Yorkshire Artspace

Parson X - Made to Measure

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 01:00:00 +0000

Yorkshire Artspace commissioned artist and writer Fiona Jardine to produce a text on Lisa Gallacher's residency project: Parson Cross Made to Measure. This projectsaw Lisa work with 10 residents of the Parson Cross neighbourhood of Sheffield during 2011/12 to explore their relationship with the place they live through creating unique 'made to measure' garments. Parson X - Made to Measure Christopher Kane, who graduated from Central St Martins in 2006, is one of the most idiosyncratic designers to have established a label in his own name in recent years. Whereas old school “arty” fashion designers play with the sculptural potential of clothing, or deconstruct traditional tailoring, (Issey Miyake, Hussein Chalyan, Comme de Garcons, Martin Margeila for example), Kane's approach, (no less “arty”), is essentially conversational: he draws on personal experiences and affections - his clothes often seem to embody those poignant moments of banality and fantasy which combine to characterize teenage obsessions and aspirations. He says his Autumn/Winter 2011 collection was inspired by lollipops, Sodastreams and pencil cases, the kind of pencil case I think I remember lusting over - padded bubblegum plastic and gel-filled liquid vinyl. For his Spring/Summer 2012 collection, he remarks that the characters he was thinking of when he developed the collection were "the girls you hate at school". “Arty” is an outmoded, off-hand term - in fashion, you might rather substitute “directional” or “conceptual”, “experimental” or “editorial”. Nonetheless, it is useful in connoting designers who are less immediately concerned with trading on established conventions in relation to what garments are, than what they have been or could be: “arty” designers are somewhat removed from the present tense. The fact that Miyake, Chalyan etc. are considered “arty” by virtue of their sculptural innovations in volume, texture and material is to a degree reflective of priorities in “art” at the time they rose to prominence - the 1980s and early 1990s. Likewise, Kane's conversational approach could be seen to reflect the influence of the type of “relational art” practices that have characterized the late 1990s and 2000s. Nicolas Bourriaud, the curator credited with coining the term “relational art”, describes it as “an art taking as its theoretical horizon the realm of human interactions and its social context”. He opposes this horizon to the “assertion of an independent and private symbolic space”. Although his description is not without its problems - the opposition between social context and private symbolic space is not one that can (or should) be sustained - the work of the artists he chooses to illustrate it emphasize “conversation” and “process” over “object” and “completion”.Similarly, rather than marveling at the technical ingenuity and clever shapes of Miyake and Chaylan, those who buy and admire Kane's clothes enter into a dialogue with his memories and characters - whether they know it or not - (subconsciously) invoking memories and characters of their own: human interaction is privileged over any pure sense of the garment as “object” in both design and use. Wearing Kane's clothes extends the dialogue through whichever particular contexts, places or events they are worn in, and they enter the ambient geography of our visual environment. Of course, this is true for all the clothes we choose (or are made) to wear, and it doesn't matter whether choices are deliberate or not, whether the choices are made by someone who loves clothes and the act of dressing or not. Judgments about the class, status and character of people we don't know are made on the basis of reflex first impressions which mesh with our own background and experiences, our social conditioning: clothes are as important determinants of “the first impression” as facial expressions and accented voices. The power of first impressions is more exaggerated in urban areas where social interactions can be as passing and anonymous as they are frequent and varied. In towns and cities, the opportunity to controvert first impressions is often restricted and decisions about what-to-wear assume greater significance. In the opening chapter of Dostoyevsky's “Crime and Punishment”, the state of the Raskalnikov's hat as he walks through (St)Petersburg, a hat which had “originally come from Zimmerman's fashionable shop, but was very shabby now, grown rusty with age, full of holes and covered with stains, without a brim, and cocked on one side at a most disreputable angle”, draws attention to him as an oddity, even “though that in that particular part of town it would be hard to astonish anyone by the kinds of clothes one wore. The proximity of the Hay Market, the great number of disorderly houses, and, most of all, the working-class population which crammed these streets and alleyways in the centre of Petersburg, lent so bizarre an aspect to the whole place that it would have indeed been strange to be surprised at meeting any man, however curiously dressed.” Significantly, Dostoyvesky observes the intersection between “place” and “dress”: he suggests that in working class areas of the city - areas which have transient, heterogeneous, immigrant populations - modes of dress are more varied than they are in middleclass parts of town, where the unspoken rules of (19th century) polite society enforce a stricter code and tend towards homogeneity in vestment. The intersection between place and dress maps a complex geography of class, ethnicity, trade and fortune. Today, “fashion” - which determines the currency of clothes - reconfigures such a geography to some extent, blending with class and ethnicity across cultural boundaries. Fashion feeds the power of impression, speeding up the rate at which clothes become outdated (and relegating those who sport them). Despite the growing importance of relatively stable brand identities and maturing sub-cultural dressing codes, (for example Goth, Fifties Revival, Rudeboy, Harijuku, Geek), fashion's trends are led by an industry still tied to the traditions of textile-manufacture, (although the recent, marked preponderance of “celebrity” driven fashion ranges might suggest that the site of value in textiles is changing, moving away from fabric, from “actual material”). For all that Christopher Kane is a designer whose inventiveness and personality distinguishes him as an “artist” - whose transfer of thoughts into product are an essential element in establishing his brand - he is also an industrial presence, who, in common with the rest of the fashion industry, is locked into the demands of fashion's seasonal cycle. Seasonality marks Kane's clothes in colours and fabrics. Trends are developed by colour forecasters and trend spotters in tandem with textile manufacturers for every level of the industry. Where they are synthesized with the (brand) vision of a high-end designer like Kane, hall-of-mirrors style, they will work their way through the most incidental polyester ruffle, the size of the polka dots on a pair of leggings. Seasonality betrays the temper of last year's mustard, the form of last year's paperbag waist. Colours and shapes mark the dispensible. All this is a necessary preamble to my consideration of Lisa Gallacher's project “Parson X - Made to Measure”. For all the geographical, sociological and personal reasons outlined above, Gallacher uses clothing discursively to investigate relationships between people, and between people and their environment. The “Parson X - Made to Measure” project takes aspects of a design process like Kane's, as well as the theoretical concerns of relational art and notions about the social significance of dressing, and allies them to ideas gleaned from her conversations with residents in the Parson Cross area of Sheffield about their relationship to the area. If we understand Kane's clothes as entering the geography of the visual environment marked by his memories and by seasonality, we can understand the Parson X collection as marked by the personal recollections of the project's participants and the cultural particularity of the area in a similar way. In the Parson X collection, the place of the designer generating ideas and responding to influences is occupied by the residents who volunteered to participate, (who each performed as “designer” for an individual garment), and the place of seasonality is occupied by their (collective) notion of Parson Cross itself. These substitutions - “resident” for “designer”, “locality” rather than “seasonality” - and the changes they produce in the emphasis and outcomes of designing garments are at the heart of Gallacher's artistic process. Her role as an artist is as a dispassionate production manager and expert, orientated towards directing the development of the garments and realizing the manufacture according to the ambitions of the project's participants within the realms of practicability. She seeks to open out the processes of (industrial) garment production, explaining technical possibilities and limitations, overseeing and tweaking manufacture, positioning herself as a manufacturer/facilitator, asking - along the way - questions about what an artist is and does. She also occupies a covert role as “client”, the party with whom the ultimate decision-making power lies. The inspiration for, and detail of, each garment stems freely from the resident/designers individually, but the overall project coheres under Gallacher's broad intent, the way she oversees production and facilitates manufacture. So, Gallacher's interest in developing the “Parson X - Made to Measure” project is less in garments themselves, than it is in the processes and roles associated with the production of them. Which is far from saying that the garments are not important. From the outset, in establishing the boundaries of the project - considering the algebra of the substitutions she wished to direct - Gallacher placed a primacy on the everyday functionality of garments - their “wearability”. The 10 participants chosen to work with Gallacher in “Made to Measure” worked with her to design functional garments carrying personal narratives in the detail of the pattern on fabric printed to order, or in the particular form of the garment. These narratives, prompted by each resident's consideration of their relationship to the area, use design sources which range from newspaper headlines related to Parson Cross's mediation in the press and photographs of wildflowers seeded on wasteground, to “found” fabric in the form of a blanket rescued from a skip and the shape of a Victorian gentleman's frock coat intended to evoke the history of Parson Cross's name. Gallacher's emphasis on wearability means that the Parson X project does not end with realising the production of illustrative garments for display or performance, as might be the case if Gallacher had exaggerated the ideas of the residents who participated and directed production towards “costume”. Costume might be thought of as clothing with peculiar function, removed from the continuum of the everyday by exaggeration, symbolism or purpose; it declares itself and its function immediately, making whoever sports it (self)consciously aware of the distinction of their appearance. Inasmuch, costume is always “formal”, always inherently “impersonal”, a mask more than an expression. By directing the production of “wearable” garments, Gallacher ensures that those garments can enter the ambient geography of our visual environment without necessarily declaring themselves as a costume might. The significance and particularity of the garments' design becomes apparent and relevant through conversation - indicative of the project's central and circular process - otherwise it might pass hidden amongst the general noise of everyday life. Despite the diversity of the garments produced, the variety of colour, fabric and form, the Parson X collection coheres around a place and time - and an experience - which is shared and specific. Perhaps in this, there is a metaphor for the community at Parson Cross itself. Fiona Jardine, 2012

Lisa Gallacher Parson Cross Residency

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0000

"Until quite recently, I've been absorbed in the business of designing and printing fabrics. Developing garment designs and modifying garment patterns. Sourcing zips and matching fabrics; interfacings; shoulder pads; linings; buttons; threads and bias bindings. Preparing instructions for the seamstress. Travelling to and from Sheffield for fittings with each member of the group. Making bias bindings; covering buttons; trying to get collars to sit right; embroidering breast pockets. Stitching; un-picking; re-stitching. Adjusting hemlines, adding fabric - taking it away again; fitting zips; making button-holes; trimming threads; pressing collars and cuffs; attaching garment labels. AND worrying! Will they fit? Will they be flattering? Will the reality of each garment live up to the version that exists in Ian's, Courtney's, Betty's, Janet's, Gwen's, Grant's, Scott's, Shannon's, Lisa's and Anna's imagination? And now that the garments are finished and with their respective owners in Parson Cross, hind-sight reminds me that this project was never really about ‘manufacturing' a collection of clothes. Each garment is the byproduct of a relationship/series of relationships developed over the past year - and the result of conversations that have explored (amongst other things) the experience of living in/belonging to a particular place. Conversations about the history of the area and the origins of its name, others expressing frustration at how Parson Cross is viewed negatively by outsiders. Conversations that have celebrated family and community life (past and present) - that have explored the geography of Parson Cross - its fluid boundaries. Discussions that have revealed the powerful sense of pride that local people feel for their area, as well as their hopes for its future - in light of the current regeneration process underway. Conversations about many things. And when the garments are worn around Parson Cross and further afield, I hope that these conversations will be extended. They might start with a simple “That really suits you” or “That's really unusual - where did you get it?” And maybe they'll continue where the garments began, with the personal stories that inspired each one. Whether you call it ‘Art' or something else - this is what clothing can do." 31 Jan 2012

Manor Oaks Residency 2012

Sat, 21 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0000

January 21, 2012 I had the pleasure of attending the induction for my residency last week, it was a whirl-wind action pack day of trains, transfers and tour of the facilities. Along with meetings to discuss the wonderful opportunities to showcase my work as well the possibility of working with the local community. The Manor Oaks studio's are gorgeous and the spaces the artists have the privilege of being house in would make any London artists weep in jealousy. They were spacious and pristine. Had a lovely visit and meet some great artists. I am really looking forward to setting up my own work area in the upcoming weeks and start to get my hands dirty... I am so excited and can't wait! Until next time...Keep in touch at www.nenadot.com! xxx

Starting Out 2012 continues

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 01:00:00 +0000

Starting Out, our annual start-up course aimed at early career artists and makers, continues this January with 3 Tuesday afternoon sessions. All sessions take place in the meeting room at Persistence Works Studios, start at 1pm (sessions finish between 4 and 5pm) and cost £10 (payable on the day). This course is now in its 7th year and has proved to be very popular. We aim to keep the sessions interactive by giving all the artists on the course time to ask questions relating to their individual practice. Please book your place by contacting Mir Jansen or phone 0114 2130111. We have a maximum of 20 places available for each afternoon. Our first session this year took place place on Tuesday 17th January and focussed on ‘Working with schools, communities and groups' what do you need to know? \ what do they need to know from you? \ what do you need in place before embarking on delivering workshops or run projects with other people? There were presentation from artist and Creative Director of Encounters, Ruth Ben-Tovim. Encounters was formed in 2003 in Sheffield by artists Ruth Ben-Tovim and Trish O-Shea and is now based in Devon where they work on creative projects which are driven by a social responsibility and ethos of community engagement and involvement. Ruth's presentation provided a brief history of Encounters and the impact artist lead projects can have within city/urban regeneration context. Sarah Villeneauis a ceramicist with extensive experience in the management and delivery of education projects. Sarah talked about the practicalities of what you need to know when planning and delivering workshops. Ruthie Fordone of our current starter artists in engaged practice shared her experiences of a co-mentoring project with current resident artist Ania Bas and Rachael Dodd, programme manager at Yorkshire Artspace finished the afternoon with a brief outline on policies and procedures to follow when working with children, young people and vulnerable adults. Our second session this month takes place on Tuesday 24th January and is entitled ‘Work, Work, Work'. We will focus two of our sessions on working in the Public Realm with confirmed presentations from Jill Kelly from BEAM in Wakefield and Yorkshire Artspace artist David Appleyard who has been working on a number of public realm projects in the last 4 years. We follow with two sessions on taking part in Craft Fairs with confirmed presentations from Lesley Beale from the annual ‘Lustre' Crafts Fair in Nottingham and Yorkshire Artspace jeweller Jennie Gillwho attends many of the more prestigious Craft & Trade Fairs in the UK and will talk about how to make the most of these opportunities. We finish the day with a presentation on How (and how not) to Approach Galleries delivered by Yorkshire Artspace programme manager Mir Jansen who will attempt to unravel some of the mysteries surrounding the gallery sector. Our final session in January takes place on Tuesday 31st January and focuses on ‘You and Your Work on-line' with presentations on ‘how to make the most of websites and social media' delivered by Ruth Wilbur and Michael Cockle fromAXIS in Leeds. This is a longer session where Michael and Ruth will taking questions from the audience focusing on individual needs and cost effective solutions. Michael and Ruth will also talk about what AXIS does and how artists can benefit from what they do. Janet Paske, Director of a soon to be launched, brand new website ‘CraftFinder' will be talking about how her initiative will promote Craft and Craftspeople in the UK. And finally we will be hearing from Andrew Pendrick from Sheffield based on-line craft selling website Folksy about what they do, who they do it for and how you can get your work sold on-line professionally and securely.

