In February 2017, the first week-long Older Artists’ Lab takes place at Cove Park. This residency is led by Luminate in partnership with Magnetic North and a-n The Artists Information Company. The Lab aims to provide a nurturing space for early-career artists, aged 50 and over, working in all art forms. It is facilitated by Nick Bone and Alice McGrath of Magnetic North. Research into the impact of the lab and the needs of older emerging artists will be undertaken by Francois Matarasso, and will be published later in 2017.
We received over 130 applications from across Scotland and the following artists have been invited to participate:
Annie Peel
‘My work is a requiem to the passing of old worlds, both human and natural. I am inspired by The Galloway Hills and, in my large abstract paintings, I try to capture the wildness and play of light unique to this area. The Lab is an opportunity for a productive dialogue that will help me to find new perspectives on my work.’
Beatrix A. Wood
‘A passion for sculpting stories propels my life. I run the production company TrixPix Ltd from the Isle of South Uist; I have embraced digital technology to become a self-shooting director and am making 3 documentary films with BBC Alba. I hope the Lab will bolster my courage and clarity as I navigate a path between cinema and visual art.’
Frank McElhinney
‘I studied Fine Art Photography at Glasgow School of Art, graduating in 2014. I draw on history to connect with contemporary issues such as conflict, migration and nationhood. This residency is an opportunity to take stock after several years of non-stop production.’
Ian Cameron
‘I work in theatre, but my original visual arts practice has lain fallow for many years. Now I want to bring it back into focus, explore this during the Lab, and find ways to be playful with the age I am.’
Kate Clayton
‘As an artist my concerns include my ageing body, the continuous present, and exploring, researching, questioning perceptions of ageing in our society. As my alter ego ‘Silver Swimmer’ I have begun to explore the British coastline. I thrive on engagement with other creative people and conversation to develop my ideas, and I hope to have both my ideas and my swimming challenged at the Lab.’
Lesley Wilson
‘I began writing for theatre in 2008 after 25 years working as social worker and counsellor. In 2012 I was mentored by Playwrights’ Studio Scotland, and since then I have had a number of plays read and performed at The Traverse, The Tron and The CCA. During the Lab I am keen to explore what it is that supports or sabotages our creativity, and to discover new ways of enhancing and nurturing our creative energy.’
Image: Movement Workshop as part of 1973 by Janice Parker, Luminate Festival 2016. Photography by Eoin Carey.
