Artist Talk : Michael Leigh
8 July 2021 @ 12:00 - 13:00
Michael Leigh
I have taken part in hundreds of mail art shows around the world, printed lots of postcards, little books, pamphlets, made hundreds of rubber stamps etc and made lots of lovely friends around the world.
After a short stay in France where he continued to paint and draw, he moved back to the UK and applied for an ACME house in the East End of London. He got access to a pre-fab in Stepney to use as a studio and living space where he stayed for nearly 10 years. He was painting regularly and having exhibitions in London and abroad at this time, showing work at the Whitechapel Gallery, The Portal Gallery and Holdsworthy Gallery.
The Correspondence Collective
The Correspondence Collective started as an idea from a postcard-exchange took place betweenbetween two artists at the start of lockdown in March 2020; as a way of staying in touch and acknowledging the joy of receiving items in the post.
This swiftly evolved into a growing collection of postal art collaborations. After a couple of months we invited fellow artists to join this creative conversation and so the‘Correspondence Collective‘ was formed.
Their aim is to keep this growing group of creatives, both local and global, connected through mail art, exhibitions, podcasts and workshops, with theOpen call for miniature pieces of artwork inspired by ‘Restriction’ being its first.
The project is led by artist Amanda Lynch in partnership with Clayhill Arts, Somerset and has been funded by Arts Council England
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TESTIMONIALS
Working with Deborah and Michael was such a pleasure. They understood the project from the beginning, what the needs of the makers and our audiences would be, and acted as thoughtful ambassadors for the project when we were not able to be there. Every aspect of the exhibition and events was facilitated in such a calm and confident manner, which made my job of coordinating a group of artists so much easier! The whole event became a pivotal moment for the project, bringing people together in a way I could never have anticipated, and which has altered my thinking about the future of the project. Thank you for making us feel so welcome.
MELODY VAUGHAN
The weekend I spent at Clayhill Arts was a very welcome change of scenery to my otherwise urban setting. I felt calmed yet invigorated by the surroundings, and the accommodation was beautifully tasteful and very homely. The main space is wonderfully considered and very versatile - an ideal space for creativity and dynamic discussion. I left on the Sunday feeling energised and inspired by the experience of staying at Clayhill.
RACHEL JONES-JONES
As a singer it has been one of the best spaces to sing in with generous reverberation and acoustics. It is a space which complemented the type of instruments I was working with and the songs.
AMANDA BOYD
I just wanted to say how much I enjoyed being at your venue. It is a lovely and inspiring artistic space. The food was fantastic, homely yet unusual. I really enjoyed the day.
RACHEL CLARKE
As an artist retreat, the venue at Clayhill Arts provided a warm and welcoming environment, allowing a safe and constructive space where individuals creative needs can be met.
ANNA BEST
We were lucky enough to be able to take over the whole venue for a weekend, using the Granary as our base for experimentation, discussion and shared learning. The informality of the accommodation, and the relaxed surroundings, put everyone at ease and offered a space where cooperation and encouragement evolved naturally.
MELODY VAUGHAN
Everything was wonderful! This is a beautiful place. Thank you, we really enjoyed our stay.
ANGIE LANDRUM
Clayhill feels remote which is great but it also is close to Cannington which has everything, so supplies can be bought without travelling a great distance...I also really enjoyed that it is still a working farm, because it feels productive and there is such a lot of life around us which is very inspiring
AMANDA BOYD