Cutler's Hall display

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0000

The second display at the Cutler's Hall features the work of Katey Felton, Owen Waterhouse, Rebecca Lawley and Cameron Maxfield. Pam Liversidge, the first lady Master Cutler in the history of the Company of Cutlers in Sheffield, chose Yorkshire Artspace and The Cavendish Centre as her Charities for her year in office. In October 2011 we saw the first display featuring the work of previous starter studio programme beneficiaries Steffan Tooke, Christina Spencer and Andrew Sutherland. We hope that during Pam's year in office we can display as many of our previous and current silversmiths as possible. The current work will stay on display until end of April 2012.

Manor Oaks Residency 2012

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0000

We welcome our new 2012 resident artist at Manor Oaks Studios: Edith Garcia. Edith was selected in November 2011 by Yorkshire Artspace Ceramicists Miles Gavin and Susan Disley - both based at Manor Oaks Studios, Chief Executive at Green Estate Sue France and Yorkshire Artspace programme manager Mir Jansen. Born in Los Angeles, Edith Garcia is a ceramic sculptor and researcher. She received her BFA, from the Minneapolis College of Art and Design and MFA from the California College or Arts (and Crafts). Her work has been exhibited throughout North America, Mexico and Europe, and is included in the permanent Sculpture Garden of the Archie Bray Foundation in Montana and other public and private collections across the USA and UK. Her pieces have been featured in New Keramik, Ceramic Review, Ceramic Monthly, Time Out London, American Craft Magazine, Breaking the Mould, and Confrontational Ceramics. Edith has recently completed her MPhil research into the human figure in sculpture at the Royal College of Art in London. And is the author of upcoming publication 'Ceramics and the Human Figure' published by A&C Black. More information on the artist can be found at www.nenadot.com.

SYMPOSIUM-Art Practice in a Social Context

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0000

Symposium Event - Art Practice in a Social Context Judging by delegate feedback this event, which took place on 13th December at Knutton Road Studio Parson Cross, was a real success. There were 2 discussion sessions exploring the role that artists and buildings can play in a community setting and trying to unpick what 'socially engaged practice' means in practice. There were also presentations from artists Steve Pool & Kate Genever, Rachael Dodd & Kate Dore, Yorkshire Artspace, Francis McKee, CCA Glasgow and Ian Drayton SOAR Works. Audio files of the presentations are now available to download or listen to by clicking on the following: Rachael Dodd, Yorkshire Artspace Steve Pool & Kate Genever, artists Morning Discussion Session- 1 Francis McKee, CCA Glasgow Kate Dore, Yorkshire Artspace Ian Drayton, SOAR Works Afternoon Discussion Session - 2 Images from the day and the projection by Steve Pool & Kate Genever are available to view here. Comments from delegates:>>>"The most valuable learning is when people share what was difficult." >>>"I really valued the morning discussion about not trying to engage and affect everyone but trying to form a relationship with those that you do work with." >>>"I valued most the range of perspectives [of the presentations] and the stimulation of thinking that resulted from considering how they co-exist, relate and even challenge each other." >>>Will you do anything differently as a result of todays event? "Give artists freer briefs." >>>"Congratulations [Yorkshire Artspace] on a brilliant partnership and for providing such excellent opportunities for artists, a great event." Questions/issues explored during the day >>>Can the arts and artists make a valuable contribution to a neighbourhood?>>>Should culture be used to assist with social agendas? >>>Can art be useful? >>>What drives artists to work in a community context? >>>What motivates people to engage with art/artists? >>>Is it better never to mention art? >>>What difference does it make?>>>Beyond Regeneration-how can we take our work forward?>>>In a harsh economic climate, how can engaged practice be made sustainable? Should it be expected to demonstrate a return on investment and if so, how? >>>Does the current financial climate and funding cuts present exciting possibilities in an imperfect world? We would like to thank our supporters for this event: Turning Point Yorkshire and Humber. Yorkshire Artspace Parson Cross Programme funded through: Paul Hamlyn Foundation and Arts Council England-Yorkshire

Winter Craft/Art Workshops

Mon, 9 Jan 2012 02:00:00 +0000

Smokeless Wood-Fired kiln building course at Sheffield Manor Lodge with ceramicists Penny Withers and Sarah Villeneau: 24th March to 1st April 2012. Yorkshire Artspace ceramicists Penny Withers and Sarah Villeneau have been working closely with Green Estate to expand the facilities for ceramicists at Sheffield Manor Lodge site where our Manor Oaks Studios are based. An important part of the ongoing re-development of this site will be the construction of the first urban smokeless wood-fired kiln intended for community use. This kiln will be at the heart of the new Ceramics Centre at Manor Lodge which consists of a ceramics trail, a ceramic ware production line and the Yorkshire Artspace Starter Studio Programme for early career ceramicists and the annual Artist in Residence programme. Sheffield Manor Lodge is managed by Green Estate and in keeping with the ethos of 'environmental sustainability, community involvement and education' there is a unique opportunity to participate in the building of this fabulous new kiln, designed by internationally acclaimed Japanese master of smokeless wood-fired kiln building: Masakazu Kusakabe. We are looking for people with a keen interest in ceramics and wood-firing, previous experience is not required.The course will be run by established Yorkshire Artspace artists Penny Withers and Sarah Villeneau, both previous Chairs of the Rufford Wood-firing Society and highly experienced workshop leaders and wood-firers. Participants will have the opportunity to learn about the basics of kiln design and hands-on construction, the theory and practice of wood-firing and the specific glazes used for wood-firing. Penny and Sarah will give demonstrations on throwing and hand-building in the pottery workshop. Individual tuition as and when required. The course runs from 24 March to 1 April and costs £270. This price includes: one 12.5 Kg bag clay per person (additional clay available at cost), oxides and glazes for decoration, one biscuit firing and one glaze firing. Free camping and barbecue facilities with washrooms and toilets available on site. Alternatively, if it is not possible to commit to the full 9 days, participants will be able to sign up for a minimum of 4 days at a cost of £30 per day. Booking is essential: please contact Sarah Villeneau or Penny Withers for a booking form. Manor Oaks is situated approx. 10 minutes from Sheffield Midland Station (by car/taxi). For directions, see contact button on the home page of our website. Portrait and Life Painting with Tim Rose Painter and water colourist Tim Rose is still running his monthly life/portrait workshops from his own studio at Porter Brook. 'Portrait Painting' on Saturday 28 January and Saturday 24 March and costs £27. 'Life Painting' day on Saturday 25 February also cost £27. To book a place contact Tim Rose on 0114 255 2171 or email Tim on tim@timrose.co.uk Printmaking with Rosemary Watson Rosemary will run an Etching workshop on Saturday 14 January from 11am to 5pm in Studio 22 at Persistence Works Studios on Brown Street. This 5-hour etching workshop will be an opportunity to learn about and use less-toxic, more environmentally-friendly etching and printmaking processes. Suitable for printmakers with some previous experience and in particular printmakers wishing to set up their own printmaking facilities. Maximum 4 participants. Cost £50 includes all materials. Please book by emailing Rosemary directly info@arosemarywatson.co.uk. Weekend Throwing Workshop with Penny Withers These popular workshops still have some places available on the following weekends: 25 and 26 February and 10 and 11 March. Small groups to allow every participant access to a potters' wheel each with hands-on individual tuition. If you are a complete beginner you will be taught good techniques for centring, making different shapes and turning leather-hard pots. Experienced throwers will be able to have more specific tuition and new techniques can be demonstrated. Cost £95 per person, for details and to book your place contact Penny directly on penn@talktalk.net or 07510668585 Weekly Ceramic Workshops with Brian Holland Brian's sessions run every Friday from 9.30am to 12.30pm and Saturdays from 10.3 am to 1.30pm and 2pm to 5pm. All aspects of ceramics are covered including hand building, throwing, glazing and glaze formulation, raku firing, working with paper clay. You will be able to learn about making sculptural works, vessels and wall pieces. The course suits beginners as well as the more experienced. Cost per 3-hour session is £15 but you can save a few pounds by booking for 5 sessions for just £62.50 - these sessions don't have to be consecutive so if you miss one, it won't be a problem. Please note: Materials are not included in the price, but you can drink as much green tea as you like at no extra cost. Contact Brian directly for further details or to book a place brian.holland100@virgin.net

Parson Cross Projection Night

Fri, 6 Jan 2012 01:00:00 +0000

To round up their residency project in Parson Cross, THE COLLABORATORS will be presenting a night of projections in Parson Cross on Thursday 16th February. It is their intention to showcase the varied work and projects that were created during their residency, including stills and films produced by Steve Pool and Kate Genever and the work of the other artists commissioned by them: Paul Allender, Tessa Bunney, Peter Griffiths and Psalt Designs. Highlights will include a film of a local baker making bread with tools designed by Psalt Designs and the wall-papering of Roses Hardware Shop! Further details and times will be announced nearer the date on our website.

Introducing

Thu, 5 Jan 2012 02:00:00 +0000

We have been busy recruiting the new cohorts for the Starter Studio Programmes for Silversmithing (now entering it's 10th year!) and Ceramics (going into its 2nd year). New Starter Silversmiths Chiara Bett, Alexander Kerrison, Cathy Sutherland(pictured) and Zoe Watts will be joining Sally Cox at Persistence Works Studios, and new Starter CeramicistAnne Laycock will be moving in with Miles Gavin and Joel Neild at the Manor Oaks Studios. We have asked all of them to introduce themselves and their work: Chiara Bett, jeweller A deep fascination with the human figure and the Fantastic is what distinguishes Chiara Bet's pieces of sculptural jewellery; the playful use of body forms and the rich palette of silver and gold are evocative of fanciful creatures of a Classical Grotesque nature and opulent artworks of Renaissance times, a reflection of her Italian background. In her work she aspires to recreate the sense of wonder and amusement so peculiar to such styles by embedding her own myths and legends in figurative pendants, necklaces and brooches - offering bite size escapism from a disenchantment of reality. To effectively render the narrative of her designs, she turned to wax carving, producing rather sculptural models based on the theme of deformity and unlikely unions within the human body. The use of wax gives her the opportunity to either electroform or cast her pieces in metal, allowing for the ready transposition in real life of the creatures inhabiting her thoughts. Drawing is a crucial part of the creative process for Chiara. She likes to keep the energy of the designs alive through the making. Gemstones become part of the composition as a detail and narrative device, while the use of dark patina sets the mood for the work and the story behind it. Each piece has a history drawn from her interest in the mythological as well as her most intimate mindscapes, and it is to be understood in the tradition of ornamental Grotesque. Alexander Kerrison, silversmith Alexander Kerrison is a designer and maker of contemporary pieces in a range of different materials and processes, specializing in silversmithing and glass blowing. Alex enjoys travel and feels inspired by the different landscapes he encounters. In his work he tries to convey the movement and contours of landscape. He uses a variety of processes from traditional hammering to pressing and casting. Recently he has started to combine silver with glass. This enables him to bring brightness of colour and light reflection into the work. "I am as passionate about metal, especially silver, as I am about glass. To create my work I have to use very different skills. Silver and other metals take time to transform through repetitive movements whilst glass is quick, you only have a short amount of time to get it right. I love combining these materials - it opens up the scope of what I can achieve" Alex graduated with a 1st class (Hons) degree in 3D Design from the University of Wolverhampton in June 2011. He exhibited his work in the Queens Gallery in New Delhi, India in 2011 and was also awarded a Goldsmiths Company's ‘Precious Metal' Bursary. Since joining the Starter Studio Programme for silversmiths in Sheffield he has been commissioned by The Cutler's Hall to design and make a goblet for their private collection and he has recently been commissioned for Little Gems 2012, an annual commission from the Sheffield Assay Office to create new work. This will go on display at Museums Sheffield: Millennium Galleries in March 2012. Cathy Sutherland, jeweller Cathy Sutherland's jewellery is influenced by the human body and the way we interact with objects around us. Her sculptural jewellery is inspired by delicate insects, fragile skeleton leaves and particularly human skin that, when studied more closely, bear the intricate networks of lines and detailed patterns that reflect the incredible natural surface decoration. Hands and touch have been key themes throughout her work and my pieces are always made with reference to hands, skin and human contact. The curved, fluid shapes have been created through the process of piercing the lines and then chasing the texture throughout the piece, which allows her to reflect, in metal, the movement of the body and repetitive patterns of the skins surface. She prefers the objects' surfaces to be uneven yet smooth, inviting you to ‘feel' the patterns of the metal. Cathy creates tactile objects that are personal and reassuring, shaped to fit comfortably in the hand and turned around in the fingers. She uses a combination of silver and patinated base metals as she enjoys the process of patination using acids and the combination of colours. Zoe Watts, silversmith Zoe is a silversmith andjeweller working with traditional techniques. She creates beautiful, tangible objects that both retain a functional element and express her fascination with the natural elements. "I seek inspiration particularly from movement within nature; the twisting turmoil of storms or the curling of the waves, and am intent upon translating the undulation of natural energy into my pieces. Intrigued partly by the juxtaposition of interesting form and texture, I enjoy the process of watching relief, shape and form being born and continuously evolving from flat precious metal sheet by means of hammering, chasing, twisting, coiling and shaping, and more recently fusing". Zoe finds the journey of spontaneous experimentation and the choices she has to make during the making process especially exciting. Zoe exhibited at the 2011Goldsmiths Fairin London and was recently awarded the 2012 Little Gems commission, due to be displayed at Museums Sheffield Millennium Galleries from end of March 2012 for a period of 6 months. Anne Laycock, ceramicist The design process for me begins with play. I take a material and explore how it behaves bends, breaks reacts to heat, pressure, water, what ever comes to hand. It is once I have begun to collect the behavioral characteristic that ideas start forming and my direction of development finds its self. I then combine this testing with a compatible process and ask myself “What if ....?“. My approach is to not to look at machines and tools for what they are designed to do but for what they can do. The extruder is a tool that is ordinarily used for making parts, tea pot handles, coils for hand building it receives very little if any attention for its role in the making process. I wanted to elevate this tool and challenge its status. It was this attitude that inspired the notion that the extruder could be used like a pencil to draw objects. Recently my work has been focused on making object that respond to a contemporary life style and environment. I particularly enjoy working with the multiple personalities of clay exploring its acute response to touch when in its plastic state and testing its tolerance when in its harden state. I have had a lot of interest in my work so I'm looking forward to the future. I am showing my work at the Liverpool Design Festival from 6th to 9th October, The Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair in Manchester from 20th to 23rd October and will have my work in MADE at Yorkshire Sculpture Park from 18th October to 28th February 2012. I have also been nominated for a 'Networking' residency at Guldagergaard Ceramics Centre in Denmark which will take place early next year.

