Art Session for LA23NET

This event was led by LA23NET which aimed to bring local businesses together with Cumbria Arts & Culture Network. It was an extremely inspiring event to be part of, the creative workshop was followed by a panel discussion that raised interesting topics. The discussion was held by Kate Parry (CACN) and Rhian Harris (Lakeland Arts).

My experience of being a freelance artist in South Lakes and teaching art in schools gives me a good insight into some topics that were raised. It was encouraging to see local businesses and arts organisations work together to promote arts and culture in the area. The importance of the arts is well recognised but there was much discussion around the practicality of reaching communities that are so far spread across the area.

The concept behind my workshop was very much focused on business. Through mark making with ink, we are forced to relinquish some control and take risk. Often the outcome is worth looking at but we would never know that without trying in the first place. Taking risk often gives us something to work with. We then cut the artworks and rearranged them through a technique similar to weaving. As a member of the group pointed out - weaving and making connections across industries often makes us stronger.

Photos - LA23NET