I think creativity is contagious

Earlier this week I had an online chat with the craftspeople from our studios – I think Zoom is wonderful. Each week we try and make the time to chat and catch up with one-another. What I have noticed is how unstoppable they are, they are continuing to be busy making and doing.

Over Easter LoCo have managed to find time to re-start the furnaces and blow glass in their studio, determined to make work with a conscience, they are taking part in an online exhibition @ArtForCure with 50% of all sales supporting breast cancer charities. You can see what LoCo are working on via their instagram @locostudioglass.

Tracey Elphick is also working hard, today she was at her studio packing up paintings for delivery. Tracey is participating in the #artistssupportpledge scheme via instagram @TraceyElphick. Set up by artist Matthew Burrows, it’s a simple concept of artists supporting one another throughout the coronavirus crisis. Artists are invited to post pictures of their works for sale for £200 or less on instagram, every time an artist makes £1000 in sales they then pledge to plough back £200 on purchasing the work of another artist – all using the hashtag #artistssupportpledge. It’s a great scheme supporting artists in an affordable way.

Daniella is hoping to clear out a shed today – somewhere at the back of the shed is a kiln, and once uncovered she hopes she can start making from home. (fingers crossed the kiln still works). Steve has continued working onsite in his basement studio, with orders to fulfil he’s got his fingers crossed that suppliers are still open so he can keep working. Emily is working from home on commissions and orders.

There’s also lots of ‘non-work’ making going on with the New Brewery Arts studio makers. Dorothy is hoping to support the NHS by sewing scrubs. While Hayley recovers from a severe washing up injury (9 stitches in her thumb) she’s managing to do some behind the scenes work on her website, and Suzanne is itching to paint her house. Then there’s all the family making that’s going on, from Lego to cake baking, drawing, jigsaws, crafting treasure hunts and making jewellery.

Our makers here at New Brewery Arts are amazing and inspiring. I love being surrounded by crafts people, even in these adverse situations they find a way to keep being creative. I think creativity is contagious.

Beth@newbreweryarts.org.uk