featured projects

Lisa Wakeham: Drawn Words and Written Images

City: Paradise/St. John’s
NLAC Program Funded Under: Professional Project Grants Program
Amount Funded: $3,000

Dates: September 9 – December 16, 2011
Venue: First Space Gallery, Queen Elizabeth II Library, Memorial University, St. John’s

Library Hours:

• Monday – Thursday: 7:30 a.m. – 11:45 p.m.
• Friday: 7:30 a.m. – 5:45 p.m.
• Saturday: 10:00 a.m. – 5:45 p.m.
• Sunday: 10:00 a.m. – 11:45 p.m.

Lisa Wakeham is an emerging visual artist from Paradise; she is a graduate of the Visual Arts Program at Grenfell Campus, Memorial University. This summer she curated her first exhibition Drawn Words and Written Images. It opened at Memorial University’s First Space Gallery in the Queen Elizabeth II Library in St. John’s on September 9, 2011. The show, which features works by local writers and emerging visual artists, is the result of a collaborative project that "matched" several visual artists with each of the written works. The artists drew inspiration from the words to create artworks in the media of their choice.

To read the written pieces and view the artworks, visit the First Space website:
http://www.library.mun.ca/qeii/FirstSpace/index.php

Q and A with Lisa Wakeham...

NLAC: First of all Lisa, for anyone who isn’t familiar with the term, what does a curator do? And, as curator, what roles did you play in this putting this project together?

Lisa: This is the first time I have ever curated an exhibition, so all I know is what I have learned from this experience. A curator designs and executes an exhibition. They oversee everything that goes into producing an exhibition – making sure dates are met, that catalogues go to print, and that everyone involved is well informed about what is expected from them. I also generated media interest and delivered a welcome at the opening of the show. Fortunately, I was able to meet with Mireille Eagon, a young curator from The Rooms, to discuss my project. She was helpful in explaining her job and let me know how I was doing as a first-time curator.

NLAC: Where did you get the idea for a collaborative exhibition using the written word as inspiration for visual artwork?

Lisa: The idea was a bit of a selfish experiment. I have always created my artwork based on literature, words, and lyrics. A few years ago myself and one of the featured writers, Brad Dunne, collaborated by using one of his poems which inspired my artwork. When Joanne Costello asked me to curate the First Space Gallery, I knew I wanted to see how I could "force" other artists to create artwork in the same way I do. It’s very common for artists to create based on lyrics or literature, but I also wanted to see what the result would be if a group of artists were all forced to use once piece. I thought putting out an open call for writers would make this exhibition more interesting – I only used young local writers and did not use pieces that had already been published or available to the public.

NLAC: My understanding is that several visual artists were "assigned" to each of the written works. What was the result? Do artworks based on each piece show similarities, or are the all very different?

Lisa: Four artists were assigned to each written work, and there are six written pieces in total. The results are fantastic. Some artists made very literal representations; some were inspired by just one line, or even just a word from the piece. The work is quite varied and has created a diverse show. Blue seems to be the common theme running through the work, although all of the pieces based on Douglas Walboure-Gough’s ‘Lush Lust’ feature flowers, reds and pinks, which was pretty neat!

NLAC: You contributed a piece of art to the show yourself – tell us about that experience. What was the process like, and how do you feel about the finished work?

Lisa: If I had my time back, I would not have made a piece. I feel that I didn’t really give myself the time to create a piece I was proud of. Overall I was very happy with the results from the artists and the writers. With the grant money I received I was able to pay for framing to make the works look professional and easily sellable. I was also able to hire a graphic designer to create a catalog and invitations. I really enjoyed working with these people to help make my show look more professional. I also have a mild touch of "perfectionism OCD", so I really loved being in control and doing things the way I think an exhibition should be run. I enjoyed that part a little too much, and apologies to those involved for all of the emails and texts I sent in order for everyone to meet the dates!

NLAC: What was the most enjoyable aspect of this whole process for you?

Lisa: I enjoyed leading and executing this on my own. I had done a work term with Eastern Edge Gallery, I helped install exhibits and I have sat on their selection committee. That experience really helped me when it came to the ‘what do I do here?’ parts of my exhibition. I enjoyed putting a call out for writers and seeing my inbox fill with submissions, I also enjoyed assembling a board to select the winning pieces. Seeing the work on the walls and being able to give programs to my artists and writers was defiantly a huge bonus, but seeing the turnout at the opening and having people interested in the show was hands down the best part.

NLAC: What were the challenges? What did you learn from them?

Lisa: Having a show featuring twenty-four visual artists is not simple. It was very frustrating at times trying to have clear communication with the artists and getting everyone to meet deadlines for certain parts. I learned that I need to be patient. I actually made sure that there was a one to two week grace period after every deadline to make sure I would not be pressed for time. It really helped me pace things when people were late. Everyone works, and everyone has a life, so when you deal with twenty-four artists, it’s twenty-four jobs and lives that you have to work around. My OCD really kicks in with lateness, so the two-week’s grace was handy. Again artists, sorry for the amount of emails and texts.

NLAC: Are you interested in curating again?

Lisa: One hundred percent yes. It was so much fun

NLAC: Is there anything you would like to add?

Lisa: I am just very thankful for the grant which allowed me to make this exhibition everything I wanted it to be. The turnout was brilliant, and it would not have been possible if it had not been for the Newfoundland and Labrador Arts Council.