Manor Oaks Residency 2011

Sat, 31 Dec 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Frances Priest officially completed her residency on 24th September when she exhibited New Manor Ware, her new table ware range inspired by the beautiful 16thC decorative plaster ceiling preserved intact at the Turret House at Manor Lodge. The work is now on permanent display in teh banqueting room at the Turret House, open to the public every Friday between 11am and 4pm. New Manor Ware was exhibiting at the Gallery at Yorkshire Artspace from 2nd to 11th November, whenwe also showed how Frances' ideas and work developed over the 8 months of her residency including this video documentation of her final work and the opening event at the Turret House. Frances will return to Sheffield in 2012 to work on a project with Green Estate to develop a simplified version of the design she originally made for New Manor Ware. This design will then be used by the Green Estate staff outreach team who will be working with people with learning disabilities to put into production a commercial range of tableware. Mir Jansen, programme manager at Yorkshire Artspace

PW10 Exhibition

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 01:00:00 +0000

PW10 Last chance to see our PW10 exhibition of limited edition artworks made by Yorkshire Artspace artists in conjunction with the 10th anniversary of Persistence Works Studios. Wednesday 21st December from 11am to 2.30pm. 32 Yorkshire Artspace artists were selected to create a limited edition of 10 artworks for sale for this very special 10-year anniversary of Persistence Works Studios. Launched on the same day as our annual Open Studios event, the wide range of work in this exhibition ranges from handmade books to jewellery, woodwork, prints and ceramics, all at affordable prices from £20 to £500. PW10 runs from Friday 18th November to Wednesday 21st December 2011 and is open between 11am and 5pm every Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday. The artists selected are: David Appleyard (metal) \ Chiara Bet (jewellery) \ Chris Boland (jewellery) \ Kath Boyd (glass) \ Anna Childs (woodwork) \ Heather Dewick (books) \ Susan Disley (ceramics) \ Paul Evans (paint/print) \Katey Felton (jewellery) \ Miles Gavin (ceramics) \ Ross Gilbertson (metal) \ Jennie Gill (jewellery) \ Peter Griffiths (print) \ Andrew Hunt (paint/print) \ Alexander Kerrison (metal) \ Carol Lambert (print) \ Joel Neild (ceramics) \ Kate Orme (print) \ Annette Petch (jewellery) \ Trevor Pollard (books) \ Tim Rose (painting) \ Emilie Taylor (ceramics) \ Sue Taylor (print) \ John Thatcher (woodwork) \ Charlotte Tollyfield (metal) \ Keith Tyssen (metal) \ Sarah Villeneau (ceramics) \ Isobel Walker (print) \ Zoe Watts (metal) \ Hanne Westergaards (ceramics) \ Penny Withers (ceramics) \ Neil Woodall (print)

Knutton Road Studios

Sun, 18 Dec 2011 01:00:00 +0000

Yorkshire Artsapce's latst purpose-built studios, Knutton Road Studios, are opening on 1st November. The 9 self contained studios are on the top floor of SOAR Works, a stunning new mixed use workspace in the north of Sheffield combining office and light industrial units with those for artists. Warm and secure with wonderful natural skylights, steel sinks and extract units, the studios are suitable for a wide variety of visual arts practices. Facilities include free on-site parking, bike rack and sun terrace, a triple height communial atrium space with reception, showers and brew points and access to business services. The whole building is fullya accessible. We currently have just four 34m sq studios remaining at £199 per month, one at 55m sq at £323 per month and one 62m sq at £361 per month (inclusive of VAT and rates, metered utilities extra). Knutton Road Studos are in the heart of Margetson Crescent neighbourhood centre in Parson Cross with good local facilities and public transport links and are particualrly easy to access from north, east and west Sheffield and Rotherham, Barnsley, Doncaster via the M1 For direction to Knutton Road Studios click here or see films of the completed studio interiors here Follow this link to complete your studio application form. You can see how the buiding and studios are progressing by following our Knutton Road Studios flickr page or see films of the complteted studio interiors at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OjPMNKrRB2A

Paul Morrison, Cicad 2011

Thu, 1 Dec 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Paul Morrison, Cicad 2011 - Made in Sheffield Internationally acclaimed Yorkshire Artspace artist Paul Morrison has created this limited edition (10) mirror polished stainless steel laser etching entitled 'Cicad'. Paul, originally from Liverpool, studied at Sheffield City Polytechnic in the 1980s and at Goldsmiths College of Art in London the 1990s. He was artist in residence at Yorkshire Artspace in 2007. Represented by London based contemporary art gallery Alison Jacques, Paul is mostly known for his black and white big scale mural paintings as well as wood block prints of plant-life, from medieval leaf forms to Walt Disney blooms. He also creates large free-standing sculptural works, often created in black or mirror polished stainless steel, depicting similar plant-like forms. Recent solo shows include Las Vegas Art Museum, Las Vegas (2008); Bloomberg SPACE, London (2007); The Contemporary Museum, Honolulu (2006). His work is held in the collections of eminent Museums and Galleries around the world including the British Council Collection, London; The Museum of Modern Art, New York; Rubell Collection, Miami; St�del Museum, Frankfurt and the Walker Art Gallery in his home town of Liverpool. Paul is scheduled to have a major solo show at Museum Sheffield's Millennium Galleries in summer 2012. Stainless Steel was developed in Sheffield in 1913 by Harry Brearley, making this a very 'Sheffield artwork. All proceeds from the sale of this work will help Yorkshire Artspace to continue their work with different community groups in the new studio neighbourhoods of The Manor and Parson Cross in Sheffield. These neighbourhoods were developed especially to accommodate the workforce for the steel industries during the 1040s but have, since its decline, suffered a great deal of deprivation. In the last year, in conjunction with our residency programme, we worked with the Manor Lodge over 50's Lunch Club, Enable Day Care Centre for adults with learning difficulties, young people from Endeavour based at Wybourn Youth Trust, Anchor Court Sheltered Housing Association and Ruskin Mill Educational Trust's Freeman Collegeand residents from the Parson Cross community. This special limited edition was laser etched by the Sheffield Assay Office with all materials donated by steel company Aalco Nottingham. Yorkshire Artspace wants to thank Paul, Aalco Nottingham and Sheffield Assay Office for their generous support. Pictured: Paul Morrison, 'Cicad' 2011, mirror polished stainless stell laser etching, 160mm x 127mm (x 2mm). Framed at £490, Unframed at £430. Limited edition of 10. To order contact Mir Jansen mir@artspace.org.uk or phone 01142130111

Yorkshire Artspace annual Open Studios 2011

Fri, 11 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Over 60 artists will be opening their studios this November. Please come along to this wonderful yearly event that takes place atPersistence Works and Porter Brook Studios on Friday 18th November from 5.30pm to 9pm and Saturday 19th November 11am to 5pm. There will be a mobile cafe in the Atrium on both days and guest musicians. Our city centre buildings are just two minutes walk from the bus and rail stations and an equally short stroll downhill from Debenhams and John Lewis on Brown Street, S1 2BS Manor Oaks Studios will be open Sunday 20th November from 11am to 4pm. Drinks and food will be available from the Farmshop Cafe and there will be a Santa's Grotto and craft fair in the barns. Chickens, rabbits and pigs will join Big Lad the Heavy Horse in the yard. Manor Oaks Studios are located at 389 Manor Lane, S2 1UL. Free on-site parking and a couple of minutes up from the bus stop on Harborough Avenue. For a list of all the artists that open the doors of their studios at Persistence Works, Porter Brook and Manor Oaks Studios, please visit our open studios webpage.

PW10 Exhibition

Tue, 8 Nov 2011 01:00:00 +0000

PW10 An exhibition of limited edition artworks made by Yorkshire Artspace artists in conjunction with the 10th anniversary of Persistence Works Studios. From 18th November to 21st December \ Open Wednesday to Saturday 11am to 4pm 32 Yorkshire Artspace artists were selected to create a limited edition of 10 artworks for sale for this very special 10-year anniversary of Persistence Works Studios. Launched on the same day as our annual Open Studios event, the wide range of work in this exhibition ranges from handmade books to jewellery, woodwork, prints and ceramics, all at affordable prices from £20 to £500. PW10 runs from Friday 18th November to Wednesday 21st December 2011 and is open between 11am and 5pm every Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday. The artists selected are: David Appleyard (metal) \ Chiara Bet (jewellery) \ Chris Boland (jewellery) \ Kath Boyd (glass) \ Anna Childs (woodwork) \ Heather Dewick (books) \ Susan Disley (ceramics) \ Paul Evans (paint/print) \Katey Felton (jewellery) \ Miles Gavin (ceramics) \ Ross Gilbertson (metal) \ Jennie Gill (jewellery) \ Peter Griffiths (print) \ Andrew Hunt (paint/print) \ Alexander Kerrison (metal) \ Carol Lambert (print) \ Joel Neild (ceramics) \ Kate Orme (print) \ Annette Petch (jewellery) \ Trevor Pollard (books) \ Tim Rose (painting) \ Emilie Taylor (ceramics) \ Sue Taylor (print) \ John Thatcher (woodwork) \ Charlotte Tollyfield (metal) \ Keith Tyssen (metal) \ Sarah Villeneau (ceramics) \ Isobel Walker (print) \ Zoe Watts (metal) \ Hanne Westergaards (ceramics) \ Penny Withers (ceramics) \ Neil Woodall (print)

SYMPOSIUM - Art Practice in a Social Context

Tue, 8 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Symposium Event - Art Practice in a Social Context This symposium event will take place on 13th December at SOAR Works/Knutton Road Studios. We aim toexplore and examine the role that art, artists and arts organisations can play in communities and neighbourhoods. >>>Can the arts and artists make a valuable contribution to a neighbourhood? Many claims are made about culture and the arts being transformative, able to shift perceptions and bring about change >>>is this true and if so to what extent? We hope this event will present an opportunity to discuss and ask questions; >>>Should culture be used to assist with social agendas? >>>Can art be useful? >>>What drives artists to work in a community context? >>>What motivates people to engage with art/artists? >>>>Is it better never to mention art? >>>What difference does it make? The event will take place at the Knutton Road Studios part of the new SOAR Works mixed-use development in the heart of Parson Cross neighbourhood, Sheffield. We will use this innovative model of culture within regeneration and housing renewal initiatives as a starting point for imagining what could be and the role that artist studios could play within the ongoing development of this community. >>>Beyond Regeneration-how can we take our work forward? The morning will see presentations from resident artists commissioned by Yorkshire Artspace to work in the Parson Cross neighbourhood of Sheffield during 2011. There will be an introduction from Rachael Dodd Programme Manager at Yorkshire Artspace about the rationale for working in Parson Cross, the focus on arts practice within this social context and the research being supported by the Paul Hamlyn Foundation. Steve Manthorpe will introduce Turning Point the national initiative to give a voice to the visual arts sector and asking >>>In a harsh economic climate, how can engaged practice be made sustainable? Should it be expected to demonstrate a return on investment and if so, how? During the afternoon we will explore the role that buildings can play within communities and how artists and arts organisations can be part of developing their use. There will be a presentation from Francis McKee Director of the CCA Glasgow (Centre for Contemporary Arts), who will talk about how they shaped and adapted their building and programme in changing times. Along with representatives from SOAR Enterprises and Yorkshire Artspace to talk about SOAR Works and the Knutton Road Studios>>>Does the current financial climate and funding cuts present exciting possibilities in an imperfect world? We would like to thank our supporters for this event: Turning Point Yorkshire and Humber. Yorkshire Artspace Parson Cross Programme funded through: Paul Hamlyn Foundation and Arts Council England-Yorkshire

Open Studios 2011

Tue, 8 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Winter Craft/Art Workshops

Fri, 4 Nov 2011 02:00:00 +0000

Make your own brooch or medal with jeweller Chiara Bet Co-inciding with the New Manor Ware exhibition, Yorkshire Artspace will run a drop-in craft workshop in the gallery on Saturday 5th November from 1pm to 4pm. Using the exhibition as inspiration for the creation of a brooch or medal this creative workshop is suitable for anyone aged 5 upwards. Come along to the Gallery at Persistence Works on 21 Brown Street, Sheffield S1 2BS. The event is free, no need to book, everyone welcome. Learn to etch, print and paint with Rosemary Watson Etching workshops will take place on Saturday 5 November and Saturday 3 December, from 11am to 5pm in Studio 22 at Persistence Works Studios. This will be an opportunity to learn and explore further the less-toxic and more environmentally-friendly etching and printmaking processes based on zinc etched in a copper sulphate acid solution and is suitable for printmakers with some previous experience and in particular printmakers wishing to set up printmaking facilities at home or in their studio max 4 participants, Cost £50 including all materials Rosemary will also run two separateLife Drawing + Painting classes on Saturday 12 November and Saturday 10 December from 11am to 5pm in Studio 22 at Persistence Works Studios. This 5-hour workshop provides an opportunity to draw and paint from the life figure, using pastels and water-based paints. Suitable for beginners and individuals with previous experience. max 4 participants. Cost £30 (plus models fee at approx £15 per person) To book a places on the workshops please contact the artist directly by email at Info@arosemarywatson.co.uk Weekly Ceramic Workshops with Brian Holland Brian's sessions run every Friday from 9.30am to 12.30pm and Saturdays from 10.3 am to 1.30pm and 2pm to 5pm. All aspects of ceramics are covered including hand building, throwing, glazing and glaze formulation, raku firing, working with paper clay. You will be able to learn about making sculptural works, vessels and wall pieces. The course suits beginners as well as the more experienced. Cost per 3-hour session is £15 but you can save a few pounds by booking for 5 sessions for just £62.50 - these sessions don't have to be consecutive so if you miss one, it won't be a problem. Please note: Materials are not included in the price, but you can drink as much green tea as you like at no extra cost. Contact Brian directly for further details or to book a place brian.holland100@virgin.net

Ania Bas Parson Cross Residency

Tue, 1 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0000

We are really pleased to announce that artist Ania Bas will be the next resident artist working in Parson Cross during the course of 2011. Ania is an artist and developer of art projects who in her own words ‘works with people rather than canvas.' In recent years has been artist in residence at Whitechapel Art Gallery and New Art Gallery Walsall and has developed work, projects and interventions in many locations within UK and Europe. Ania will focus on Knutton Road Studios and the role they will have within the neighbourhood of Parson Cross and help us, the Parson Cross community and a community of artists connect with this new building and resource in the heart of the neighbourhood. She works in various contexts, in open and enclosed spaces, with businesses and the streets, she is interested in people, process based practices and creating experimental art spaces and art sites all of which and more we hope she will bring to Parson Cross. We look forward to working with her. Find out more about Ania on her website

