, and develop a body of work that truly reflected my artistic vision and growth.
Virginia Center for Creative Arts
Virginia, USA
Building new networks for future development/presentation of work: The grant allowed me to attend prestigious residency VCCA in the United States. The experience was incredible. I was able to spend 3 weeks there preparing for an upcoming exhibiton in Sept 2023. There I continued deep working, on my sewing and tapestry making techniques. I hosted an open studio with some onf the other fellow artists and gave a brief artist talk about my work. It was wonderful being able to spend the time connecting and building relationships with fellow peer artists.
Whilst there we discussed exhibitions, and shared insights and our work. The opportunity to be there provided me with valuable opportunities to connect with other visual artists, musicians, writers and and industry professionals. Engaging with this diverse community not only expanded my network but also exposed me to fresh perspectives and innovative ideas. These connections have opened doors for future collaborations, exhibition opportunities, and partnerships, enhancing my visibility and broadening my artistic horizons.
My Studio at the Residency
When we See Us Exhibtion,
Zeitz MOCAA, Cape Town South Africa
Because of the Grant, I was able to attend the opening of When We See Us, a prestigious group exhibition my work was invited to be a part of.
There in south Africa, I did material research and purchased heaps of fabrics and swatches to use in my work.
Ministry of Craft & Art Coaching
Manchester, UK
Professional development activities: The grant facilitated my participation in various professional development activities. I enrolled in a specialized sewing workshop, where I learned vital but basic skills when sewing. It helped me tremendously when navigating my way on the machine. Through these activities, I gained a deeper understanding of sewing, learned new techniques, and explored innovative ways to showcase my work. The grant empowered me to invest in my growth as an artist, ensuring that I stay at the forefront of my field by growing the work in exciting ways.
In addition to sewing courses, I hired a professional art coach that helped me to outline my next set of goals for when the DYCP grant cycle ends. With my coach, I was able to discuss important ways to grow my studio, get tasks done and execute project management tasks efficiently. All of this was relevant to my artistic practice. These experiences provided me with access to industry experts, who shared their knowledge, insights, and expertise.
Coaching was transformative for me, and I highly recommend anyone who needs help with the vision of their practice, to hire a coach. I am now even considering becoming one myself.
Fabric store , material research
Me standing, proud of my first object I ever sewed, an apron
Recontres Bamako African Biennial of Photography
Bamako, Mali
International travel to explore other practices (photography) : One of the most enriching experiences made possible by the grant was the opportunity to travel internationally. My work was invited to be a part of the African Biennial of photography in Bamako, Mali. I was excited and honored, as I do not consider myself a photographer. However one of the goals of my DYCP application was to learn more about photography. So being invited to the prestigious biennial came at the right time. I immersed myself in the diverse artistic culture of Bamako Mali, visiting galleries, attending exhibitions, and engaging with local artists. This exposure allowed me to witness a wide range of artistic practices, techniques, and approaches that inspired and influenced my own work. Being in Mali was electric and set my practice on fire. There I met different artists from all parts of the world, connecting with the photographers, learning from their expertise, guidance, and constructive critique. I still keep in contact with some of the artists and, Their mentorship has been invaluable in refining my artistic voice and further honing my skills, using photography in my work. I am still buzzing from this experience, and i know my work will be forever changed by having the opportunity to travel to Mali.
Artists: Sana Ginwalla, Helena Uaembembe, Myself, and Adee Roberson
Research & Development
Manchester UK
Research and development time to explore practice and take risks: Perhaps the most liberating aspect of the grant was the dedicated time it provided for research and development. With this support, I delved into intensive periods of exploration and experimentation. I used nature alot to inform my work, visited many museums and galleries. There I digested much. I saw and listened to how my work wanted to develop. I was particularly moved by Hew Locke's exhibition at the Tate Museum, The turner Prize exhibition in Liverpool “In the black fantastic” exhibition at the Southbank Center in London and A textile and wallpaper exhibition I visited at the Whitworth museum in Manchester
Me at the Tate, London with Chris Ofili's Work
Additional Activities
Manchester UK
Studio Development: A few other exciting things that I was able to do during this grant cycle was:
- Updated my Website
- Hire an Assistant to help make the work
- Move Into my new studio
- Purchase archival image data management software
- Applied for Residencies and Publications
- Supported exhibitions of other Manchester based artists
- Took part in 3 gallery exhibitions, 1 museum exhibition, and 1 biennial
I took risks, challenged conventional norms, and pursued unconventional approaches. This unhindered time allowed me to develop a deeper understanding of my practice, refine my artistic vision, and make breakthroughs in my creative process. The grant gave me the confidence to embrace uncertainty, embrace failure as a part of the learning process, and embark on artistic journeys that ultimately led to significant growth.
My New studio Door, AWOL studios, Manchester
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, the grant I won as an artist has been a catalyst for my growth, enabling me to build new networks, create transformative work, explore global artistic practices, engage in professional development, and dedicate time to research and development. These opportunities have not only expanded my artistic horizons but also solidified my commitment to continuous growth and development as an artist. Forever grateful for this opportunity.