Victoria Evans is a Glasgow based artist working out of Wasps’ Briggait Studios in the Merchant City. This is where she makes…

I’m primarily an oil painter – a very messy one – and I work on a large scale, so a studio/workshop is a must. The beautiful cultural complex at the Briggait helps keep me in touch with a diverse group of artists, and the building’s Victorian industrial vibe, updated for contemporary use is a continual inspiration. My work often deals with feelings about impermanence and time passing, so the fact that parts of the building date as far back as the 17th Century resonates with me.

I’m lucky enough to have a studio with high ceilings, iron rafters which I’ve hung a swing from, and big windows with a view on to a little green. It’s pretty much my fantasy of what a painter’s studio should be like. When I moved in three years ago I remember feeling guilty that I’d landed such a perfect spot so early in my career. Now I’m very much at home and would sacrifice a lot before I’d give it up.

One of my other favourite parts of the studio complex is the airy, piazza-like 1873 Hall – a stone flagged covered courtyard that used to be a fish market. My upcoming exhibition ‘Standing Stones’, which opens 21 June and runs until 19 July, was especially conceived for this space. For more details about Evans’ exhibition, please go here.

Website | Facebook | Twitter

//////

‘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.

Districts of Creativity is a film about Glasgow’s creative scene by well-known photographer, Michael Thomas Jones. The film features Turner Prize winning Glasgow artist, Martin Boyce, The Glasgow School of Art‘s Director, Seona Reid, Collective Architecture, Do Architecture, SWG3, Wasps Studios and Graphical House.

This beautifully shot film, edited by Jamie Vincent Gillespie, gives a better insight into what makes Glasgow such a nurturing city for creative talent.

More:
Website | Blog | Twitter

//////

For more creative delights we’ve Spotted on the web take a look here.

Here’s a snap shot of a day in the life of this very busy building.

Wasps Artists’ Studios’ Staff

Jeweller Marianne Anderson
“I’m a jeweller and have been based in the Briggait for just over six months. My work is inspired by architectural heirlooms and being based in an historical building is a huge inspiration.”

Batik artist Selma Rebus
“The Briggait has offered me the opportunity to work in a bright environment with natural light. The organisation of the studios in the Atrium area allows privacy and integration with other artist; it is visually very pleasing.”

Chris Wallace
“I’ve been working in The Briggait since January 2010. I’m make sculptural objects in wire, do pencil drawings, build in wood and take moulds from works I make in clay and make casts in various materials.”

Dance House
“Dance House re-located its office to The Briggait in December 2010 and we thoroughly enjoy our new ‘home’.  It is a welcoming and inspiring building to work in and we have a real sense of being part of an artistic community which expands collaborative potential. We aim to inspire and celebrate the potential for dance in everyone by supporting the professional dance sector; offering an exciting and diverse programme of classes for all ages and abilities; and developing an extensive education and outreach programme. We offer a programme of over 50 adult dance classes per week aimed at both the professional dancer and those who just love to dance! In addition we offer activities for pre-5s and the over 60s.”

YDance
“We love being based at The Briggait, which is not only a fantastic place to work, but being surrounded by other creative organisations has let us build informal connections and partnerships which could lead to future collaborative work.”

Contemporary artist Stephanie Spindler
Stephanie Spindler moved to Glasgow, Scotland in 2005 and since has exhibited in Scotland, England, Turkey, Canada and Norway; her practice is inspired by themes of identity; the relationship between the mind and body and exploration of internal landscapes of thought and emotion. She has been at the Briggait since January 2010. “The Briggait is an exciting place to work, I am a part of the artist initiative, ‘the Briggait Exhibition Panel’ working on making things happen and developing an artistic program that is inclusive of all the diverse art forms that are homed here.”

Drawing Group
Over the past year a few artists from the Briggait have formed a figure drawing group. They meet weekly and have  plans to open another session up to other artists that want to maintain a continuity in their drawing skills. There’s a brilliant project space that has natural light that is available for this endeavour within the Briggait building.