Lisa Gallacher Parson Cross Residency

Tue, 1 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0000

"This week has been spent in Parson Cross doing more fittings. Betty's blouse is finished and once the necessary alterations have been made on the other garments the collection will be complete. If you were passing the English/Cross cafe on Friday you would have seen Ian and I busy with some(Extreme?)outdoortailoring, while Carl (the photographer) snapped away. Ian has named his parka-style-poncho (made from the blanket he rescued from a PX skip) - the 'Ponka'. When we met up, he produced a zip pull that he's made for it (from found objects) and he also plans to make some buttons for the lapels. I met with Betty and Janet for our final fitting on Thursday and we spent a good ten minutes laughing about the fact that Betty's house (highlighted on her PX map blouse) is located in her arm-pit and that ‘Grenoside' and ‘Ecclesfield' mark ‘significant' places on her anatomy too........and so it went on. Lisa looks great in her dress. It's a pale silvery grey silk with the cupped hands motif in repeat across the whole fabric - it looks very 1950's and it's first outing will be at one of the Christmas parties she's going to. Gwen's tunic outfit really suits her too, we just need to bring the trousers in a bit and edge the top and jacket with her PX wild-flower fabric. Grant and the Yewland's students are happy with their garments. We have a few minor alterations to do on Scott's ‘gang of one' jacket and Shannon's ‘convict' dress. Grant has decided he would like the ‘PX' monogram on his parson's coat to be embroidered in silver and we're planning another fitting for Courtney's newspaper headline dress and Anna's memory dress soon." 5 Nov 2011

New Exhibition Programme

Thu, 27 Oct 2011 00:00:00 +0000

New Manor Ware New ceramic work created by Manor Oaks artist in residence Frances Priest. From 2nd to 11th November \ Open Wednesday to Saturday 11am to 4pm Frances' New Manor Ware' ceramic tableware range was inspired by the decorative plaster ceiling found in the banqueting room fo teh 16thC Turret House at Manor Lodge on Manor Lane Sheffield. During the 17th Century, local potter John Fox set up a workshop in a disused wing of the Manor House at Manor Lodge producing functional domestic pottery known as Manor Ware. Widely used across Sheffield, remnants of the pottery were, until recently, found in the many archaeoloigcal digs that took place on this site. During her residency at Manor Oaks Studios, Frances worked with a total of 86 people from a number of different community groups to help her with designs for a new version for the tableware which she aptly named: New Manor Ware. It reflects Frances' personal response to the richly layered history of craftmanship and decorative art that forms an integral part of the Manor Lodge story from 16th Century through to the present day. Frances has been the first ceramic artist in residence at the brand new Manor Oaks Studios in Sheffield which she started in January 2011. The New Manor Ware exhibition is shown at Persistence Works Gallery from Wednesday 2nd November when it will be open to the public on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 11 am to 4pm until Friday 11th November. A special Private Viewing will take place on Thursday 3rd November from 3pm to 5.30pm when Frances will be present for one last time before returning to her home and workshop in Edinburgh. On Saturday 5th November, there will be an 'art-in-the-windows' craft workshop. Everyone from age 5 upwards will be able to create their own brooch, inspired by the exhibition display, between 1pm and 4pm. PW10 An exhibition of limited edition artworks made by Yorkshire Artspace artists in conjunction with the 10th anniversary of Persistence Works Studios. From 18th November to 21st December \ Open Wednesday to Saturday 11am to 4pm 33 Yorkshire Artspace artists were selected to create a limited edition of 10 artworks for sale for this very special 10-year anniversary of Persistence Works Studios. Launched on the same day as our annual Open Studios event, the wide range of work in this exhibition ranges from handmade books to jewellery, woodwork, prints and ceramics, all at affordable prices from £20 to £500. PW10 runs from Friday 18th November to Wednesday 21st December 2011 and is open between 11am and 5pm every Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday. The artists selected are: David Appleyard (metal) \ Chiara Bet (jewellery) \ Chris Boland (jewellery) \ Kath Boyd (glass) \ Anna Childs (woodwork) \ Heather Dewick (books) \ Susan Disley (ceramics) \ Paul Evans (paint/print) \Katey Felton (jewellery) \ Miles Gavin (ceramics) \ Ross Gilbertson (metal) \ Jennie Gill (jewellery) \ Peter Griffiths (print) \ Andrew Hunt (paint/print) \ Alexander Kerrison (metal) \ Carol Lambert (print) \ Joel Neild (ceramics) \ Kate Orme (print) \ Annette Petch (jewellery) \ Trevor Pollard (books) \ Tim Rose (painting) \ Emilie Taylor (ceramics) \ SueTaylor (print) \ John Thatcher (woodwork) \ Charlotte Tollyfield (metal) \ Keith Tyssen (metal) \ Sarah Villeneau (ceramics) \ Isobel Walker (print) \ Zoe Watts (metal) \ Hanne Westergaards (ceramics) \ Penny Withers (ceramics) \ Neil Woodall (print)

Residency Parson Cross

Tue, 25 Oct 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Artist Lisa Gallacher lives and works in Glasgow and has been developing her practice to a national and international level for the past 12 years. Her work focuses on designing and creating wearable garment collections then can be seen as artworks in their own right. Recently Lisa has worked on arts projects with groups of young people addressing issues around identity, locality and fashion. In one of these projects 'From D&G to D&G' (from Dumfries & Galloway to Dolce & Gabbana to) Lisa worked with over 250 young people from Dumfries schools to explore their sense of self, community and place. In anticipation of the new Knutton Road Artist Studios managed by Yorkshire Artspace within the SOAR Works development in Parson Cross, Lisa will work in the neighbourhood during 2011. Lisa will be working with a group of twelve Parson Cross residents of different ages to develop the Parson Cross: Made to Measure project. "Every person working with me over the course of my residency will develop their own unique garment inspired by family, community life and the locality of Parson Cross. My work is often the product of direct engagement with particular communities. I am drawn towards situations where I can explore what it means to belong (or not belong) to a particular place. The reason I was drawn to this residency being offered by Yorkshire Artspace was that it had a very specific location; Parson Cross. I hope that Parson Cross: Made to Measure will not only provide the chance for participants to exchange ideas and share skills but that during the course of the year I will understand a little better what it means to be from the Parson Cross.” January 2011 The following is an update from artist in residence in Parson Cross Lisa Gallacher following a ‘record breaking' response to our glittering full page advert in local magazine 5Alive she has been on the Parson Cross trail and secured the first group of people who will work with her as part of Made-to-Measure: “How do you meet people when you arrive in a new place for the first time? Do you place an advert in the local press? Put up notices in the shop windows? Call the radio station and regional newspapers? Invite local residents to come and meet you at the community centre? When you put it this way the answer is obvious - but that's how I spent January and February. In March however, Kate introduced me to Betty and I met Janet through Betty. I contacted Gwen through Sarah who then introduced me to Lisa. Ruthie told me about Anna and through Rachael mentioned Dan, who recommended I speak to Lucy.... who in turn introduced me to Grant and through him I will meet others - who (I hope!) will introduce me to their brothers, sisters, mums and dads.... grandparents, aunties and uncles.It's now April, I'm looking for 12 Parson Cross residents to collaborate with and I'm almost there...... As a stranger to Parson Cross and an artist who develops garment collections exploring ideas of locality and belonging, ‘Made To Measure' will rely on developing close ties with these residents over the course of the next 8 months. Working with each member of the group, the project will involve creating a collection of bespoke garments that function collectively as a portrait of the area and its people. Unlike previous works, which have drawn on my observations of life in particular places (from the outside looking in), the ‘Made To Measure' project positions Parson Cross residents very firmly in the driving seat. They will decide what we make, how, when and why we make it. I will be following their instructions towards developing a made-to-measure garment for each member of the group. Ultimately, this is a project that aims to capture the essence of life in a place from the ‘inside' - from local people's perspective. At this stage, I have no idea what that will look like - but also know that I'm in expert hands.” Lisa Gallacher, April 2011

Lisa Gallacher Parson Cross Residency

Thu, 20 Oct 2011 00:00:00 +0000

3rd blog by Lisa Gallacher, September 2011 "The ‘Parson Cross: Made To Measure' garment design stage was finalised in July and my time in the interim has been spent further designing and tweaking the Parson Cross inspired fabrics that will be used to make six of the garments. These include Betty's map design in cotton; Gwen's wild-flowers in silk; ‘The Star' newspaper headline fabric for Courtney; Anna's ‘memory' design in berry red; Janet's butterfly poem satin and Lisa's Dupion silk fabric that will remind her how she arrived in Parson Cross for the first time. Two of these fabrics have now been digitally printed and the rest will go into production when the samples are approved. I have also been buying garment patterns for various dresses, blouses and tops, a cape, a Victorian gentleman's frock-coat (actually much easier than you would think!), a hooded sports jacket and a tunic-style outfit. Other than that, I've been sourcing complimentary fabrics to be used alongside ones already printed and also to make the remaining four outfits. ‘Convict' stripes and love-heart tulle for Shannon; weather-proof blacks, silvers and breathable mesh for Scott's ‘Gang of One' jacket; ‘warm' violet and aubergine jerseys for Anna's dress; olive green crepe for Gwen. Yorkshire ‘Melton' navy wool will be used for Grant's Parson's coat and I have chosen lining fabric for Ian's parka style poncho - which will be made from the blanket he rescued from a Parson Cross skip. It's all shaping up. Theres is still lots to do ....... but I feel I'm getting there. For anyone who likes to hear what I have been doing, I will be giving a talk on Tuesday 4th October between 5 pm and 6 pm at Persistence Works Studios. If you like to come, please let Rachael know on rachael@artspace.org.uk". Lisa Gallacher

Tester Post

Mon, 17 Oct 2011 00:00:00 +0000

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Lisa Gallacher Parson Cross Residency

Wed, 12 Oct 2011 00:00:00 +0000

First Blog Entry May 2011: "Every person working with me over the course of my residency will develop their own unique garment inspired by family, community life and the locality of Parson Cross. My work is often the product of direct engagement with particular communities. I am drawn towards situations where I can explore what it means to belong (or not belong) to a particular place. The reason I was drawn to this residency being offered by Yorkshire Artspace was that it had a very specific location; Parson Cross. I hope that Parson Cross: Made to Measure will not only provide the chance for participants to exchange ideas and share skills but that during the course of the year I will understand a little better what it means to be from the Parson Cross.” January 2011 The following is an update from artist in residence in Parson Cross Lisa Gallacher following a ‘record breaking' response to our glittering full page advert in local magazine 5Alive she has been on the Parson Cross trail and secured the first group of people who will work with her as part of Made-to-Measure: “How do you meet people when you arrive in a new place for the first time? Do you place an advert in the local press? Put up notices in the shop windows? Call the radio station and regional newspapers? Invite local residents to come and meet you at the community centre? When you put it this way the answer is obvious - but that's how I spent January and February. In March however, Kate introduced me to Betty and I met Janet through Betty. I contacted Gwen through Sarah who then introduced me to Lisa. Ruthie told me about Anna and through Rachael mentioned Dan, who recommended I speak to Lucy.... who in turn introduced me to Grant and through him I will meet others - who (I hope!) will introduce me to their brothers, sisters, mums and dads.... grandparents, aunties and uncles. It's now April, I'm looking for 12 Parson Cross residents to collaborate with and I'm almost there...... As a stranger to Parson Cross and an artist who develops garment collections exploring ideas of locality and belonging, ‘Made To Measure' will rely on developing close ties with these residents over the course of the next 8 months. Working with each member of the group, the project will involve creating a collection of bespoke garments that function collectively as a portrait of the area and its people. Unlike previous works, which have drawn on my observations of life in particular places (from the outside looking in), the ‘Made To Measure' project positions Parson Cross residents very firmly in the driving seat. They will decide what we make, how, when and why we make it. I will be following their instructions towards developing a made-to-measure garment for each member of the group. Ultimately, this is a project that aims to capture the essence of life in a place from the ‘inside' - from local people's perspective. At this stage, I have no idea what that will look like - but also know that I'm in expert hands.” April 2011

Made For You Exhibition

Tue, 27 Sep 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Made for You work created for shopkeepers in Parson Cross by artists Kate Genever and Steve Pool from THE COLLABORATORS. From 19th to 28th October \ Open Wednesday to Friday 11am to 4pm \ Private View and Panel Discussion on Friday 21st October, 6 to 9pm Made For You is a collection of artworks made as part of a long-term ongoing artist residency on the Parson Cross estate of Sheffield. The pieces shown here are the second edition of works installed in shops on Buchanan Road and Margetson Crescent in Parson Cross. The first editions are installed in their respective locations and were commissioned to meet a need expressed by the shopkeepers. The images of old Parson Cross, for example, are in the ‘English Caf�' and create a talking point according to proprietor Deniz with people trying to locate their houses and guess the location. When asked: "Why they had made two of everything"? Kate and Steve replied "The same objects have different meanings in different situations, we hope people will think about context and place, the fact that there is no such thing as a neutral space, this is something this work explores”. Kate and Steve as part of their research are funded by Yorkshire Artspace through the grant received by Paul Hamlyn to explore how artists operate and situate themselves and their art within a community context. Kate and Steve's work is dialogical, site/community responsive and collaborative. By trying to be ”artists in the world not just artists in the art world” their practice is not driven by object outcomes but in by an attempt to “do the right thing” in a given situation. Miwon Kwon (author of One Place After Another: Site-Specific Art and Locational Identity, MIT Press, 2002) argues that - community-specific work takes critiques of "heavy metal" public art as its point of departure to address the site as a social rather than formal or phenomenological framework. The inter-subjective space created through these projects becomes the focus and medium of artistic investigation. Kate and Steve worked with all the shopkeepers in Parson Cross to find relevant individual solutions and feel these conversations and dialogue are central to the work. As such both artists will chair a panel debate and discussion in relation to site specificity and dialogical working as part of the exhibition opening on the 21st October. All Welcome.

Manor Oaks Residency 2011

Thu, 8 Sep 2011 00:00:00 +0000

This is Frances Priest's last blog before the official opening of her exhibition at the Turret House in Sheffield New Manor Ware is nearing completion, just in time for the Green Estate's very own 'Field to Feast' Harvest Festival on the 24th September. The table setting will be presented in the banqueting room of the Tudor Turret house beneath the plasterwork ceiling that inspired the pattern designs for the tableware. Befitting the original use of the banqueting room a sweet feast of ginger cake decorated with gold leaf will be served, baked by Green Estate's farm-cafe chef Tony Dunn.Visitors will be invited to cut a slice of ginger cake using the handmade cake slices that have been produced in collaboration with pupils from Freeman College in the traditional Whittle Tang Cutlery workshop. The table setting features original drawings generated through a series of workshops with groups from Enable Day Care Centre, Endeavour Sheffield and Manor Lodge over 50's Lunch Club. It will be interesting to see who can spot their own artwork amongst the layered pattern designs. New Manor Ware will open to the public on Saturday 24th September from 11pm to 4pm. I very much hope you can come. For exhibition times, please visit our exhibitions page".

