Older Artists’ Lab at Cove Park 2017
This creative retreat for older early career artists took place in February 2017 at Cove Park, led by Luminate in partnership with Magnetic North and a-n The Artists Information Company.
From over 130 applications, six artists diverse in art form, practice, age, and life experience were selected to take part:
- Annie Peel, a visual artist whose large, abstract paintings reflect her interest in the environment and the passing of human and natural worlds.
I wanted to be an artist, but I was always discouraged. My father had come from a long line of artists who didn’t make any money and he didn’t want me to go to art school … and then I had to earn my own living
- Beatrix Wood, an experienced video producer now changing roles to become a self-shooting director, exploring the boundaries of cinema and visual art in work on environmental, historical and political themes.
- Frank McElhinney, who studied Fine Art Photography at Glasgow School of Art after a first career in manufacturing. His work connects history with contemporary issues such as conflict, migration and nationhood.
- Ian Cameron, a theatre maker making a career change to explore how his original fine art training can be developed within live performance.
I have come to terms with the fact that I am older. Where I am is where I am and I can be with it; there’s a sense of freedom about that
- Kate Clayton, who worked in art therapy, development and aid before studying at Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art. Her work in visual and performance art addresses her ageing body in contexts of the social perception of old age.
- Lesley Wilson, who began writing for theatre in 2008 after a career in social work and counselling. Her work has been read and performed at the Traverse, the Tron and the CCA. She has recently turned towards fable as a way of exploring life stories.
Magnetic North’s Nicholas Bone and Alice McGrath worked with the group reflecting on the question ‘What nourishment does an artist need to keep developing?’
Mornings were spent in group discussion, with afternoons for artistic work or reflections. In the evenings there was opportunity to socialise and share creative activity.
