All week, Express has been considering whether Guernsey should have a legal place to paint, and if there was one what would it look like.
We’ve heard from both Arts for Guernsey and the Guernsey Arts Commission, as well as visiting and local artists.
They shared their views in our podcast which kickstarted the series.
A Place to Paint Podcast
David Ummels and Caitlin Grupping from Art for Guernsey, Jared Fox from the Guernsey Arts Commission, and artists Charlie McFarley, Teddy Baden, and Tim Gaudion all share their views on whether Guernsey should have a legal place to paint.
You can read the contributors views too:
A Place to Paint: What the visiting artists have to say
On Monday we shared insights from visiting artists Charlie McFarley and Teddy Baden, experienced heads who’ve earned their stripes in the art world, they both agreed that a legal place to paint is something Guernsey should explore.
Charlie McFarley said: “I think it’s very important for islanders, as much as any other place, to have that opportunity. Street art, graffiti, it’s not going anywhere. It’s only getting more and more focussed in life. It’s a big movement, so I think it needs to be embraced.”
Teddy Baden stated: “I do 100% think Guernsey should have a legal art wall. I think it’s good for the youth coming through as well, somewhere to sort of target their creativity towards. Most places have these facilities now.”
A Place to Paint: Art for Guernsey
We next heard from Art for Guernsey.
Its summer time street art exhibition ‘Diversion’ garnered eyes from afar, and wide spread praise locally.
David Ummels, Founder of the organisation, suggested “that at no cost whatsoever, the public authority should commit a tunnel.”
Caitlin Grupping, the organisation’s former General Manager, explained how the non-profit’s holiday club supported the next generation of Guernsey artists.
A Place to Paint: The Guernsey Arts perspective
He explained how not everywhere in Guernsey is suitable for muralising, because of traditional building techniques and materials.
However, Mr Fox said the Guernsey Arts Commission would support a project, if the right one was presented.
“I think what we would want to see from the Arts Commission is either a person or a group of people who are really wanting to push for that,” said Mr Fox, continuing, “It’s definitely something that we consider supporting, should the right proposal come forward.”
A Place to Paint: Tim Gaudion
Our final contributor to the series was local artist Tim Gaudion, whose tentacled piece at the top of Mansell Street was a clear example of street art done well.
It highlighted a local news story, present in the island’s consciousness, and even included witty punwork to blend in with the theme ‘rejuvination’.
Mr Gaudion agreed that a legal space to paint is needed in Guernsey, but suggested that we make use of temporary structures that hide away areas in development.
“I think there’s a massive call out, and need for a space in Guernsey. I also think there’s so many places, at moment, when you drive around where there’s just kind of properties boarded up, or developments that are kind of on hold, like around B&Q, on the corner with there and Waitrose, that whole corner is just shuttered ply board.”
Mr Gaudion added: “There’s numerous places like that. Those could all be turned into kind of street art spots, couldn’t they?”
Share your thoughts
What do you think? Should Guernsey open a legal place to paint?
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