Starting Out 2011/12

Tue, 6 Sep 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Book your place by emailing Mir at mir@artspace.org.uk.

Residency for Ceramicist

Tue, 6 Sep 2011 00:00:00 +0000

We are now inviting applications for our 2012 Manor Oaks Residency, starting from January 2012. As with our previous programme: time, space and money will be available to a selected artists to develop new ideas and work. We are keen to work with artists who want to help us develop our programme activities in the new studio neighbourhood of Manor Oaks. At Manor Oaks the residency will have a focus on ceramics and the artist will have access to an equipped space. The site has a rich history and archaeological digs, still regularly taking place at the site, still reveal the importance of the pottery industry of 17thC. We hope the site brings plenty of inspiration to the selected artist. The residency briefs, application form and selection procedures are now available from our website in the programme - artists residencies section - download from right hand side of page. Any queries can be directed at Programme Manager, Mir Jansen mir@artspace.org.ukor 0114 2130111.

Residency Lisa Gallacher

Tue, 6 Sep 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Lisa is our 2011 resident artist in Parson Cross. This is her third blog entry with an update on her 'Parson X - Made to Measure' project:- "The ‘Parson Cross: Made To Measure' garment design stage was finalised in July and my time in the interim has been spent further designing and tweaking the Parson Cross inspired fabrics that will be used to make six of the garments. These include Betty's map design in cotton; Gwen's wild-flowers in silk; ‘The Star' newspaper headline fabric for Courtney; Anna's ‘memory' design in berry red (pictured); Janet's butterfly poem satin and Lisa's Dupion silk fabric that will remind her how she arrived in Parson Cross for the first time. Two of these fabrics have now been digitally printed and the rest will go into production when the samples are approved. I have also been buying garment patterns for various dresses, blouses and tops, a cape, a Victorian gentleman's frock-coat (actually much easier than you would think!), a hooded sports jacket and a tunic-style outfit. Other than that, I've been sourcing complimentary fabrics to be used alongside ones already printed and also to make the remaining four outfits. ‘Convict' stripes and love-heart tulle for Shannon; weather-proof blacks, silvers and breathable mesh for Scott's ‘Gang of One' jacket; ‘warm' violet and aubergine jerseys for Anna's dress; olive green crepe for Gwen. Yorkshire ‘Melton' navy wool will be used for Grant's Parson's coat and I have chosen lining fabric for Ian's parka style poncho - which will be made from the blanket he rescued from a Parson Cross skip. It's all shaping up. Theres is still lots to do ....... but I feel I'm getting there. For anyone who likes to hear what I have been doing, I will be giving a talk on Tuesday 4th October between 5 pm and 6 pm at Persistence Works Studios. If you like to come, please let Rachael know on rachael@artspace.org.uk". Lisa Gallacher Artist Lisa Gallacher lives and works in Glasgow and has been developing her practice to a national and international level for the past 12 years. Her work focuses on designing and creating wearable garment collections then can be seen as artworks in their own right.

Residency Frances Priest

Tue, 6 Sep 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Frances Priest, our artist in residence at Manor Oaks Studios has completed her residency and is exhibiting her new work: New Manor Ware at the Turret House, Manor Lodge, 197 Manor Lane in Sheffield. The exhibition is open to the public every Friday between 11am and 4pm until 21st October. New Manor Ware will be exhibited at Persistence Works Gallery from 2nd and is open to the public from 11am to 4pm on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday until 11th November. Everyone welcome. New Manor Ware opened in time for Green Estate's 'Field to Feast' Harvest Festival on the 24th September. The table setting was presented in the banqueting room of the Tudor Turret house beneath the plasterwork ceiling that inspired the pattern designs for the tableware. Befitting the original use of the banqueting room a sweet feast of ginger cake decorated with gold leaf was served to over 150 visitors. 17 of these delicious cakes were baked by Green Estate's farm-cafe chef Anthony Dunn. Visitors were encouraged to cut a slice of cake using the handmade cake slices that had been produced in collaboration with pupils from Freeman College in the traditional Whittle Tang Cutlery workshop. The table setting features original drawings generated through a series of workshops with groups from Enable Day Care Centre, Endeavour Sheffield and Manor Lodge over 55's activities club. It was wonderful to see former workshop participants trying to spot their own artwork amongst the beautifully complex layered pattern designs. For further details and exhibition times, please visit our exhibitions page".

Autumn Craft/Art Workshops

Tue, 6 Sep 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Creative Card making with Lyn Carruthers Produce your own unique individually hand made cards. No experience needed. All workshops will run from 10am to 4pm, refreshments provided but bring lunch. Cost £35 per workshop or £85 for all three. The card making workshops will take place on at Yorkshire Artspace's Porter Brook Studios on Brown Street. A selection of tools and materials will be provided. 6 places max per booking. For information and to book your place contact Lynn directly on lyncarruthers@yahoo.com Making Your Mark takes place on Saturday 1st October when Lynn will demonstrate and teach you how you can use everyday items to make your mark and print. A Stitch in Time takes place on Thursday 20th October where you will be using stitching and weaving techniques to make cards and A Cut Above takes place on Sunday 13th November when Lynn will demonstrate and teach cutting and sticking techniques. “Creative ideas just came to me due to Lyn's encouragement and friendly professional tuition” former participant Jewellery Making with Annette Petch Annette will be running a one day jewellery making workshop on Saturday 17 September, 10am to 4pm at Studio 1, Manor Oaks Studios, 389 Manor Lane, Sheffield S2 1UL. On this course you will design and make a piece of silver jewellery (a ring or pendant or a pair of earrings). No previous experience necessary. The maximum group size is 4 people. Techniques covered may include cutting and shaping, annealing, silver soldering, etching, chasing, roller texturing and patination. Cost £75 (includes a small amount of silver). Bring a packed lunch and footwear suitable for a workshop environment as you will be using heavy and sharp equipment. Tea, coffee and biscuits are provided. There is a car park on site as well as good access by public transport. To book your place, contact Annette directly: annette@annettepetchjewellery.co.uk or phone 07952 235985. Early booking is recommended. For more information about Annette and her work go to www.annettepetchjewellery.co.uk Learn to etch and print with Rosemary Watson The popular Etching Workshop takes place on Saturday 1st October from 11am to 5pm in Studio 22 at Persistence Works Studios. In this 5-hour workshop the particants will learn the techniques of etching using less toxic and more environmentally-friendly etching and printmaking processes. Unique prints or limited editions may be printed from the plates you create. Printmaking from the Life Figure runs on Saturday 8th October from 2pm to 5pm in Studio 22 at Persistence Works Studios. This 3-hour workshop explores aspects of the life figure through the techniques of monoprint. Monoprinting is an exciting technique with elements of chance resulting in unique handmade prints. Artists like Edgar Degas and Tracey Emin have used the technique frequently to represent the life figure. Both print workshops are suitable for both beginners and individuals with previous experience. Max 4 participants. Cost £35 for etching workship and £25 for the Life Figure workshop plus model's fee at approx. £6 per person. both workshops include all materials. Book a place by contacting the artist directly Info@arosemarywatson.co.uk Weekly Ceramic Workshops with Brian Holland Brian's sessions run every Friday from 9.30am to 12.30pm and Saturdays from 10.3 am to 1.30pm and 2pm to 5pm. All aspects of ceramics are covered including hand building, throwing, glazing and glaze formulation, raku firing, working with paper clay. You will be able to learn about making sculptural works, vessels and wall pieces. The course suits beginners as well as the more experienced. Cost per 3-hour session is £15 but you can save a few pounds by booking for 5 sessions for just £62.50 - these sessions don't have to be consecutive so if you miss one, it won't be a problem. Please note: Materials are not included in the price, but you can drink as much green tea as you like at no extra cost. Contact Brian directly for further details or to book a place brian.holland100@virgin.net

Manor Oaks Studios

Mon, 5 Sep 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Manor Oaks Farm was the location for the annual 'Field to Feast' Harvest Festival on Saturday 24th September between 11am and 4pm. All our Manor Oaks Studios were open to the public with many more artists invited to demonstrate their skills in the courtyard and Future Nature Garden. A beautifully sunny day with much to do, see and eat attracted a record 700 visitors to the site. The next event we are looking forward to is the annual Open Studios at Manor Oaks which, this year, will take place on Sunday 20th November, between 11am and 4pm. More information will be available shortly. More details the Manor Lodge website

Test post 4

Wed, 24 Aug 2011 00:00:00 +0000

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Mon, 8 Aug 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Vivamus cursus, magna eget tincidunt mattis, velit turpis interdum leo, convallis iaculis nisl leo at mauris. Praesent nibh mauris, hendrerit egestas ultricies eget, pharetra nec nulla. Vivamus eget nisi a arcu consequat lacinia. Pellentesque dapibus dapibus elit vel scelerisque. Aenean at sem erat. Vestibulum venenatis leo et urna iaculis ornare. Fusce sit amet mi non purus feugiat aliquet. Donec pharetra, dui aliquam tincidunt pulvinar, turpis diam convallis neque, vitae dapibus magna nisi ac leo. Ut nec elit lacus, at congue velit. Cras sit amet turpis a nunc hendrerit rhoncus ac eu tortor. Integer sem massa, porta ac convallis quis, pulvinar ac nibh. Proin id nisi ut purus lobortis lacinia vel in augue. In et malesuada dui. Aliquam eleifend, felis non sollicitudin convallis, odio purus porttitor metus, vel interdum metus leo non eros. In id ipsum sit amet felis vestibulum laoreet cursus in velit. Vivamus convallis lacinia leo ac pulvinar. Sed tristique dictum interdum. Donec ac nisl eu odio rhoncus vehicula nec sed nunc. Mauris sit amet tortor sapien, vel congue nisi. In hac habitasse platea dictumst. Donec pulvinar consequat erat id pellentesque. Donec felis lorem, condimentum a imperdiet nec, aliquet in nulla.

Residency Parson Cross

Thu, 4 Aug 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Made for You Artists Steve Pool & Kate Genever of THE COLLABORATORS have recently installed artworks made for the shopkeepers on Buchanan Road, Parson Cross. They sit well in their respective locations and look a bit like art while meeting a need for the shop keepers. The images of old Parson Cross in the English Cafe are a talking point for customers according to proprietor Deniz with people trying to locate their houses and guess the location. Part of the next phase of this project is to work with shopkeepers on the Margetson Crescent parade of shops next to the new Knutton Road Studios. Once all work is completed and installed we hope to have a community celebration event in Parson Cross. All work has been produced as an edition of 2 with the second edition to be shown in a gallery location. When we asked Kate and Steve why they had made two of everything they replied "The same things will have different meanings in different places, we hope people will think about context and place and this is something the work explores."

Kid Acne Residency Test

Mon, 1 Aug 2011 00:00:00 +0000

This is the content for the Kid Acne residency blog post

Sheffield Summer Festivals

Tue, 19 Jul 2011 00:00:00 +0000

This summer we are taking our Yorkshire Artspace banner and artists to the local festivals in Firth Park, Burngreave and Hillsborough. We worked with ceramicist Miles Gavin at the Firth Park Festival on June 26th where he created clay flowers with people from the local community. The flowers were decorated and fired at the Flower Festival at Manor Oaks Studios on 3rd July and will be installed somewhere outside in the foreseeable future. We had great fun at the Abbeyfield Park Multicultural Festival on 10th July where local artist Steve Pool (also one of our artist in residence in Parson Cross) fabricated the largest ever cardboard box den. Over 100 children visited us on the day, playing games and drawing pictures in and on the den as it grew larger and more colourful. It was a shame to see it dismantled at the end of a long afternoon. We still have one festival to go. Join us if you like at the Hillsborough Park Extravaganza on Saturday 20th August from 11am to 4 pm with artist Ruthie Ford.

Interview with artist

Fri, 1 Jul 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Kate Dore, Director of Yorkshire Artspace in conversation with Kate Orme, sculptor based at Persistence Works Studios. Can you describe your creative practice to someone who may not be familiar with it? I am a sculptor. I use non-traditional materials but choose them very carefully as they are a big part of my work. In ‘Nail' I chose wax and lead. Wax is an odd material; it is always on the edge of becoming something else, inconstant; never stable, in a state of flux, just as we humans are. The piece for me represents the human condition; no matter how hard you try to be a better person, to strive towards purity and clarity, there is always toxic element that nails you to the floor. This is the lead. The power of the piece speaks through the voice of the materials. How long have you had a studio at Yorkshire Artspace and what brought you here? I have been here 2 years. A friend had a studio at Persistence Works that I liked. I was working from home in isolation, which is not healthy for an artist, we need the discourse with other artists, I wanted to be able to leave home, lock the door and go to work in a creative community. How do you make your living as an artist/maker? At the moment I am concentrating on developing my work without having to consider the constraints of the market. This allows me freedom and integrity. How does having a studio here support your practice? The dialogue with other artists is very important. I can knock on doors, say hello and have a quick chat or a longer discussion. I also have access to a much wider arts community. And of course it offers me a really great space to work in. Please give a particular example of how this has resulted in a commission/ exhibition/ networking opportunity? At Open Studios in November last year, the curators of a forthcoming show at the Orchard Centre saw my work and asked me to exhibit. The exhibition closed in June and I got a huge amount of positive and encouraging feedback. What has been your highlight over the last year? The Open Studio event. So many people come and want to talk about your work and ask questions. This makes you question your work again yourself which is always a good thing. What are you working on at the moment? ‘The Winds at the Edge of the Universe'. I am interested in quantum physics, presence and what it is to be human. The atoms that I am composed of exist in other dimensions at the same time as they exist in me. I am interested in where these dimensions meet. This work will be shown at the Orchard Centre in May 2012.

