Author Archives: Ailsa

Time for a cull

A great many artists will tell you that it is essential to have a cull of your work regularly, in order to keep things fresh, but it is a very difficult thing to do.    Earlier this year  I met artist Mark Anstee who strongly feels that his work is temporary, and consequently, he cullsContinue reading “Time for a cull”

Raspberry Pi powered interactive digital art? Absolutely!

One of my favourite pieces at the show is Being Present – an interactive digital piece that aims to show people the benefits of mindfulness – of being present, even if only for 2 minutes.I have loved watching everyone try it out – not everyone sees it to the end but those that do (andContinue reading “Raspberry Pi powered interactive digital art? Absolutely!”

The History of Action Stations, Boathouse 6.

I thought it would be interesting to do some research into the history of the Grade II Listed building, currently called “Action Stations” at the Historic Dockyard, Portsmouth where we are hosting our exhibition. The building was originally built between 1845 and 1848 and called Boathouse 6.   It was used for the building, repair andContinue reading “The History of Action Stations, Boathouse 6.”

Can mindfulness be communicated through art?

As I come close to the end of my MA Fine Art course, I am preparing to exhibit the pieces I have made in response to the proposal I wrote at the end of 2015.Over the course of 2016 I have read widely about mindfulness and mental illness and it began to influence the workContinue reading “Can mindfulness be communicated through art?”

Release the voice that refuses to acknowledge the real me…

Self-Observation Without Judgement   Release the harsh and pointed innervoice. It’s just a throwback to the past,and holds no truth about this moment.Let go of self-judgment, the old,learned ways of beating yourself upfor each imagined inadequacy.Allow the dialogue within the mindto grow friendlier, and quiet. Shiftout of inner criticism and lifesuddenly looks very different.I canContinue reading “Release the voice that refuses to acknowledge the real me…”

You will love again the stranger that was yourself….

Love after Love The time will come when, with elation you will greet yourself arriving at your own door, in your own mirror and each will smile at the other’s welcome, and say, sit here. Eat. You will love again the stranger who was yourself. Give wine. Give bread. Give back your heart to itself,Continue reading “You will love again the stranger that was yourself….”

Art and therapy – can they work together?

Yesterday I was lucky enough to attend the start of the Art Therapy Conference at Goldsmiths Uni in London.     I stumbled on this last week and bought a ticket to listen to the key note speakers without really realising what it was.   In the event I found myself surrounded by highly qualifiedContinue reading “Art and therapy – can they work together?”

The pictures they didn’t want you to see!

Yesterday I had 30 mins to wait between trains at Brighton Station, and since I had my camera with me and since it is a beautiful place, I started taking some pictures.  I tend to shoot from the hip and people rarely realise I am photographing.   After about 25mins, a security guard approached meContinue reading “The pictures they didn’t want you to see!”

Mindfulness – making space in your day

Over the last couple of years I have dabbled with mindfulness and seen the benefits that it can bring.  There is a LOT in the press about mindfulness at the moment but I still see a great deal of confusion about what it actually is.At one end of the scale, mindfulness can be full onContinue reading “Mindfulness – making space in your day”