Our Newsletter: Issue #53
Hello, and welcome to another issue of Our Newsletter.
The feeling of time is a curious thing. Particularly how it seems to speed up exponentially as we age. I still haven't quite decided whether this is a result of the actual aging process or just being busy, or both, but it does really baffle me that it's already August (like...how!?!).
Also, before I get into the topics for this newsletter, I hope that you're doing ok and staying safe. The world is a scary place in general, that's not new, but the tension in the UK at the moment is palpable and really quite concerning. Hopefully receiving this update though will provide a pleasant break from current events!
Last time, I mentioned having started to teach monthly art workshops for the charity True Ambassadors, and I also shared with you some pieces I did in collaboration with my friends over at Queer Frequencies.
Today, I'm really keen to get some of your thoughts and feedback. So please read on, and to share your opinion just reply to this email.
Please & thank you 🫶🏼
Workshops
Pictured above: 2 workshop prep pages in my sketchpad. For more info on these, I've added some image notes a bit further below.
Since I last wrote to you, I've continued with the monthly workshops for True Ambassadors and with each class I surprise myself with how rewarding I find the whole process.
From planning the workshop (see above images for examples of this) to actually delivering it and having to adjust things in real-time to suit the needs of each person in attendance. It's teaching me a lot, and it's this exchange of knowledge that I think is so interesting.
This leads me to the first point upon which I need your input.
If I opened up the opportunity for either 1-on-1 art making sessions or small workshops, is that something you'd be interested in?
If yes:
Are there any specific topics/techniques/ideas you'd want me to cover?
I'm still very much in the 'figuring this whole thing out' part of the process, but it's been something I've been thinking about a lot so I'm curious to get an idea of how this might be received and if there's any actual interest.
Image notes for 2 workshop prep pages pictured above:
> Part of the workshop prep I've been doing involves practicing the exercises I want to deliver in the workshop. This week's workshop focus was on drawing from imagination rather than reference.
> The pencil drawings are timed exercises (3 and 5 minutes) based on prompts such as 'draw a tree'. I usually start a workshop with warm up exercises like these as I find it helps with getting into an art making mindset, whilst also training the hand. Under each drawing, I scribbled some thoughts on the process of completing the exercises which helps me preempt some of the things that others might find challenging.
> The colourful drawings are my two practices for the 'main event' of the workshop, which in this case was the process of Doodling & Noodling, ie making a random shape on the page (doodling) as the starting point of the whole drawing and then proceeding to add to it in whichever way feels appropriate at the time (noodling).
Prints
Communitas, 2024
Fine Art Print on Somerset Paper
44.7 x 34.7cm
Price tbc but we're aiming to keep it below £100
Closed edition, quantity of prints tbc
Perseverance, 2024
Fine Art Print on Somerset Paper
48.2 x 35 cm
Price tbc but we're aiming to keep it below £100
Closed edition, quantity of prints tbc
The prints I made in collaboration with my friends over at Queer Frequencies are still happening but we haven't yet launched them for sale as we've been in the process of working out and finalising the actual logistics of doing so!
This too is a new venture, and it is super important to me that the whole experience is smooth and seamless for everyone involved, especially anyone interested in buying one, so I've been looking into a few different options on how to best deliver this project. I've concluded that the best way to go about this is to update some things on my website and I'll go into this a bit more below.
For now, please enjoy reacquainting yourselves with these two artworks.
They're two pieces I thoroughly enjoyed creating and am excited to be sharing with you.
Website
Over the next few days I'll be limiting access to my website as I need to make some much needed updates to it.
My practice has evolved and changed over the years, but the way I express that on my website hasn't. While it does the job of showcasing aspects of my practice in an aesthetically pleasing way, I am starting to find it a bit, well, lacking. And if I, the person who made it is feeling this way, then what hope do I have to appeal to anyone else?
So, it's time for a change.
In this update I'm looking into adding a shop for the prints above, as well as some other prints and smaller pieces I'm lining up. I'll also be adding some more information on the projects I've been working on.
Here is the second point where I'd really appreciate your input:
What are some things that make your experience of a website, any website, better or worse?
Anything you can think of, please share.
While I have a decent understanding of user experience I am also limited by my own preferences and biases so getting some other ideas and opinions is always so so valuable.
Thank you as always for reading these and I look forward to receiving some of your thoughts!
Wishing you a great weekend ahead.
Lots of love,
Arietta xx