Lisa Gallacher Residency Parson Cross

Fri, 1 Jul 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Artist Lisa Gallacher lives and works in Glasgow and has been developing her practice to a national and international level for the past 12 years. Her work focuses on designing and creating wearable garment collections then can be seen as artworks in their own right. Lisa has been making regular visits to Parson Cross to work with her selected group of collaborators on developing their ideas and personal stories relating to their neighbourhood into designs for their unique 'Made to Measure' garments. This is her second blog entry:- “There are many stories about how Parson Cross got its name. It's possible that at some point in the 1600's, a parson placed a cross on the roadside to remind travellers that the lord was with them. Others say that there was a parson called Mr Cross and that someone may have slapped a parson and made him cross. It is also possible that two parsons crossed paths on the way to their respective churches every day. Grant, a local key-worker told me about a parson who would station himself at the crossroads and take a toll from visitors to the area. His parson will wear a purple Teddy- boy style coat. The breast pocket could be embroidered with the emblem ‘PX' and he may also have a neck-piece or sash that has been designed by members of his own ‘flock'. In the 1980's, instead of going to school one day - a young girl got on a bus to the area to see her older sister and stayed until her early twenties. Her dress will represent how Parson Cross became a place of sanctuary for her. A former Sheffield Transport employee has travelled around the edges of Parson Cross for much of her life. She has marked the landmarks and routes that are significant to her on a map of Parson Cross which will be translated into a digital print and pattern for a blouse. “My grandparents were the first to move to Wheata road when the houses were built in the 1940's”. As the third generation of her family to live in this house, Dawn wants a dress that will celebrate her heritage and the network of people and memories that connect her to Parson Cross. Living alongside the human residents, are a large population of magpies, crows, foxes and domestic cats. The urban safari suit (camouflaged for Parson Cross terrain) will allow Ian to observe them without being seen. Young people say that Parson Cross gets bad press. Jodie's dress would re-write recent newspaper headlines to reveal the truth about life in the area. David wants a jacket that would reclaim the ‘S5' post-code from its association with gang activity and Chloe's outfit would show that despite its reputation, her community is a caring one. Every Year in the spring, fields of wild flowers appear on the patches of waste ground where houses once stood. Laura's garment will be edged with the poppies, sunflowers and forget-me-nots that represent (for her) new beginnings from old." June 2011

Residency Manor Oaks

Fri, 1 Jul 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Frances Priest, our artist in residence at Manor Oaks Studios was here during the week of the official opening of Manor Oaks Studios and the Future Nature Garden. This is her third blog entry:- "It feels like I am at the mid way point of my residency at Manor Oaks as my focus shifts from creating and running workshops to reflecting on the results of these activities. Looking back over the varied responses people have made to the Tudor Turret House, from hand made printing blocks, through quick sketch drawings, to collaged surfaces, I realise that I have a rich and exciting body of source material from which to develop pattern designs. It has been interesting to see what aspects of the decorative plasterwork individuals have responded to and I am excited by how the decorative language used in the ceiling has been interpreted, creating some very new and unexpected responses. During my last visit to Sheffield I spent an enjoyable day with students and staff at Freeman college in the Whittle Tang Cuttlery workshop, stamping out, filing down and polishing 10 cake slice blades. The methodical and collective nature of the making process was a satisfying experience and seemed to reflect the collective nature of the design process I have been exploring, involving the input of many individuals to create a finished whole. This approach was also put into action during the Manor Oaks studio opening event which was a great opportunity for me to share the progress of my residency so far. Thank you to everyone who took the time to talk to me about the work and join in with adding their mark to the drawing wall. This really helped to move the pattern designs a step forward. The cake slice designs are well underway and I am beginning to understand how they will relate to the rest of the table setting, considering what elements will make up the whole and whether it might be possible to transfer the pattern designs onto table linen too. I will next be in Sheffield in mid July when I hope to share my designs with the Green Estate team and anyone else interested in the progress of the project. http://artspace.org.uk/programmes/artist-residencies

Summer Craft/Art Workshops

Thu, 30 Jun 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Life Drawing at Porter Brook Studios every Tuesday evening from 7pm to 9pm with artist Rebecca Roche and illustrator Alex Coward. £6 per session. These sessions offer individuals of all abilities the opportunity to improve their drawing skills by working directly from life. We provide a fully equipped studio, free refreshments and a friendly and inspiring environment. Our male and female models change weekly on a rota basis, keeping each session new and interesting. We also have a very few places left for our next full-day session on Saturday 9th July from 10.30am to 4pm. This session costs £20 and includes lunch. Spaces are limited so anyone wishing to attend should email Rebecca and Alex at pblifedrawing@yahoo.co.uk or telephone Alex on 0114 221 97 33 to reserve a place. Porterbrooks Studios are located next door to the main Yorkshire Artspace Persistence Works building at 3 - 7 Sidney Street, Sheffield, S1 4RG. Join our Facebook group Porter Brook Life Drawing for news about upcoming events such as our regular all day sessions. Etching Workshop with Rosemary Watson on Saturday 13th August 2011 from 11am to 5pm in studio 22 at Persistence Works Studios. In this 5-hour workshop you will be exploring the techniques of etching using less toxic and more environmentally-friendly etching and printmaking processes. Limited editions may be printed from the plates or unique prints made using monoprint inking techniques. Suitable for beginners and individuals with previous experience. Max 4 participants. Cost £35 including all materials. Life Drawing + Painting Workshop with Rosemary Watson on Saturday 20th August 2011 from 11am to 5pm in Studio 22 Persistence Works Studios. This 5-hour workshop provides an opportunity to explore and practise the use of drawing pastel and water-based media to represent of the life figure. Suitable for beginners and individuals with previous experience. Max 4 participants. Cost £30 (plus model's fee approx £15) To book a place on one or both of Rosemary's workshops, please contact the artist directly at info@arosemarywatson.co.uk Ceramics Workshops with Brian Holland at Persistence Works. Brian's sessions run every Friday from 9.30am to 12.30pm and Saturdays from 10.3 am to 1.30pm and 2pm to 5pm. All aspects of ceramics are covered including hand building, throwing, glazing and glaze formulation, raku firing, working with paper clay. You will be able to learn about making sculptural works, vessels and wall pieces. The course suits beginners as well as the more experienced. Cost per 3-hour session is £15 but you can save a few pounds by booking for 5 sessions for just £62.50 - these sessions don't have to be consecutive so if you miss one, it won't be a problem. Please note: Materials are not included in the price fo Brian's workshops but you can drink as much green tea as you like at no extra cost. Contact Brian directly for further details or to book a place brian.holland100@virgin.net

Make!Do!Grow!

Thu, 30 Jun 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Ruthie Ford, starter studio artist in Engaged Practice, devised and managed a three week project with Longley Park 6th Form college students. The students were introduced to 3 different allotment sites: LEAF in Longley Park; HUERTA guerilla garden at Persistence Works Studios; and the allotments at Manor Oaks Studios where the food produced ends up in the on-site cafe farmshop. The allotment gardens served as inspiration for the designs of silver spoon made in the Persistence Works Silversmith studio where Drew Sutherland and Sally Cox taught the group of 8 students to skills and techniques of forging, raising and soldering. "This is something that we would never be able to teach our students at Longley Park College. It is wonderful to see the enthusiasm and the unique designs the students have come up with" Rob, tutor at Longley Park The students will continue to improve their making skills later in July when they will visit Manor Oaks Studios where they will work with starter ceramicist Miles Gavin to make and decorate a ceramic bowl. The students will also be treated to a bowl of soup at the farmshop cafe made with locally produced food. The rproject is supported by the Sheffield Church Burgesses Educational Foundation. You can follow progress on Ruthie's blogsite MakeDoGrow

Starter Studio Programmes

Wed, 1 Jun 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Our Starter Studio Programmes for Silversmithing and Jewellery at Persistence Works Studios and Ceramics at Manor Oaks Studios are still receiving applications. Deadline is 11th July with interviews the following week and a start date in early October 2011. Download the simple application form from our starter studio page, fill it in and send it with up to 10 images to Mir Jansen, programme manager at Yorkshire Artspace. We don't have a house style, we are not looking for perfection, we simply like to hear from committed and passionate early career makers who will benefit from this fantastic opportunity. Now entering its tenth year, the starter studio programme for silversmithing and jewellery is located at our award winning city centre Persistence Works Studios. We offer places to early career silversmiths and jewellers who would benefit from access to equipped workshop facilities, mentor and business support and exhibition opportunities for a maximum of 2 years. Download the application form from our starter studio page. Information about previous beneficiaries and further details of the programme can also be found here. Deadline for the 2011 intake is Monday 11th July with interviews taking place on Thursday, 21st July. Entering its second year, this programme is located at our brand new eco-designed Manor Oaks Studios. We offer places to early career ceramicists / new graduates who would benefit from access to equipped workshop facilities, mentor and business support and exhibition opportunities for a maximum of 2 years. Download applications from our starter studio page. Deadline for the 2011 intake is Monday 11th July with interviews taking place the following week.

Starter Studio Programme

Wed, 1 Jun 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Entering its second year, this programme is located at our brand new Knutton Road Studios due for completion this Summer. We offer places to early career artists who have an interest to develop collaborative practice and/or have an interest in community engagement. You will benefit from access to equipped space, mentor and business support, paid work opportunities for a maximum of 2 years. Download applications from our starter studio page. Deadline for the 2011 intake is 30th July with interviews taking place in August.

Starter Studio Programme

Wed, 1 Jun 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Entering its second year, this programme is located at our brand new eco-designed Manor Oaks Studios. We offer places to early career ceramicists / new graduates who would benefit from access to equipped workshop facilities, mentor and business support and exhibition opportunities for a maximum of 2 years. Download applications from our starter studio page. Deadline for the 2011 intake is Monday 11th July with interviews taking place the following week.

Print & Ceramics in the City

Thu, 26 May 2011 10:00:00 +0000

Please note: due to a Our special event: "Collecting Contemporary Art" planned for Thursday 26th May, 5.30 to 7pm. had to be postponed due to a lack of response. We hope to stage this at a later date. This is the final week of our first selling exhibition, in collaboration withgallerytop. If you haven't seen the exhibition yet, don't delay and come along to have a peak at some of the UK's most talented print and ceramic artists. This exhibition of limited edition prints and ceramics feature some of the UK's most acclaimed artists. The exhibition ‘Print and Ceramics ' is open Thursday, Friday and Saturday between 10am and 5pm at Persistence Works at 21 Brown Street in Sheffield. The exhibition finishes this Saturday, 28th May, at 5pm. The exhibition features work for sale by local Yorkshire Artspace artists Susan Disley, Emilie Taylor, Penny Withers, Neil Woodall and Manor Oaks artist in residence Frances Priestalongside ceramics by Emmanuel Cooper, Eddie Curtis, Chris Keenan, Sara Moorhouse, Sacha Wardell, Gareth Mason, Barry Stedman as well as prints by Sir Terry Frost RA, Sir Peter Blake (pictured), Barabara Rae RA, Brendan Neiland, John Hoyland RA, Bruce McLean, Sandra Blow RA and Donald Hamilton Fraser RA. For regular updates and background on artists follow gallerytop on Twitter gallertop exhibits contemporary art by emerging and established artists in painting, sculpture, ceramics, glass and jewellery. Located in the heart of the Derbyshire Peak District, their aim is to combine contemporary art with everyday life and provide an enjoyable experience to the interested browser, the art enthusiast and the seasoned collector. This is their first collaboration with Yorkshire Artspace in Sheffield. Work is available to buy through the Arts Council's 'Own Art' scheme designed to make it easy and affordable to buy and collect contemporary art and craft. Loans from £100 to £2000 are re-payable in 10 monthly installments completely interest free. The exhibition will be open to the public on Thursday, Friday and Saturday - 10am to 5pm and will run from the evening of 6th to 28th May 2011.

Manor Oaks Residency 2011

Fri, 13 May 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Frances Priest, was in Sheffield during the week of the official opening of Manor Oaks Studios and the Future Nature Garden on Friday 6th May. This is her third blog entry:- "It feels like I am at the mid way point of my residency at Manor Oaks as my focus shifts from creating and running workshops to reflecting on the results of these activities. Looking back over the varied responses people have made to the Tudor Turret House, from hand made printing blocks, through quick sketch drawings, to collaged surfaces, I realise that I have a rich and exciting body of source material from which to develop pattern designs. It has been interesting to see what aspects of the decorative plasterwork individuals have responded to and I am excited by how the decorative language used in the ceiling has been interpreted, creating some very new and unexpected responses. During my last visit to Sheffield I spent an enjoyable day with students and staff at Freeman college in the Whittle Tang Cuttlery workshop, stamping out, filing down and polishing 10 cake slice blades. The methodical and collective nature of the making process was a satisfying experience and seemed to reflect the collective nature of the design process I have been exploring, involving the input of many individuals to create a finished whole. This approach was also put into action during the official Manor Oaks Studio opening event on 6th May, which was a great opportunity for me to share the progress of my residency so far. Thank you to everyone who took the time to talk to me about the work and join in with adding their mark to the drawing wall. This really helped to move the pattern designs a step forward. The cake slice designs are well underway and I am beginning to understand how they will relate to the rest of the table setting, considering what elements will make up the whole and whether it might be possible to transfer the pattern designs onto table linen too. I will next be in Sheffield in mid July when I hope to share my designs with the Green Estate team and anyone else interested in the progress of the project. Frances Priest, June 2011

Residency Manor Oaks

Tue, 3 May 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Frances Priest, our artist in residence at Manor Oaks Studios, spent the week of 28th March to 1st April at Manor Oaks Studios. This is her second blog entry:- "In between all the seasonal, royal and national holidays that seem to be tempting us away from work and into the glorious sunshine, I am making preparations for another trip to Sheffield and THE most important date in everyone's diary: the official opening of Manor Oaks Studios onFriday 6th May. I am looking forward to joining in the celebrations and using the opportunity to share some of the work I have been developing during my residency at Manor Oaks Studios and Manor Lodge. A week in late March saw me working through a process of design development with a number of local groups and individuals toward realising my plan to make a table setting for the Tudor Turret House banqueting room. The Manor Lodge over 50's Lunch Club got the ball rolling, after a hearty Shepherd's Pie lunch, with an afternoon spent constructing printing blocks inspired by photographs of the Tudor Turret House plaster work ceiling and Victorian stained glass windows. The following day I visited Enable Day Care Centre where an enthusiastic group took the design process a stage further, using the printing blocks to make a series of pattern samples and a magnificent printed banner. On Wednesday I met with a group of young people from Endeavour, based at Wybourn Youth Trust, who gamely climbed the narrow stairs of the Turret House to attempt some unusual observational drawing activities in the Banqueting Room. I also spent a fascinating afternoon at Anchor Court Sheltered Housing Association chatting and reminiscing with day visitors about Manor Lodge, hearing tales of secret tunnels between The Manor and Sheffield Castle, recalling school trips to Manor Lodge and wondering whether anyone remembered Maggie Webster, the last person to live in the Tudor Turret House. I also found time to meet with Tony, the newly appointed Manor Lodge Farm Shop Caf� chef to discuss cakes and biscuits and made a second visit to the Freeman College Whittle Tang Cutlery workshop where a plan is emerging to make a series of cake slices for the table setting. May 6th will be another chance to move the design process on a step by inviting guests to participate in making a collaborative collage that will cover the walls and floor of the Ceramic Starter Studio at Manor Oaks. My hope is that the drawing will grow throughout the afternoon as individuals add their little bit to a surface pattern made up of decorative motifs developed during the March workshops. It is exciting to see how it is possible to create a process in which so many people are invited to lend a hand in helping to evolve a pattern design that will eventually be used for the surface for decorative ceramic tableware. This is a re-inventing of the decorative language that covers the ceiling, walls and windows of the Tudor Turret House banqueting room". http://artspace.org.uk/programmes/artist-residencies

