Listen in at Roche Court
Do you want a fresh perspective on what inspires modern and contemporary artists? In our podcast, artists exhibiting at Roche Court Sculpture Park are interviewed by young people, creating an essential resource for students and a good listen for all.
The six episodes in series 2 have been created by participating Sixth Form and GCSE students, who identified overarching themes and questions relating to each artist’s work. Students prepared for the interviews in research sessions delivered by the Educational Trust’s specialist staff team, including co-producers Dan Coggins and Zach James. A Sixth Form student from Andover College reflected: “I was able to practice my communication skills and talk to other people about art.”
Together with series 1, all eleven episodes feature discussion exploring the artists’ inspirations, use of materials, education, and career journey, and include insight from other industry professionals.
Participating artist Charlotte Verity said: “It was so nice to be able to pass something of my experience on to students who were listening and interested. I think it is a brilliant and valuable project, and I wish it could be expanded.”
Series 3 of the podcast is in development, if you would like to be involved please contact us at [email protected]
Grateful thanks to our funders: RSA Catalyst Scaling award and The Arts Society (Wessex, Salisbury and Patricia Fay fund)
Series 1
David Murphy (Pilot episode): The artist and Laura Joy (Head of Learning at Roche Court) discuss the pervasive yet overlooked presence of ‘textile language’, the elusive nature of process and the significance of micro/macro in Murphy’s work.
Jacqueline Poncelet: In conversation with artist David Ward, both artists address the expression of cultural identity, which is deep rooted in the experience of censorship and childhood.
Fred Baier: The artist is interviewed by A Level Art students from Dauntsey’s School and Timothy Revell from the Articulation initiative. Together, they consider the definition of furniture, Baier’s management of sales and commissions and also review the artist’s own experience of school and further education.
Nika Neelova: Thomas Marks interviews Thalia Allington-Wood and Nika Neelova to explore topics such as the property of materials and the liberation of objects.
Bill Woodrow: A Level Art students from Woodroffe School interview Bill Woodrow, using his enigmatic sculpture ‘Endeavour’ as a springboard for questioning him about his casting processes, career journey and relationship with social media
Series 2
Laura Ford: GCSE Art students from Pewsey Vale School ask Laura Ford about her intriguing sculpture ‘Espaliered Girl’. Ford also tells us about her unique childhood and experiences at art school and how these have both impacted her practice over the years.
Nao Matsunaga: In conversation with A Level students from Wellington Academy, the artist discusses his dual identity, ways of working through artist block, finding the end point and his parents’ bakery in Japan!
Michael Craig-Martin: Conversation between Michael Craig-Martin CBE RA and A Level students from South Wilts Grammar covers a vast range of topics including the artist’s approach towards colour, the importance of creativity and Craig-Martin’s journey towards becoming an internationally-renowned artist.
Alison Wilding: This encounter between Alison Wilding OBE and A Level art students from Hardenhuish School and St Mary’s Calne in Wiltshire, addresses topics such as the artist’s use of conflicting materials; connections to myth and ancient artefacts in her work; and the influence of artists such as Rachel Whiteread and Barbara Hepworth.
Fernando Casasempere: In this conversation with A Level and Foundation Diploma students from Andover College, ceramic artist Fernando Casasempere ruminates on the nature of ceramics as a ‘living material’, and also tackles subjects such as climate change and the power of taking risks in art.
Charlotte Verity: Students from Salisbury Sixth Form College explore a diverse range of subjects in this conversation with Charlotte Verity. These include the exactitude of oil painting, the importance of observation, and issues inherent in her work such as memory and the passing of time.
RSA Catalyst Award
The Arts Society