#WeAreRydeArts -Laura Hathaway
I was commissioned to create a new piece of work, Moon ate the dark, for IM IN THE GARDEN, an exhibition curated by artist Jo-Hummel Newell @johummelnewell as part of the Ryde Arts project GROW. I exhibited alongside Jo, Adam Gillam @adamgillan and Hermione Allsopp @hermioneallsopp.
Moon ate the dark was displayed throughout the two-week exhibition. I also participated in a public talk about the show led by artist and lecturer Jonathan Parsons @artistjaypee. I also created Disorder II, a hand-painted mobile greenhouse commissioned by Jo and displayed in the Depozitory grounds throughout the duration of the exhibition. Disorder II also formed part of the Ryde Illuminated Carnival procession where it reached a really wide and diverse audience.
The project enabled me to experiment and focus on an area of my work I wouldn’t have had the time and space to explore. I was able to create an installation piece that I would never have envisioned without the support and inspiration from the project. It definitely helped me progress creatively and to see another way my work could be shared with the wider community. Speaking about my work during the artist talk really helped with my confidence and it was great being able to share with people an understanding of my work and to hear their thoughts and responses to the exhibition.
“Ryde Arts links such a broad range of creatives to projects which leave a lasting impact in the area contributing to its heritage and culture.”
The inclusivity of Ryde Arts projects is really important for the island community. It makes creativity open to all without judgement and gives people the confidence to participate and connect with others. Ryde Arts links such a broad range of creatives to projects which leave a lasting impact in the area contributing to its heritage and culture. Watching Disorder II lit up, making its way through Ryde town alongside floats, dancers and performers was a really surreal experience and like nothing I had ever imagined before. Watching the crowds' faces light up, sometimes with surprise at the unusualness of a colourful greenhouse making its way through Ryde, was really fun to watch.
About: Laura Hathaway trained at Falmouth University completing a BA(Hons) in textile design. Over time her practice has evolved from textiles to working in paint. Examining the properties and absorbency of pigments and oils against surfaces; focusing in on the effects of layering, opacities and manipulation, Laura’s practice explores the visual language of marks.
Contact: laurahathawayartist@gmail.com laurahathawayartist.com
Instagram: @laurahathawayartist
Photo @julian_winslow
