Comment: Take your pick with ArtHouse Jersey

Tuesday 17 April 2018

Today we're launching a new Arts column on Express, there to help you choose exactly what you would like to go and see.

Every month, Arthouse Jersey will present their “pick of the arts” put together by local artists. Today, Communications and Development Officer, Caitlin Serey, previews a selection to appeal to everyone's taste...

"Decision Paralysis – defined as the complete and utter inability to make decisions, often linked to choice overload and a search for the perfect solution. Typically associated with excessively complex dinner menus, the Edinburgh Fringe catalogue and Netflix subscriptions. Simply put, in today’s society we have too many options and too little time.

"In particular, I find this phenomenon especially prevalent within the arts. This is because – unlike athletics, horseracing or a round of tic-tac- toe – you cannot clearly pick out the ‘best’, the cream of the crop. Art doesn’t have a first place winner. No one ever handed Vincent Van Gogh a gold medal. In fact, despite producing over 2,000 artworks, he only ever successfully sold two in his lifetime.

Video: Will Bertram's Terrarium Workshop was one of the five projects in Skipton International's Art Series last year.

"At ArtHouse Jersey, our aim is to find, support and encourage the gold medallists of the arts. For example, our Seed-Funding Grant supports Jersey artists of all disciplines to make innovative, professional work. And our Artist Residencies provide both local and international artists the time and space to bring their ideas to life. But, this isn’t all that we do. We also deliver new and exciting art of all types to Jersey, bringing together artists, audiences and communities across the island to celebrate artistic talent.

"For instance, our upcoming event Skipton Open Studios, sponsored by Skipton International, will be a two-week event occurring across the island. Not only will more than seventy local artists be opening their doors for the community to witness their creative processes at work, but the event will also include workshops for all ages, demos, special events, walking tours, and much more. Skipton Open Studios highlights the diversity of the arts – bringing together artists such as ceramicists, mural painters, videographers, performers and designers to celebrate creativity.

"Skipton Open Studios’ vast array of talent addresses another aspect – how do we decide which art events, shows or exhibitions to attend? We all have our preferences: clothing style, taste in food, music genre and favourite colour – all are ‘artistic decisions’ that we personally choose and perhaps defend passionately. Art is personal, art is subjective, art is undefined – but that is why we love it. There is something for everyone.

Pictured: The Skipton Open Studios are returning in June with over 70 artists and creative groups taking part, including Fenby Miskin.

"For this new monthly column in Express, ArtHouse Jersey will be selecting Jersey-based artists to supply you with their own personal “pick of the arts”: whether a whistle-stop tour around the island art scene or the low-down on an international production.

"With a new insider every month to provide you with the outstanding highlights, and always a new perspective to cater to different artistic preference, there will be a choice for every arts enthusiast. Now, that really is the art of decision-making."

Lead picture: Mural artist, Ben Robertson, Bokra, painted a mural as part of the Skipton Arts Series. (Holly Smith)