DRIP SPLATTER SMEAR
West Gallery, Quay Arts
Sat 11th May – Sun 7th July 2024
A project encompassing a solo exhibition, artist residency and accompanying free interactive workshops.
Exhibition
Laura’s artistic expression is a tactile immersive process. Using music as an emotive trigger, Laura paints directly with her hands and fingertips, pressing, smearing and throwing thick globules of paint onto glass and paper surfaces.
Plates, panels and pages, once dry are meticulously scrutinised. Reflecting on the pigmented fingerprints, squiggles and smudges, Laura begins a therapeutic editing process, selecting marks to preserve and / or erase. The act of erasure becomes an integral part of her artistic ritual, as she seamlessly scrapes and polishes away certain elements, aiming to achieve a delicate balance within the realm of minimalism.
The abstract expressions created by Laura undergo a transformative journey as they are assembled into final compositions. The transparency of glass enables the layering up of marks, with the shadows cast between darkly painted marks considered integral components within her work, which is conceived in three-dimensions.
Paint, material, light, shadow, reflections, movement, and space, each element holding equal importance within the carefully curated assemblage.
DRIP SPLATTER SMEAR served as a reflective marker of Laura’s artistic progression, acknowledging the ten years since she embarked on her professional creative practice. The exhibition aspect of the project showcased a series of abstract glass and paper artworks, developed through the support of an Arts Council England DYCP grant and created in Laura’s studio in Ryde, on the Isle of Wight.
The exhibition, held in the island’s main multidisciplinary arts venue, provided Laura with the opportunity to present her works in a large, expansive, open space. This setting, allowed her to scale up her creations and develop new, ambitious projects with direct public engagement through the additional residency format. Through this added interaction, she could connect with audiences, build her network, and explore fresh ideas in the public realm.
Residency
Exposing the artistic process and closely connecting with audiences, Laura created new works in the gallery space throughout the duration of the project DRIP SPLATTER SMEAR. Being in the space and actively creating new works allowed Laura to engage directly with audiences, answering their questions and addressing their curiosities.
This interaction lifted the veil on the creative process, offering a rare glimpse into the behind-the-scenes world of an artist. Such transparency and real-time engagement are typically reserved for online platforms or remain hidden from public view. This unique opportunity provided visitors with an in-depth understanding of Laura's artistic methods and inspirations, making the exhibition an enriching and immersive experience for visitors and participants.
The Ritual series was conceived and created during Laura's time in the West Gallery. Utilising household paints she had to hand and sticks found in the garden, Laura repeatedly created swirling, rounded shapes. This motif, rendered in black and yellow, was applied to glass and paper surfaces. The process evolved into a ritual as Laura, immersed in music, became mesmerised by each drip of paint as she swirled it with speed. The final pieces are experimental, showcasing Laura's play with bands of color, layers, and shadows.
As new Ritual works were created, they were integrated into the exhibition. This organic process allowed the exhibition to evolve and expand in real-time, mirroring Laura's ongoing development as an artist. The exhibition's dynamic nature meant that visitors experienced it differently each time they returned, as it continuously changed, developed, and transformed. Audiences were kept informed through social media updates about Laura's presence in the space and the addition of new works. Laura's presence also provided a unique opportunity to personally promote and share the MAKE YOUR MARK workshops happening within the space.
DRIP SPLATTER SMEAR was not just a retrospective of Laura's work over the past ten years; it was a living, growing testament to her continuous artistic exploration and growth.
Workshops
Accompanying free workshops MAKE YOUR MARK responded to the exhibition, residency and Laura’s organic methods of painting. They explored mark making and abstraction as an expressive process, using art as a non-verbal tool for self expression.
Layers of paper were hung in a transitional space within the gallery, leading visitors into Laura's exhibition and residency. This installation not only set the stage for her work but also served as a backdrop for the workshops. Participants were encouraged to use everyday throwaway household items like packaging, toothbrushes, and tights, alongside natural objects such as sticks and seed heads. They were also invited to get messy and use their hands, mirroring Laura's own techniques in creating her paintings.
The workshops welcomed children and adults alike, guiding them to freely mark make, explore, play, get messy, and co-create with others. This hands-on approach encouraged a sense of community and creativity, allowing participants to engage deeply with the artistic process and discover new ways of self-expression with items they might find at home.
