Alison Brown

MEET THE MAKER

I am an interdisciplinary maker with a primary focus on handmade ceramic sculpture and mixed media incorporating metal, textiles and found materials. I am also interested in wearable art and how tactile sculptural work can be experienced first-hand by being worn.

In 2015 I resigned from my job as a library manager and studied for an MA in Ceramics at Bath Spa University. Using an interdisciplinary methodology my primary focus is on handmade ceramic sculpture and mixed media incorporating metal, textiles and found materials, but I am also interested in wearable art and how tactile sculptural work can be experienced first-hand by being worn.

WHAT ARE YOUR FEEDBACKS?

I now know that for me learning virtually is tough and exhausting mentally and physically. I also know that building a support group of fellow makers is imperative when working in isolation or in a rural location as I do, but it isn’t easy to achieve either. However, through Hothouse I have more confidence that it is possible to achieve my aims, by acquiring skills and insight via the various training sessions. I am also clearer in the direction my work should go, and during lockdown have been able to concentrate more fully on developing a new range of sculptural objects and techniques. Business plan It took me a long two months to compile my business plan, however, I realise how vital it will be in keeping me focused on my objectives and how I am going to achieve them.

FIVE THINGS YOU’LL BRING WITH YOU FROM THE EXPERIENCE:

• Learning is tough and should be undertaken with short breaks and a long lie down afterwards to recalibrate
• Online meetings enable you to meet up with other artists which otherwise wouldn’t happen in a physical world … it’s also free transport-wise, so environmental!
• Write a Business Plan. Going through the financials is a reality check, but essential to building the action plans which drive your art practice forward.
• The amount of information given out over the six months is enormous and generous, but sometimes appears irrelevant, however, when the time comes to consolidate ideas for the business plan the penny drops and you realise you’ve been drip-fed the nuggets of gold for a reason.
• The Presenting Yourself sessions were incredibly useful and for life; learning how to calm nerves, exercises to relax, strategies on how to speak clearly, and methods to deliver short talks were the most nerve-wracking but also the most enjoyable and rewarding.