We were lucky to catch up with Clare Watt recently and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Clare thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.
I’m in the process of curating two exciting group shows, one online and the other in-person. Beginning Thursday, September 19th, Accessible Object will debut an online presentation of works by Mik Bakker, Georgia Clemson, Madeline Coven, Lydia Donohue, Jenna Graziano, Max Gehlofen, Tom Norris, Sasan Norouzi, Misato Pang, Liv Ryan, Clare Watt, and Thomas Wheller. This presentation serves as a precursor to the upcoming 2024 group exhibition at Silo Gallery’s space in Upstate New York.
This exhibition celebrates the diverse utilization of classical methods and materials such as wood working, marble carving, pottery and quilting, reinterpreting them within a contemporary artistic context. This exhibition not only honors the tactile skills these artists uphold but also emphasizes their role in sustainable art practices. By employing underutilized materials and methods, they challenge the prevailing norms of art consumption and production, urging viewers to reconsider the resources available to us in a rapidly digitizing world.
This is a project I’m really proud of, and I’m excited to showcase all the talented artists involved.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I’ve worked in the creative industry for over 10 years, working in art collection management and operations for galleries and art consultancies. On the side of these full time positions, I’ve always maintained my studio practice. I felt it was really important to keep this creative side of my life, the creative side of my brain never stops working. More recently I’ve put on exhibitions in New York with fellow artists, and continue to curate group shows.
In November I’m going to be doing a month long Artist Residency in Upstate New York. During this time you live and work in a small artist community, in a somewhat remote area, creating and experimenting with your art practice. At the end of this residency, the group of artists put on a small group show in the space.
In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?
Buy emerging artists work! Go to their exhibitions!
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
When all the hard work pays off, you have a tangible project to showcase to the public.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @studio.watt
Image Credits
Images: Courtesy of the Artist