Craft/Art Workshops

Mon, 2 May 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Printmaking workshops with Rosemary Watson, please contact the artist directly at info@arosemarywatson.co.uk to book your place. Printmaking from the Life Figure with Rosemary Watson on Saturday 14 May from 11am - 5pm in studio 22 at Persistence Works Studios. This 5-hour workshop provides an opportunity to explore aspects of the life figure through the techniques of monoprint and drypoint. Monoprinting is a technique which involves elements of uncontrollability and chance resulting in unique handmade prints. Artists Edgar Degas and Tracey Emin used this technique frequently to represent the life figure. Drypoint is a direct method of printmaking. The image is directly drawn into a metal plate with a hard pointed tool creating an incised line together with a raised edge of metal known as a ‘burr' and resulting in deep velvety blacks when the plate is inked up and printed. The workshop is suitable for beginners and the more experienced. Max 4 participants. Cost £40 per person, includes all materials plus approx. £9 for hire of life model. Drypoint Workshop with Rosemary Watson on Saturday 21 May 2011 from 2pm - 5pm in studio 22 at Persistence Works Studios. This 3-hour workshop explores the techniques of drypoint printmaking or provides an opportunity to take further prints from existing drypoint or etched plates. Suitable for beginners and individuals with previous experience. Max 4 participants. Cost £25 includes all materials. Etching Workshop with Rosemary Watson on Saturday 11 June 2011 from 11am - 5pm in studio 22 at Persistence Works Studios. this 5-hour workshop exploring the techniques of etching using less toxic and more environmentally-friendly etching and printmaking processes. Hard ground etching is a direct method of printmaking where the image is drawn with a pointed tool into a hard ground applied to the surface of a metal plate. The plate is then immersed in a copper sulphate acid solution which etches into the areas of metal exposed by the drawn marks. Limited editions may be printed from the plates or unique prints made using monoprint inking techniques. Suitable for beginners and individuals with previous experience max 4 participants Cost £35 including all materials Life Drawing + Painting workshop with Rosemary Watson on Saturday 18 June from 11am - 5pm in studio 22 at Persistence Works Studios. This 5-hour workshop provides an opportunity to explore and use pastel and water-based media to draw or paint the life figure. Suitable for beginners and individuals with previous experience. Max 4 participants. Cost £30 plus models fee of approx £15 Jewellery making workshops with jeweller Annette Petch on Saturday 21 May from 10am to 4pm, studio 1 at Manor Oaks Studios. On this course you will design and make a piece of silver jewellery, possibly a ring to fit your finger, a pendant, or a pair of earrings. No previous experience necessary. The maximum group size is 4 people. Techniques covered may include cutting and shaping, annealing, silver soldering, etching, chasing, roller texturing and patination. Cost £75 - this includes a small amount of silver. Bring a packed lunch and footwear suitable for a workshop environment as you will be using heavy and sharp equipment. Tea, coffee and biscuits are provided. Studio 1 at Manor Oaks Studios is situated at Green Estate, 389 Manor Lane, Sheffield, S2 1UL. There is a car park on site as well as good access by public transport. To book your place, contact Annette directly: annette@annettepetchjewellery.co.uk or phone 07952 235985. Early booking is recommended. For more information about Annette and her work go to www.annettepetchjewellery.co.uk Ceramics Workshops with Brian Holland at Persistence Works. Brian's sessions run every Friday from 9.30am to 12.30pm and Saturdays from 10.3 am to 1.30pm and 2pm to 5pm. All aspects of ceramics are covered including hand building, throwing, glazing and glaze formulation, raku firing, working with paper clay. You will be able to learn about making sculptural works, vessels and wall pieces. The course suits beginners as well as the more experienced. Cost per 3-hour session is £15 but you can save a few pounds by booking for 5 sessions for just £62.50 - these sessions don't have to be consecutive so if you miss one, this will not be a problem. Please note: Materials are not included but you can drink as much green tea as you like at no extra cost. Contact Brian directly for further details or to book a place brian.holland100@virgin.net

Manor Oaks Official Opening

Sun, 1 May 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Yorkshire Artspace and Green Estate would be thrilled if you could join us on Friday 6th May from 2pm onwards to celebrate the official opening of Manor Oaks Studios and the Future Nature Garden. From 2pm onwards there will be much to do and much to see. Here are just some of the highlights; * The Exhibition ‘Lords, Ladies and Apron Men' consists of 9 stoneware ceramic chargers decorated using oxide and luster, created by Green Estate staff members Kyle, Danny, Kyle, Charlie, Bob, Don, Andy and Matt. Yorkshire Artspace commissioned artist Emilie Taylor to work with the team of apprentices and their team leaders to explore issues of masculinity in the Renaissance period and the present day. "Images were developed to incorporate historical symbolism alongside contemporary iconography from the men's daily lives, including their role as part of Green Estate. The plates celebrate the current Renaissance or re-birth of the Manor, and recognise the role of local people in developing the site both historically and today". * All the beautiful new Manor Oaks Studios will be open to the public. Annette Petch (silver jewellery), Finbarr Lucas (furniture and sculpture in wood) and Susan Disley (ceramics) will be welcoming visitors with work on display and for sale. * In our Starter Studio for Ceramicists, Manor Oaks resident artist Frances Priest will be providing an update on her project to design a table setting for the Turret House Banqueting Room at Manor Lodge assisted by starter ceramicists Joel Neild and Miles Gavin. * In the Manor Oaks Studios courtyard, Yorkshire Artspace ceramicists Penny Withers, Sarah Villeneau and Hanne Westergaard will be showing their garden pots. * Make your own Mini Beasty Box for your home garden - a fun family activity with Green Estate's Community and Education officer Anna Plant. * Dr Nigel Dunnett, Reader in Urban Horticulture at the University of Sheffield, will be speaking about the development of the Future Nature Garden and all the features within it. The original garden was designed by ARK DM Ltd. architects Adrian Hallam and Chris Arrowsmith and horticulturalist Dr Dunnett for the 2009 RHS Chelsea Flower show where it achieved a Silver Gilt Award. * Green Estate will be launching the new HLF funded South Yorkshire Local History Centre located above the Farmshop Caf�. * Enjoy fresh strawberries & cream on sale from the Farmshop Caf�. Manor Oaks Studios and Future Nature Garden are located 389 Manor Lane, Sheffield S2 1UL. Parking on site or nearby. For directions click here

Interview with artist

Sat, 30 Apr 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Kate Dore, Director of Yorkshire Artspace in conversation with Finbar Lucas, Furniture maker and wood sculptor based at Manor Oaks Studios. Can you describe your creative practice to someone who may not be familiar with it? I make a broad range of wooden furniture. I trained in fine art and key to the form of the pieces I make is an interest in the work as a 3D object in its own right. At the heart of my work is a commitment to working in a sustainable way and this involves the sourcing of materials, design and construction. How long have you had a studio at Yorkshire Artspace and what brought you here? I have been at Manor Oaks since August last year when the new studios opened. The offer at Manor Oaks was so much better than my previous workspace. I also feel much more connected here as part of a large group of artists. How do you make your living as an artist/maker? I make a lot of furniture! I want to be ‘a useful member of the community' and I take on a wide range of different commissions for very varied pieces. I have good customer contacts and a reputation for being willing to meet their needs. How does having a studio here support your practice? For the first time in 7 years I am part of a large community of makers in a supportive environment. Not having to be responsible for the running or upkeep of the premises means I can concentrate on my creative work. The beautiful workspace and setting contribute to my professional reputation and image - I can see people's eyes light up as they enter the space and take in the remarkable structure of the building. Please give a particular example of how this has resulted in a commission/ exhibition/ networking opportunity? The recent open day held here for Galvanize was really popular and I had lots of conversations with potential clients. I had made an A4 flyer for the event with details about my work and I hope this will lead to some commissions. What has been your highlight over the last year? Moving to such a great space, and also the Open Studios in November where I sold a coffee table. What are you working on at the moment? An oak, ash and walnut cabinet and a 5m curved oak desk with a removable central section.

Starter Studio Programmes

Fri, 29 Apr 2011 00:00:00 +0000

We are are now inviting applications from artists/makers for the 2011 intake of our 3 starter studio programmes. This year we will be doing it slightly differently in that we will accept applications from talented, commited makers/artists from March 2011 onwards. We will be starting our interview process in May this year in order to give selected artists enough time to re-locate to Sheffield if needed. Final deadlines for applications are set for July. Check out our starter studio page for details. The Starter Studio for Designer Silversmithsis located at Persistence Works Studios and offers early career silversmiths access to a large 108m2 shared and equipped workspace at Persistence Works Studios. Now in its 10th year, the programme provides ongoing business, mentor and technical support as well as commission and exhibition opportunities. This year all our current and many of our previous beneficiaries were included in Galvanize Sheffield, our bi-annual festival for contemporary metalwork taking place across the city. For our programme details, background on our mentors and a website list of previous beneficiaries, please click here First deadline for applications for the Starter Studio Programme for Silversmiths is Friday, 13th May 2011 with interviews taking place on Monday 23rd May. The Starter Studio Programme for Ceramicistsis based at Manor Oaks Studios and offers early career ceramicists/potters access to a fully equipped 55m2 shared workspace for two years with ongoing business, mentor and technical support and exhibition opportunities at Museums Sheffield's Millennium Galleries. For further details click here All our ceramicist starters also benefit from having dedicated time with our Manor Oaks artist in residence which, for 2011, is Edinburgh based ceramicist Frances Priest. First deadline for applications for the Starter Studio Programme for Ceramicists is Wednesday 18th May with interviews taking place on Thursday 2nd June 2011. The Starter Studio Programme for Engaged Practicewill be located at our soon to be completed brand new Knutton Road Studios in the Parson Cross area of Sheffield. This programme is designed for artists who want to develop a career as artists whose practice is concerned with community/social engagement. Apart from access to a workspace, the selected artists will also be offered paid work opportunities, dedicated time with the Parson Cross artist in residence (currently Lisa Gallacher) and access to mentor and ongoing business support. You will be based in one of new studios at SOAR Works which houses Knutton Road Studios. Artist Ruthie Ford, who joined the first programme in 2010, has already benefited from paid work opportunities through the links we have with Sheffield City Council, Museums Sheffield and programme funding through Paul Hamlyn Foundation. For further details click here First deadline for applications for the Starter Studio Programme for Engaged Practice is Wednesday 25th May with interviews taking place on Friday 10th June 2011. If you want to visit us or like further information on our programmes, please contactMir Jansen, programme manager for the Silversmiths and Ceramicists Programmes on mir@artspace.org.ukor Rachael Dodd, programme manager for the Engaged Practice Programme on rachael@artspace.org.ukor telephone 0114 2130111.

Tanya Gomez

Thu, 28 Apr 2011 16:04:00 +0000

Tanya Gomez graduated from the Royal College of Art in 2010 with a Masters degree in Ceramics and Glass. In her earlier years she worked on private yachts. Whilst travelling around the globe she became fascinated by colour, shape and the diversity of different cultures she encountered. This eventually manifested itself in her work. Gomez makes functional vessels. She works in porcelain and uses a range of throwing techniques to create forms that capture fluidity, movement and provide a sense of space. "It is through a process of energetic making and rigorous selection that I have learnt to observe how the clay works and find new ways to move forward". Tanya works from her home in Lewes, East Sussex, where she has been working as a professional ceramicist for 7 years. She exhibits her work around the UK and also works to commissions. Her work in the Prints & Ceramics in the City exhibition is for sale and ranges between £45 for smaller pieces to £900 for the large scale work.

Knutton Road Studios

Tue, 26 Apr 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Our 10 brand new Knutton Road Studios in the new SOAR Works complex in Parson Cross are nearly complete. If you are interested in seeing the spaces, please book yourself on one our regular Hard Hat Tours by contacting Kate Dore kate@artspace.org.uk. Please wear sturdy sensible shoes. High viz jackets and hard hats will be provided. We meet at the entrance to SOAR Works on the crossing of Knutton Road and Margetson Crescent. For directions click here. Knutton Road Studios are situated on the top floor of SOAR Works with wonderful natural skylights, sinks and extraction units. Facilities include free on-site parking, a triple height communal atrium space and access to business services. Breakdown of studio sizes and estimated cost per month (subject to confirmation and inclusive of VAT and rates); 7 studios 34 sq m (365 sq ft) at £199 per month plus metered utilities (pictured) 2 studios 63 sq m (675 sq ft) at £367 per month plus metered utilities 1 studio 55 sq m (595 sq ft) at £324 per month plus metered utilities We are now receiving applications for the new spaces which will be allocated by date of application following a selection interview. Follow this link to complete your studio application form. You can see how the buiding and studios are progressing by following our Knutton Road Studios flickr page

Manor Oaks Residency 2011

Thu, 7 Apr 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Frances Priest 2nd blog entry from March 2011: "In between all the seasonal, royal and national holidays that seem to be tempting us away from work and into the glorious sunshine, I am making preparations for another trip to Sheffield and THE most important date in everyone's diary: the official opening of Manor Oaks Studios on Friday 6th May. I am looking forward to joining in the celebrations and using the opportunity to share some of the work I have been developing during my residency at Manor Oaks Studios and Manor Lodge. A week in late March saw me working through a process of design development with a number of local groups and individuals toward realising my plan to make a table setting for the Tudor Turret House banqueting room. The Manor Lodge over 50's Lunch Club got the ball rolling, after a hearty Shepherd's Pie lunch, with an afternoon spent constructing printing blocks inspired by photographs of the Tudor Turret House plaster work ceiling and Victorian stained glass windows. The following day I visited Enable Day Care Centre where an enthusiastic group took the design process a stage further, using the printing blocks to make a series of pattern samples and a magnificent printed banner. On Wednesday I met with a group of young people from Endeavour, based at Wybourn Youth Trust, who gamely climbed the narrow stairs of the Turret House to attempt some unusual observational drawing activities in the Banqueting Room. I also spent a fascinating afternoon at Anchor Court Sheltered Housing Association chatting and reminiscing with day visitors about Manor Lodge, hearing tales of secret tunnels between The Manor and Sheffield Castle, recalling school trips to Manor Lodge and wondering whether anyone remembered Maggie Webster, the last person to live in the Tudor Turret House. I also found time to meet with Tony, the newly appointed Manor Lodge Farm Shop Caf� chef to discuss cakes and biscuits and made a second visit to the Freeman College Whittle Tang Cutlery workshop where a plan is emerging to make a series of cake slices for the table setting. May 6th will be another chance to move the design process on a step by inviting guests to participate in making a collaborative collage that will cover the walls and floor of the Ceramic Starter Studio at Manor Oaks. My hope is that the drawing will grow throughout the afternoon as individuals add their little bit to a surface pattern made up of decorative motifs developed during the March workshops. It is exciting to see how it is possible to create a process in which so many people are invited to lend a hand in helping to evolve a pattern design that will eventually be used for the surface for decorative ceramic tableware. This is a re-inventing of the decorative language that covers the ceiling, walls and windows of the Tudor Turret House banqueting room".