These workshops build upon Laura's previous experience developing and leading abstract mark-making sessions as a creative practitioner. Over time, she witnessed how these workshops could unlock self-expression and empower participants to realise their own ability to create art, regardless of experience. This realisation inspired her to create a dedicated space within her exhibition, offering others the opportunity to explore art freely and without constraints. By sharing the playful, uninhibited process she enjoys in her everyday practice, Laura aimed to provide participants with a sense of creative freedom and the confidence to express themselves through abstract art.
DRIP SPLATTER SMEAR
Visitor Responses
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When I came to the exhibition for the first time, it felt quite strange, as I had never seen anything like this before. However, spending some time I found it very interesting. My favourite painting was ‘’The Heart Beat’’, which is 3D, and I tried to do a digital animation of it, which was very enjoyable. The most exciting part of the exhibition was watching Laura’s live painting with music accompaniment. It gave more insight and understanding how her masterpieces were created and the performance was absolutely amazing! I would love to watch more!
Jane Newman, Isle of Wight artist
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Fascinating work, intriguing use of media and very enjoyable work. Great to be able to chat to Laura".
Bibi Atkinson, Isle of Wight artist
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I was so drawn to your work I just kept coming back at every opportunity. My daughter had such a brilliant time in the mark making space, pure freedom! Thank you.
Gemma Whitehead
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I like the simplicity of this exhibition and how the artist has found beauty in creating a mess essentially.
Betty George, age 16
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I would have enjoyed hearing the music that you played while painting these - maybe via headphones to enjoy the immersion of each piece.
Jane H
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Very good! We enjoyed the exhibition: it made us think of dancing, movement and emotional. It would be really good for partially sighted people because they are such strong clear images........Back for another visit! "I see a beach" "It reminds me of cricket wicket" "deforestation" "washing machines" we all experienced it differently!
Active Living Creatives - adults with learning disabilities, Riverside Centre
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What!
Anonymous
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An exhilarating breathe of fresh air and so wonderful to see the culmination of years of progressive work.
Fran Farr, Isle of Wight artist
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Randomisation and choice. Love it!
Ron Peplae, Basingstoke
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"You could do this"....."It's not about that....it's the intent. I could do this, but I don't have the intent."
Anonymous, overheard conversation in the gallery space
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AMAZING WORK. Good to see young ISLAND ARTISTS HERE!
Steven Croad
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Fantastic innovative exhibition, keep 'splishing'!
Violet Mareck, Isle of Wight artist
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'Ten' Is my favourite. I'm lost in the scale and love how it commands the room and feels like cells splitting over and over again.
Daisy Grensted
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Expressive emotive work, will go far!
Gloria Bonsfield, Huddersfield
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Sorry I just don't 'GET' it?
DK
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Fascinating, who would think Black and White could say so much! Really enjoyed the journey.
Veronica Brown, Isle of Wight
DRIP SPLATTER SMEAR
Free Workshop Responses
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Zoe age 12
What did you enjoy most about painting?
Just being able to splatter paint wherever but not having to worry if anything got dirty.
Did you like using different and usual things to paint with? Which was the most fun?
There was a great assortment of different materials to choose from. I particularly enjoyed using the spray bottles.
Did you like making art with other people?
Yes because I could take inspiration from how other people were using equipment.
How did making abstract art make you feel?
Creative and satisfying. It was good to express ‘free movement’.
Would you like to get messy with paint again?
Yes definitely.
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Isobel age 8
What did you enjoy most about painting?
Flicking.
Did you like using different and usual things to paint with? Which was the most fun?
My hands and flicking.
Did you like making art with other people?
Yes!
How did making abstract art make you feel?
Silly and happy and bouncy.
Would you like to get messy with paint again
Yes!!!!!!!
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Natalie age 40
What did you enjoy most about painting?
Unleashing the inner child.
Did you like using different and usual things to paint with? Which was the most fun?
It was a wonderful experience, exploring different textures, to work with.
Did you like making art with other people?
It was a beautiful space to get curious, involve, music and be inspired by others creativity.
How did making abstract art make you feel?
Joyful.
Would you like to get messy with paint again?
It was a great form of therapy - great way to be present.
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Anonymous age 8
What did you enjoy most about painting?
It was fun and free.
Did you like using different and usual things to paint with? Which was the most fun?
The water balloon.
Did you like making art with other people?
Yes it was nice.
