Fragility and Strength Gynelle Leon meets artist Lizzie Cannon Based in a studio at the heart of the Bow Arts Trust complex, Lizzie Cannon is a Goldsmith’s graduate in textiles. Her work encapsulates “subtle reciprocal interactions between people and their environment”. “I’m fascinated by the degrading process and change of materials,” she explains, such as natural wear, aging and corrosion. Her choice of materials reflects the “cross fertilisation of environments” and the contrast between city and rural: the fragility of small dried leaves, the strength of an enormous enclosure of corroded steel, both delicately embellished with beadwork. Lizzie continually benefits from being a part of the “very supportive Bow Arts environment”, with space to create, support from the artist community and public exposure of her work. www.lizziecannon.com
people: BOW ARTS TRUST
Bow Arts at 20 In 2015, Bow Arts Trust celebrated its 20th anniversary. Gallery manager Sophie Hill gives us a glimpse into its past, present and future. Established in 1995, the Trust holds true to founder Marcel Baettig’s original vision – to provide emerging artists with affordable studio space, opportunities for educational work, and a creative, supportive environment. “One of the highlights last year was the opening of a large studio complex called the Rum Factory in Tobacco Dock,” Sophie explains. “We also released ‘20 prints for 20 years’ – 18 created by our in-house artists and 2 from our educational department.” And the next 20 years? “We’ll keep and find more affordable studio spaces,” she says. The Trust doesn’t currently own freehold buildings, but the hope would be to acquire one in the future. “We’ll also develop more community projects with schools wherever we have studios, making the artists feel part of the community.” It’s this commitment to helping artists develop their practice, coupled with building strong community links, which makes Bow Arts Trust special. Visit www.bowarts.org for details of Open Studios weekend, Nunnery Gallery exhibitions, film nights and workshops. EAST3 2016 | 11