—

I am Steven Quinn & finished the MFA in Belfast a few years ago. As well as painting & making collages I take my camera everywhere. I work as a motion graphics designer though find myself making music videos or album covers a lot too. I am currently working on an animated BBC show & shall be moving back to London in a few months with plans for an exhibition in the summer. I am yet to find a new London based studio but the space I currently use is a living room with as much stuff from it crammed into a spare bedroom. I also have to constantly try & prevent a cat called Chippie from eating paper, which she loves to eat & which I have much of.

Find more about Steven by reading his blog
Take a look at his photos
Follow him on Twitter
Like him on Facebook

//////////

‘Where I Make’ invites readers behind the scenes of artists from many disciplines to share photographs and a little insight about where they create their masterpieces. See more from the series here.

Since its inception in 1993 – formed in response to what was seen as a cultural vacuum – the gallery continues to be run by a group of voluntary directors on a two-year rolling basis. Through its dynamic and challenging programming Catalyst supports young and emerging local talent, often showcasing new names alongside established and international artists. Over the years Catalyst has continually promoted contemporary art practices in Belfast, and serves as a training ground for artists, curators and arts administrators.

Catalyst Arts is a non-profit organisation supported by a large members base and holds an annual member’s show, giving all its members a chance to showcase their work in the gallery.

Upcoming exhibitions:

Vicinity
22nd March – 13th April 2012
Vicinity is a group exhibition investigating temporary, adaptable and
transitory methods for exploring Belfast city. Artists will work in an
engaged manner, using the mile radius of the gallery as a starting
point to make new work in the gallery and at off-site locations.

The gallery is situated at 5 College Court, Belfast BT1 6BS and opens Tuesday to Saturday, 11am – 5pm.

For more details about past, present and future exhibitions and opportunities, or to become a member, please visit Catalyst website or visit the gallery on Facebook.

/////

From time to time we feature galleries and spaces that showcase & encourage grassroots artists. Brows through more of our Featured Venues.
Contact us to talk about a feature on your venue.

This is her creative scene.

—

Belfast is a buzzing little city attracting global events such as MTV’s  European Music Awards  and brands such as Hollister whilst remaining true to its indie roots.

From music, to art, to food there is a real pride in anything that can be stamped with a ‘made in Belfast’ tag.  For me, my creative scene can be found throughout Belfast from the bars and coffee shops, to festival and parks.

Belfast has some of the best pubs in the world. The Duke of York is ‘the’ arty hangout, a traditional old man’s pub, with traditional Irish Music and lots of dark corners. It always has a great buzz about it. On the first Thursday of the month ‘Late Night Art’ takes place, galleries open late, new shows are previewed and lots of cheap wine is drunk. Come 9 o’clock the galleries close and everyone heads to the Duke for a pint.

Duke of York

If you fancy a quieter drink, then the Garrick is the place to be. A great bar with an even greater selection of beer and board games. A pint and a game of Jenga is my favourite way to spend a Sunday afternoon.

Runaway Go
It’s fair to say that over the years Belfast has produced an eclectic musical overture from the Undertones, ‘Teenage Kicks’ to Van Morison’s ‘Brown Eyed Girl’. Whilst the past is great, the future is better and in a couple of weeks the EMA’s are coming to town, what’s really exciting is the coinciding Belfast Music Week programme which is designed to showcase local talent. Some of my favourite local bands that are doing well for themselves include, runaway GO, Cashier no. 9 and Pocket Billiards. My favourite place to hear great new music is the Glasgowbury Music festival -it’s just a pity it only happens once a year!

Belfast Children’s Festival

For visual inspiration you can’t beat the Ulster Museum, Belfast Exposed (photography gallery) or Ormeau Baths (contemporary art gallery).  I’m really excited for the opening of MAC next year, the largest purpose built gallery in Belfast.

And I guess I can’t really talk about my creative scene without talking about Belfast’s blooming brilliant Festival Scene. Every month a new one springs up. My picks are the Belfast Children’s Festival – amazing, mind blowing international theatre. Out to Lunch festival, happens in January tickets cost a fiver and your lunch is included- what’s not to love! Finally I have to also mention the Cathedral Quarter Art’s Festival, brilliant programme, great venues, and lots of craic.

I guess the only problem with living in a city that is so happening is that it’s hard to get your head down and actually do some work!

//////////

My Creative Scene is an insight into different creative & cultural happenings in cities where your members and readers live. Browse through more insider guides here or contact us to write about the arts scene where you are.