Sometimes you have to take risks. Do something different, because there’s no alternative. Your usual options have been closed off for you. I think we all recognise this feeling, especially with lockdown. And the complete change in our way of life, that’s happened as a result. Like everyone else, My world was tipped upside down in March, 2020. The precise date may be different for you, but the results will be the same.
All I had planned went out the window. I spent the first month in shock. Everything would be back to normal in a month or so, it was no biggie. Or so I thought. As time went on, and more events were cancelled, it became apparent things were going to stay like this for a while.
The only solution was to get creative, to find an alternative to exhibitions. Online, obviously, I’ve started creating videos and sharing them with a group of artists in the US. It’s been an experience, but not the same as seeing art though. The size and scope of a piece is lost when it’s viewed on a monitor that does not change size, no matter how big the painting is.
Something imaginative was required. In discussion with other artists in the US, I heard that some were holding art in the garden events. That wasn’t an option for me, as I have no garden at my studio. But it got me thinking.
An Outdoor Art Exhibition
I had a fence, a very, very long fence, which was also fairly plain. Technically, not my fence, but the landlords were willing. The Art on the fence concept was born. Of course there’s a lot more to it. And there were a number of practical considerations to iron out. Effective hanging logistics of getting them out on the day of the event and being set up in time. I’m in the UK, weather is very unpredictable.
This was my trial.
How did it go?
The trial went well, apart from the time! 11 paintings covered part of the fence. It took me about 2 hours, and I learned a lot. Most notably, I needed to work faster and be very prepared in advance. I put together a set up board with photos of all the paintings in the order to be displayed. Hooks and chains up then the paintings. It was going to be tough.
I began gearing up to taking over the whole fence, or as much as I could in the time. I needed more chains and hooks, but the actual paintings weren’t an issue. I had more than enough already framed. Starting earlier was a given.
I’d a few more days to sort out the event, but not many. Would it work? I trusted my gut and went for it. It happened on a Saturday, and I was lucky with the weather.
Presenting Art on the Fence
Exhibition Walk Through
I thoroughly enjoyed art on the Fence and slept very well that night. I don’t know my step count, but it was high. Thankfully we’re back to more conventional exhibitions, check out the link to see when the next one is.
