The Drawbridge
17 July - 1 August
Gallery open
Wednesday – Sunday
11am – 4pm
Closed Monday and Tuesday
The Drawbridge was set up on Facebook to unite artists who draw in online discussion and mutual activity in times of isolation and to ease the stresses that might create. Its founder, Elena Thomas, wanted a supportive, non-judgemental, caring culture of reaching out to other artists. After a year of posting, talking and zooming, the group wanted to meet, and show some of the work they had been doing behind closed doors.
This exhibition shows some of the work originally posted in the Facebook group, alongside examples of the artists’ wider practices.
Main Image: Ocean – Ed Isaacs
The Drawbridge presents works by 19 artists from across the UK, Sweden and the USA. During the recent uncertain times, collaboration and sharing through drawing has provided an escape from daily anxieties and limited movement. Coming together in a gallery setting will now allow the artists to meet and engage with audiences as we unlock and take the first steps to a more ‘normal’ way of existence.
The Mirror that Flatters Not – Paul Carney
“Drawing has been a saviour for me while under lockdown. I’ve used my iPad and Procreate for mindful drawing, helping me switch off from anxiety and fill my hours productively. Being part of a drawing group online is a great way to share my outcomes and keeps inspiring me to keep going.”
Paul Carney
“The Drawbridge has helped my sanity while shielding for many months, other members’ art has inspired me and knowing I’ve somewhere to share what I’m up to has encouraged me to spend some of almost every day creating. It’s made me realise once and for all that I am an artist, that without art I am nothing. So, thank you so much for setting up the online group and inviting me.”
Catherine Jones
Quiet Lake – Catherine Jones
After the Circus – Franny Swann
“Drawbridge has been fascinating – linking me to artists whose work I never normally encounter as I live in the South East. I have enjoyed seeing their work online and visiting their websites. Every new artist is a new world of ideas, techniques and connection. So much talent.”
Franny Swann
We are delighted to welcome visitors back to enjoy exhibitions, events, talks and classes in our upstairs gallery. As we all continue to live with the pandemic, General Office is maintaining measures to ensure the safety of staff, studio tenants and visitors, including limited capacity, hand sanitisation and social distancing.
For further information and general enquiries please email info@generaloffice.co.uk or call 07976 935413.
12 Hagley Road, Stourbridge,
West Midlands DY8 1PS
(NB. Stair access only)
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