How did making abstract art make you feel?
Great.
Would you like to get messy with paint again?
YES.
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Jane age 49
What did you enjoy most about painting?
It made me happy.
Did you like using different and unusual things to paint with? Which was the most fun?
I really enjoyed painting using a piece of cardboard, a wooden spoon, and a stick. It gives wonderful textures and helps loosen up.
Did you like making art with other people?
It was very interesting to watch other people painting, as it gives you more ideas and inspiration.
How did making abstract art make you feel?
Making abstract art gives you more freedom, as there is no particular expectation how your art will turn up. You can be creative without worrying about the end result.
Would you like to get messy with paint again?
I would love to!
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Olive age 9
What did you enjoy most about painting?
Making a mess.
Did you like using different and usual things to paint with? Which was the most fun?
Painting with hands and experimenting with different ideas.
Did you like making art with other people?
Yes because I like sharing my ideas.
How did making abstract art make you feel?
Happy and relaxed.
Would you like to get messy with paint again?
Yes.
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Freshwater and Yarmouth Primary student age 9
What did you enjoy most about painting?
Throwing paint at the wall.
Did you like using different and usual things to paint with? Which was the most fun?
Yes, I think the roller with the little balls on was the most fun.
Did you like making art with other people?
Yes and no, I would rather it was either me or me and one other person.
How did making abstract art make you feel?
Like I can enjoy it.
Would you like to get messy with paint again?
Yes.
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Freshwater and Yarmouth Primary student age 9
What did you enjoy most about painting?
Drawing art with friends.
Did you like using different and usual things to paint with? Which was the most fun?
Yes I loved the spray.
Did you like making art with other people?
Yes cause you get to share ideas.
How did making abstract art make you feel?
Happy.
Would you like to get messy with paint again
Yes.
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Freshwater and Yarmouth Primary student age 9
Anonymous age 9
What did you enjoy most about painting?
Being in the 'Make your Mark' room.
Did you like using different and usual things to paint with? Which was the most fun?
Yes the spray bottles.
Did you like making art with other people?
No because everyone kept ruining my picture.
How did making abstract art make you feel?
Calm.
Would you like to get messy with paint again?
Yes but in different clothes.
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Freshwater and Yarmouth Primary student age 9 almost 10!
What did you enjoy most about painting?
Making the tools.
Did you like using different and usual things to paint with? Which was the most fun?
Yes the rollers.
Did you like making art with other people?
Yes because it was fun.
How did making abstract art make you feel?
Enjoyable.
Would you like to get messy with paint again?
Yes.
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Freshwater and Yarmouth Primary student age 9
Anonymous age 9
What did you enjoy most about painting?
The painting part of all we did.
Did you like using different and unusual things to paint with? Which was the most fun?
Yes making mess.
Did you like making art with other people?
Yes it was very fun.
How did making abstract art make you feel?
Happy calm.
Would you like to get messy with paint again?
Yes of course.
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Quay Arts Evaluation Form Teacher Response
Name of School:: Freshwater and Yarmouth CE Primary
Date of visit: 05/07/24
Duration of visit: 90 minutes
Number of school staff attending: 2 staff, 2 parent volunteers
Number of students taking part with additional needs: 5
Number of ethnic minority students attending: 2
Please rate the quality of your schools visit to Quay Arts: 5 (excellent)
What did you like best about your visit?
The range of complimentary activities as well as the workshop itself. Wonderful blend of excitement, freedom and relaxation.
What activities/workshops did you complete during your visit?
Laura Hathaway's Drip Splatter Smear workshop making brushes and creating work using these techniques, as well as abstract mark making and Japanese Enzo circles activity.
Were the activities/workshops engaging and appropriate for your student's year group?
Yes. Absolutely spot on! Great range and organisation. Every child could access them and were fully engaged throughout.
Did the visit fit well alongside your school's curriculum?
Extremely well. Wonderful links to knowledge of artists, drawing, painting, mark making skills, artist concepts and practices.
As a member of school staff, did you take part in the activities/workshops provided? If so, what were you doing and what were your thoughts?
Yes I did, as did all the other adults, we were all creative and doing exactly what the children were doing. Adults reported having a great time, relaxing and engaging.
Do you think anything could have been done differently?
We all wanted to stay for longer!
Would you consider more school trips with Quay Arts in the future?
Yes.