Space Hire

Thu, 31 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Persistence Works is our award-winning building located in Sheffield city centre and being at the heart of the Cultural Industries Quarter we are easily accessible (5 minutes from the train/bus stations and ten minutes from the motorway). Persistence Works is home to over 50 artists studios and is an interesting and creative environment for hostingaway-days, meeting, conferences and workshops. We have a meeting room available for hire at £102.13 per day (long term bookings of 3 weeks and over available at reduced rate).
Please contact Anita Lloyd on anita@artspace.org.uk or 0114 213010 to discuss availability, bookings and your requirements.

Residency Parson Cross

Fri, 25 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Following the selection of Lisa Gallacher, our first artist in residence in Parson Cross, we are currently running an open call competition in 5Alive the local neighbourhood magazine to find 12 Parson Cross residents of all ages. These residents will work with Lisa during 2011 to develop their own made-to-measure garment inspired by family, community life, local history or memories of particular places in Parson Cross. The aim of the project is to create a clothes range that expresses the unique character and identity of the place and its people. If anyone from the Parson Cross area in Sheffield wants to know more or wants to get involved in Lisa's project, please contact Rachael Dodd, residency programme manager at rachael@artspace.org.uk

Darren Richardson

Fri, 18 Mar 2011 16:04:00 +0000

If you can spot 'macromolecule 136' a new seat consisting of 136 shiny steel spheres on BBC's coverage of the World Snooker Championship - let us know! This beautiful bench, situated in the Winter Garden was created by Yorkshire Artspace artist Darren Richardsonand especially commissioned for this year's Galvanize Sheffield festival.

Manor Oaks Residency 2011

Mon, 21 Feb 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Frances spent her first week in residence between 14th and 18th February. "On my first visit to Sheffield Manor Lodge in early January I was immediately drawn to the Tudor Turret House and in particular the banqueting room with its ornately decorated plaster work ceiling. A guided tour by Tudor expert Peter Machin provided me with stories full of descriptions of glorious sweet banquets and the intriguing tale of Bess of Hardwick and Mary Queen of Scots working together to design the plaster work ceiling. My second visit in mid February allowed for further explorations of the site, revealing a rich history of craft, making and hand skills, from John Fox's pottery and its successful production of Manor-Ware, to census records that show Scissor Smiths, Pen Blade Forgers, Cutlers and Cutlery Handle Makers all having worked and lived across the site. I also found time to look further afield, visiting Museums Sheffield's store to look through drawers of beautiful cutlery and meeting with staff at Freeman College to look around their metal workshops. An approach to my residency has begun to emerge with a focus on creating a link between the banqueting room of the Turret House and what I perceive to be its current and significantly more democratic equivalent: the Manor Lodge Farm-Shop and Caf�. For my residency I would like to work with local Manor residents to explore the decorative features of the Turret House, from it 16th Century plaster work to Victorian stained glass windows, developing motifs and surface pattern designs that reflect the layered history of the site. These designs will be used to make a contemporary table setting for the banqueting room incorporating ceramic handled cutlery. My next visit is planned for the end of March with a round of workshops to get the pattern designs under way and to make another visit to Freeman College to meet with students who may be able to work on making the cutlery. I am excited about returning to Sheffield and continuing a process which I hope will make connections between Sheffield Manor Lodge's history and its blossoming future". Frances Priest, February 2011

THE COLLABORATORS Parson Cross Residency 2011

Wed, 26 Jan 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Click here to go to the Parson Cross project blog created by THE COLLABORATORS

Residencies

Thu, 19 Aug 2010 00:00:00 +0000

We are now inviting applications for our new residency programme, starting in January 2011. As with our previous programme: time, space and money will be available to two selected artists to develop new ideas and work. We are keen to work with artists who want to help us develop our programme activities in the new studio neighbourhoods of Manor Oaks and Parson Cross. At Manor Oaks the residency will have a focus on ceramics and the artist will have access to an equipped space. At Parson Cross the focus will be on engagement with the people and the environment of this particular Sheffield neighbourhood. The residency briefs, application form and selection procedures are now available from our website in the programme - artists residencies section.

Artist's news

Mon, 2 Aug 2010 00:00:00 +0000

Coralie Turpin's new artwork 'Fishgate' was designed with pupils from Firs Hill Primary School and a structural engineer. Made in Sheffield from stainless steel, it has large glass inserts made by Victoria Beech. Fabrication and installation was completed in just seven weeks. Details on other artists at Yorkshire Artspace can be found on the artists' pages of this website http://artspace.org.uk/artists

Knutton Road Studios

Wed, 14 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

Yorkshire Artspace is delighted to announce that we have appointed artists Steve Pool and Kate Genever from THE COLLABORATORSto work with us in Parson Cross prior to the opening of the brand new Knutton Road Studios. Kate and Steve will begin the process of introducing Yorkshire Artspace to the neighbourhood over the coming months so a lot more people in parson Cross have some idea of who we are and what we do. The result of this engagement will be an event to celebrate the opening of the new Chaucer Buchanan public square and it is hoped that many members of the community can and will participate. Kate and Steve are interested in trading ideas and skills in Parson Cross. They aim to meet as many people as possible: 'we wish to engage with the disorganised majority'. Their project will start towards the end of August. We will update you as the project progresses. Kate Genever is a freelance artist based in Lincolnshire, she completed an MA in printmaking at Royal College of Art in 2008. In recent years she has undertaken a number of site specific public artworks in Blackpool, Derbyshire and Yorkshire. In 2006/7 she was Artist in Residence in Golcar, Huddersfield on an audience development and inclusion project. She is a part time lecturer at Nottingham and Leeds Universities. More details can be found on her website http://www.kategenever.com Steve Pool is a freelance artist based in Sheffield whose practice includes brokering as well delivering creative projects in education, local authorities, regeneration, museums and galleries. Recent work includes; artist and lecturer at the University of Sheffield architecture department, art consultant at the Whitworth Museum in Manchester and artist trainer at Leeds City Gallery. He recently undertook a one-year residency based project Artists, Arts and Artefacts at Artemis, Leeds City Art Gallery. For more information about the Knutton Road Studios development in Parson Cross visit our studios pages athttp://artspace.org.uk/studios/overview

Persistence Works Reception

Tue, 22 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0000

We are activley looking for ways to continue to show artists' work in the Persistence Works' reception area but are looking to do this in a more finacially sustainable way. If you have any suggestions or proposals please email kate@artspace.org.uk Further information about the future of the reception area will be made after The Arts Council will make their budget announcements in November.

Hybrid: Art & Science

Wed, 20 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0000

Photographic image by Kelly Cumberland.
This show brings together the often polarised opposing ‘disciplines' of art and science. The connection between the different art practices in the exhibition is that they are defined by the artistsBryony and Chloe Pritchard, Hondartza Fraga and David McNabas being in some way related to science. 'There are various ways of perceiving consciousness ranging from the subjective to the objective. In order to be able to process the enormous amount of knowledge that has accumulated over the centuries, it has become necessary to split information into different disciplines.' The exhibition is supported by Hybrid Art Science Networking Association, Sheffield Institute of Arts Gallery and Arts Council England, Yorkshire. It is linked to a symposium at The Thackery Museum, Leeds on 20th March. For more information on the symposium please email pjdigby@ntlworld.com

The Persistence Works exhibition is one of several throughout the city, for more information visitwww.hybrid-art.co.ukor email lizz@tuckerman.freeserve.co.uk Arts Council England works to get great art to everyone by championing, developing and investing in artistic experiences that enrich people's lives. As the national development agency for the arts, they support a range of artistic activities from theatre to music, literature to dance, photography to digital art, and carnival to crafts. Great art inspires us, brings us together and teaches us about ourselves, and the world around us. In short, it makes life better. Between 2008 and 2011, they will invest £1.3 billion of public money from government and a further £0.3 billion from the National Lottery to create these experiences for as many people as possible across the country.

Parson Cross event

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Why not take the opportunity to visit the sites where the Knutton Road Studios are being built and join in some festive fun... Parson Cross Christmas Fair
Margetson Crescent, Parson Cross
Saturday 12th December 12 pm to 5 pm Remember remember the 12th December! Yorkshire Artspace will be running a free 'have-a-go' workshop for visitors to the Parson Cross Christmas Fair. Make your own Christmassy bauble and badge with artist David Garrett and let us know “What You Would Like For Christmas That Money Can't Buy?”. Other attractions include Santa's Grotto with real live reindeers, a choir, market stalls and much more.

Manor Oaks Studios

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0000

All is still well at Manor Oaks. At the Manor Oaks Discovery Centre's Christmas Fair on Sunday 13th December ceramicist Penny Withers was busy with the ‘make-your-own-clay-castle' workshop, amongst other workshops and metal casting demonstrations.
The studios are also developing swiftly with the first walls going up and doorways being put in. We took some ceramicists down to Manor Oaks in December to meet Sue France, the Director of Green Estate to talk about the possibility of having a wood fired kiln on the site and we'll keep you informed of the progress on these talks in future newsletters.
If anyone is interested in a studio space at Manor Oaks please download the studio application form from our website at www.artspace.org.uk/studios or just give us a ring on 0114 2761769 an informal chat.

Manor Oaks event

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Why not take the opportunity to visit the sites where the studios are being built and join in some festive fun... Manor Oaks Christmas Fair
Manor Lodge Discovery Centre,
115 Manor Lane
Sunday 13th December 11 am to 4 pm Penny Withers, ceramic artist based at Persistence Works, will be running a participatory workshop using clay at the Manor Oaks Christmas Fair. This is a good opportunity to get a feel for the environment where the new studios will be based and everyone is welcome. image: Manor Oaks' Discovery Centre

Silversmithing Skills Workshops

Wed, 2 Dec 2009 10:00:00 +0000

On the weekend of 7th and 8th November we ran a handraising skills workshop, lead by Cameron Maxfield. The course was a great success and everyone who took part managed to create a bowl from the flat silver disk we had provided them with at the start of this two day workshop. It is hoped that we will run another skills workshop next year lead by another established silversmith. If you are interested in taking part in any of our silvermithing skills workshops we will be running next year, please email mir@artspace.org.uk with your name and telephone number and we'll keep you in the loop. Image credit: Dan Sumption danshotme.com

Open Studios 2009

Mon, 9 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000

What an amazing Open Studios we had - nearly 900 visitors to Persistence Works and Porter Brook Studios. Thank you to all the Yorkshire Artspace artists and makers who opened up their studios, the staff and volunteers for so much of their time and to all our visitors who braved the cold and the sideways rain. Much thanks must also go to Jo Nancarrow who lead the event this year. Here are some choice comments from the visitor feedback forms saying what they liked best about their visit:
"Loved meeting the artists and seeing all the beautiful creative work that is taking place''
"... theopenness of the people who work here and are happy to share their thinking"
"the variety and the atmosphere''
"the fact that you can both buy and look"
"the studios and the resources that are available for artists''
And early feedback from one of the artists taking part:
"Visitors were interested and asked lots of questions. I got lots of very positive comments about the work, which for me, as an artist just starting out on the beginning of a professional career, was very affirming. I went home exhausted but very happy.'' Image credit: Dan Sumption danshotme.com

A public realm strategy

Thu, 3 Sep 2009 00:00:00 +0000

With the planned studios at Knutton Road still awaiting final planning approvals we thought we would take this opportunity to focus on some of the other cultural activity that has been taking place in the Parson Cross neighbourhood. Further info about the studio development at Knutton Road can be found at http://artspace.org.uk/studios/knutton-road Working with Sheffield City Council, artists Scott Farlow and Antony Lyons have completed a public realm strategy with ideas for the design of public open spaces in Parson Cross and Foxhill; the People Places and Spaces project. Their website www.parsoncrossfoxhill.net now contains a full and summary version of the strategy. Ideas from the strategy include looking at how communal gardens, orchards and food growing; green routes and gateways; viewing points and public art works can help to create and link open spaces together, forming ‘Green ribbons' across the two areas. The rationale behind this approach is to form networks that tie together new and existing public spaces and connect places together. With the strategy now complete, Farlow & Lyons will be involved in the next step of the project (Stage 2)- the design and delivery of real physical improvements to public spaces in the two neighbourhoods in the form of improvements to the Parson Cross Park entrance on Buchanan Road and landscaping in the new Chaucer public square. Stage 3 will extend to other projects in the area to be created with developers and local agencies, including community groups and residents as and when these opportunities arise. To find out more, or to register your interest in being kept informed of future Stage 3 developments contact Jonathan Ulley at the North Sheffield Regeneration Team on 0114 203 9568 or email jonathan.ulley@sheffield.gov.uk

White

Thu, 3 Sep 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Exhibition event Friday 4 Sept 7-9pm - All welcome!
(Exhibition ends 18 Sept) An exhibition of new work by printmaker Neil Woodall and ceramicist Penny Withers, both of whom have studios at Yorkshire Artspace: Persistence Works. The show will present both individual works by each artist, alongside more experimental collaborative pieces. Neil's large scale white on white woodcuts explore different surface textures where ambient light makes the images appear and then dissolve again. Penny's thrown porcelain Freeforms bring to life the whirling fluidity of the spinning clay presenting ever changing profiles. The cohesion between two artists' work would be experienced in the exhibition's overall tonal emphasis, in the contrasting of matt and shiny surfaces and interaction between the work. There will also be collaborative pieces combining ceramics and print through techniques and through personal conceptual dialogues. In Penny's words: “I have always admired Neil's work, and am looking forward to our collaboration and the opportunity of sharing ideas and techniques across two very different artforms. When we first discussed a collaborative exhibition he was painting cloudscapes and I was making forms reminiscent of large birds rearing into flight. However we have narrowed the concept of the exhibition down to an atmospheric rather than figurative connection, and as a result we are more able to merge our techniques and materials in pieces that combine ceramics and print” All are welcome to the evening event: Friday 4 September 7-9pm

Nature Observed

Wed, 1 Jul 2009 00:00:00 +0000

The current exhibition at Persistence Works is Nature Observed, featuring work byDanish born,Yorkshire Artspace based artist Hanne Westergaard, inspired by the rhythms and patterns of nature.For the artist who has more than 40 years' experience in using clay, the exhibition presents a new direction in her practice, moving away from her more functional ceramics to a desire to reflect aspects in nature through shape, texture and colour. Inspired from walking on the moors and near the sea, and by looking at the ever-changing light, Westergaard is keen for this new work to capture what she most admires in nature, such as "the elusive colour of the sky in the early morning and the freshness of a newly opened wild flower". The exhibition runs until the 24th July. Click here for more information