Amy Freeman Artstuff is Cathedral Quarter's new artist in residence. Here, she tells us more about herself, and why she loves Gloucester. 

Please tell us a bit about yourself and your role?

I am Amy Freeman Artstuff, and I have been a practicing artist since graduating in 2003. My practice includes social sculpture, community art, textiles, street art, craftivism, and alternative photographic processes. Formally trained as a foundry Sculptor (BA), I later studied in the more conceptual realm of Social Sculpture and Connective Practice (MA).  Identifying as a neuro-divergent artist, I am interested in the link between the creative process and divergent thinking. I also have the determination to break down the barriers and taboos surrounding hidden disabilities through my work and the relationships within it. I have worked in the dual worlds of art practice and social care in a variety of settings for over 20 years, and I am now a creative health practitioner delivering socially prescribed art classes within the community for the Gloucestershire Creative Health Consortium and the NHS. I have a passion for sharing my love of the creative process and my belief in the positive effects that making art can have on wellbeing and our all-round happiness.

Tell us why you love Gloucester?

Ever since I moved to Cheltenham in 1997, I have been drawn to spending increasing amounts of time in Gloucester. I find it a colourful and lively city, full of endless small pockets of creative energy that can be seen in abundance during numerous festivals, including Gloucester Carnival, Gloucester Goes Retro, The History Festival, Gloucester Pride, and Bright Nights. There is an edge to Gloucester and the people who inhabit it, a feeling that is familiar within dock cities throughout the UK - a real city with real people who work hard and embrace difference. Perhaps this is a throwback from past times when the vibrancy of the Docks were the beating heart of the city, bringing with it a transitory population full of smells, colour, difference, and energy. Wherever Gloucester gets its warm and unique personality from, I find it a comfortable and welcoming place to spend time.

What are your favourite places in the city?

I have many favourite places in Gloucester; it is rich with vibrant hubs of cultural and community warmth. The Guildhall is by far my favourite music venue in the county, and the sprung dance floor in particular adds to the rock and roll ambience. The variety of music and culture available is very inclusive, and the venue is very accessible to all. The Cavern on Westgate Street is an amazing resource for the city centre. It is a warm, comfortable and inviting place to sit and watch the world go by, and a safe space for all.

The Heritage Hub in Kingsholm is a wonderful guardian of the county's history; a peaceful and contemplative environment that is full of treasures, and a valuable hub of learning for all. The gardens are especially beautiful and designed with care and attention to capture the native flora and fauna found on Robinswood Hill, another of Gloucester's jewels. I was lucky enough to have been given the opportunity by local accessible arts charity, Art Shape, to curate a pop-up art show and workshop programme in June/July 2021 in College Court. We were there for 5 weeks and made to feel extremely welcome by the amazing community that live and work in this quirkiest of little streets, the atmosphere of which is straight out of a Dicken’s novel, or should I say Beatrix Potter!

I am very excited to see the results of the development of the Folk of Gloucester this spring, and am looking forward to July when we will be able to visit again and spend time discovering more about the fascinating history that surrounds the city. I had a really warm and welcoming reception from the Friendship Cafe in Chequers Bridge when I did a textile project with a group of mums some years ago, and I am overdue a visit back to see what exciting things have been going on. St James City Farm is a haven that all parents should take their children to visit. This amazing asset to Gloucester is nestled in the back streets of Tredworth, and is loved and cared for by all those who are lucky enough to have discovered it. Emmaus in Chequers Rodd is a second hand superstore, always different at every visit and full to the brim of ethical shopping heaven. I like to think of it as rescuing beautiful objects from landfill rather than shopping. Not only does Emmaus have a rich ethos and admirable charitable history, but it is an essential life line for local people struggling to start or maintain a home on limited budgets.

Who knew that I would have so many special places in Gloucester?! I will wrap it up for now by ending with a place I have spent many an hour for many a year and, on a selfish note, that makes my job not only affordable but a lot easier being all in one place. The Gloucestershire Resource Centre, The Scrapstore Gloucester and City Works is a treasure trove of ethical art materials, affordable art equipment and inspiration, and it is adored by artists and creatives countywide. 

What are you looking forward to doing in Gloucester in 2022? - Do you have anymore exciting upcoming projects you're planning in the city?

I am beyond excited to be working this year alongside National Artist in Residence, Marcelo, Community Producer, Katrina, and the community of Westgate Street as Gloucestershire’s Artist in Residence for the Cathedral Quarter. We have grand plans for a community creative takeover of one of the most exciting and creative parts of our beloved city at a time of change and re-nourishment of the area. During the run up to our main event, planned later in the summer, we will be appearing in various forms around you to encourage more art and creativity. We will let you know what's happening and where, as our ideas and plans unfold over the next few weeks. In the meantime, please look out for us as we pop up in various places with my mobile art cart or ‘The Hub of Happiness’ as I like to call it. Tea, coffee, cake, and conversation will be readily available, and there will be the opportunity to join in some quirky art activities in the street. We are also very keen to meet anyone who would like a space, a place or an opportunity to show their own creativity as individuals or groups. Singers, performers, choirs, dancers, makers, artists, musicians, community groups, jugglers, parent groups, poets; all of you and more are welcome to contact us for a chance to make dreams come true and our community shine in a special joint celebration.

What are your top tips for people visiting the city?

Look behind the scenes and explore, properly explore. Check out the alleys around Gloucester Cathedral. Try Lily’s in College Court for afternoon tea. Go to the Guildhall for a pint, and check out their art gallery or catch a film. Have supper at the Cafe Rene behind St Mary de Crypt in Southgate Street on a summer evening, and check out the ruins. Visit Blackfriars Priory for stunning architecture. Watch the rugby for some excitement and, while you're in Kingsholm, check out the wonderful Rainbow Street, a whole street of colour and an epic example of a community working together to brighten everybody's lives.

Find Amy on Instagram here. 

Related

0 Comments

Comments

Comments are disabled for this post.