Helen Shaddock
Artist Helen Shaddock has been creating sculptural forms by using casting, and is enjoying the unpredictable results that occur despite the systematic process involved.

Jane McInally
Visual artist Jane McInally works mainly with video, animation and the moving- image. The studio is also home to Fast Forward Play, an organization specialising in the production of creative documentary and arts documentation video, and educational outreach projects.

Rowena Comrie
Rowena Comrie’s Remnent Queen is a temporary situation in the atrium – the nadfly newstand has been transformed into a throne.

The Briggait’s atrium space will play host to Vault Art Glasgow, a major new contemporary art event offering artists a chance to sell their work, from 9-11 September. Vault is a collaboration between UZ Arts and Patricia Fleming Projects, both of whom are based in the Briggait.

I thoroughly enjoyed my day, it was ab fab. I loved whizzing around some of Dundee’s finest “arty farty” landmarks, sometimes on foot (hardly) but mostly being driven around in the luxury of a well heated mini bus. What a joy it was to be greeted with chocolate & crisps by Genny, just what was needed to sustain the fast pace of the day.

It all kicked off @ DJCAD where we were greeted by those fine folk from Central Station. The blank looks were a bit disconcerting when introductions were made, but that changed to squeals of delight when instead of using your “Sunday” name, you mentioned your profile user name then recognition set in. So there we were – Sooper Double D, htothep, tartanbaffies & a few others with strange sounding profile names that I didn’t catch getting to know one another. As mentioned later on in the evening, it won’t be long before our passports will ask for such details & you will only be recognised from your choice of avatar.

Introductions over, we were split up into our appropriate groups & off we ventured. My day began with the DJCAD Graduate Showcase, easing me into the tour gently, listening to 3 different & excellent talks while lounging around on the big leather settees. A big thankyou & mention must go out to Jeanette Ginslov, Catt Lee Marr & Jo Hodge (who I have linked here, so go visit their work). Their enthusiasm shone through as they talked about their work & ideas despite the early morning start.

The next stage of my tour took me to Meadow Mills Studios, better known as the WASPS Studios, housed in a former jute mill in Dundee’s industrial heartland. Once more we were kindly greeted & promptly split into manageable groups. It was great to to see into this artistic community where artists, designers, painters, jewellery makers & illustrators all work alongside each other in what is truly a magnificent space. It had that bohemian touch, where each individual personalised their own working space giving a little bit of insight into their personalities. My gratitude goes out to Genna Delaney & Nicola Morrison (jewellery designers) & especially to Lindsey Gardiner (illustrator) who’s work I really admire. Thanks for letting a group of nosey parkers quiz & pry into your working lives & environment.

For the next stage, I had missed the chance to book the exclusive McManus Gallery Tour (fully booked), but to my delight I was told to tag along & see what happens. When my name was added to the list I could have jumped for joy, 4 years this magnificent venue has been closed to us Dundee folk & visiting it on that day was like greeting an old friend. Having that sneak peek was one of my highlights & I can’t wait for the reopening on the 28th February. Please check Gillian Easson’s blog spot for a more in depth account of the tour. Kerri McGowan, our tour guide for the day, was the most perfect person for showing us around as you could feel the love & passion she had for this fantastic building & almost had us running late (which I’m sure some of us wouldn’t have minded).

So from the old to the new, next stop the DCA Print Studios (check out Jon Gill’s blog spot for more info of tour). Being a lapsed member, it was good to be back in familiar surroundings. Scott Hudson, our guide was as enthusiastic on the day as he was a year & a half ago when I was last in the print studios. He explained all the print processes the studio had to offer & was full of encouragement – I think he had an excited group queueing up for membership as I decided it was time to take the weight of my feet & head for The Rep for a nice relaxing pint – (well I had to get myself ready for the evening events laid on later!!)

/////

To find out what Dundee Popup was all about or to read more reviews & blogs  from the day, click here.