A simple plan really: the Carcoar-based visual artist used a Micro Grant to purchase materials to get started on her next exhibition. She got a bit more.
Ruth had use of $1000 through Arts OutWest’s Micro Grants program, a quick turn around response to the needs of Central West NSW creatives during Covid-19 shutdowns.
What did you dowith the funds from your Arts OutWest Micro Grant?
The Micro Grant was a game changer, that and Covid lockdown placed me exactly where I have wanted to be for a number of years, but to date, life got in the way!
I am very conscious that Covid has created immense difficulties for many. However, I have flourished creatively in lockdown and have achieved what I have been wanting to achieve for many years. This week I found representation with a Sydney gallery: https://www.laurelstreet.gallery/
I delivered 9 of my lockdown works yesterday (Wednesday 29 July) to the Gallery in Sydney. The Director was thrilled and my work and profile has been placed on their Website this weekend. They have had the work five days and have sold a piece already.
Ruth Stone, Wild Things, Diptych 70×142 oil on canvas (2020)
Also, this has brought new life to my TAFE teaching.
As the painting teacher for a number of years for the Diploma of Visual Arts in Orange, this process has enriched my teaching delivery and my experience that I have brought to my students has been hugely beneficial to their development!
Teaching in lockdown ment my work process was intimately visible to my students.
Ruth Stone, Rose Dusk, 90×145 oil on Linen (2020)
What were the benefits gained from your Arts OutWest Micro Grant and how did it help you or others during the Covid-19 crisis?
This all happened as I was able to fund much needed materials as a result of the Arts Outwest Micro Grant. I have enough to continue to make works to fulfil the requirements of the Gallery for some time.
My work has flourished, I have had space and materials to explore with freedom my own voice and to connect to an audience/market I have not had access to until this point.
I have sold work through Instagram and this is a first, and also had my work accepted by the British Royal Portrait Society as online marketing imagery. Also my collage was the invitation imagery for Melbourne’s, Door to Door, Artiviso exhibition .
This has been profoundly rewarding and a timely boost for my professional journey. I am deeply grateful to Arts Outwest for the Micro Grant award. Yay!
Ruth Stone, Reflection, oil on linen 71×66 (2020)