about the project

I have recently started a project, outlined below, and will use this blog to chart its progress and keep me motivated. four artists so far have participated and i hope to have at least another 20 on board over the next year. I will publish pictures of the work submitted and the artists involved, as the project continues.

My sister, Georgia Morland, ended her short life in 2004 at 27 years old. She battled with a bipolar disorder and drug and alcohol dependencies. Despite the inevitable suffering Georgia encountered, much of her life was full of joy and surprises. These are the parts that I hope to highlight with the project – with the intention of amusing all those who are involved in its making.

THE CAUSE

Art brought Georgia much solace in her darkest hours. For this reason I have chosen to donate part of the profits generated by the project to a cause that will benefit others who have also sought refuge in and been uplifted by the process of creativity.

The Other Side Gallery is a London charity supporting contemporary outsider artists. They collaborate with organisations providing arts activities for adults who use mental health services, people with physical disabilities, sensory impairments, learning difficulties and other groups that are disadvantaged or excluded from society, including homeless people, refugees, substance misusers, offenders and ex-offenders. In order to promote and sell artists’ work they host and manage a virtual gallery. They also organize regular exhibitions, and offer opportunities for mentoring, volunteering, networking and professional development. All of this can contribute to the vital boost of morale and self confidence many of these people need. The Other Side Gallery is managed by member artists working alongside the trustees.

THE BRIEF

A version of “artist consequences”. The first artist starts by making a painting or drawing (or any other kind of two dimensional work excluding photography) in response to a sentence they have written, with a second sentence started that is intended to be completed by an artist of their choosing. That artist then makes their piece, in response to the previous one they have seen and the corresponding sentence. They complete the previous artist’s sentence and begin another one, to be completed by an artist of their choice, and so on.