AA2A Artists Quotes 2008/09

The following comments are taken from the 2009 Artists evaluation forms.

"Having access to the different equipment available allowed me to try new approaches to my work and to explore ways in which my work relates to the concept of arts practice. The most positive outcome for me (apart from the finished work) was that the scheme allowed me to strengthen certain approaches and to focus on areas of difficulty."
Jez Riley-French  Hull School of Art and Design

"I would like to do the AA2A scheme for ever. It is wonderful."
Paula Smithson  University of Central Lancashire

"One of the best things about AA2A was meeting new artists and students to spark ideas and inspire the next generation of artists that there is life after college."
Kate Sully  University Centre Doncaster

"I had the opportunity to explore a new medium alongside experienced practitioners - in the form of the two technicians - who delighted in showing off the potential of their craft."
Sian Hindle  University of Wolverhampton

"I met and worked alongside fascinating artists both on the AA2A scheme as well as the residents on the flameworking residency that was running concurrently, as well as the staff, fellow, artists in residence at the National Glass Centre, technicians and visiting artists that come through daily… AA2A - the best thing since sliced bread."
Carrie Fertig  University of Sunderland

"The best thing about the AA2A scheme was setting aside a day a week to focus totally on my practice and being back in an art environment at a time, post graduation, where I had begun to feel isolated."
Rachael Marchant  Birmingham City University 

"It was brilliant to be accepted and to have the opportunity to explore ideas and experiment with processes that have enabled me to extend and invigorate my practice. Thanks, it's been a fabulous opportunity and I wish I had a bit longer!"
Gill Newton  University of Portsmouth

"Week to week contact with fellow AA2A artist, college staff and students was good for me. I found the AA2A Networking site useful for seeing how other artists were working and to record my project."
Jonathan Keep  University Campus Suffolk

"AA2A allowed me to have the time to experiment with techniques without worrying about the outcome."
Sally Hodkinson  Nottingham Trent University

"The facilities made such a huge difference; they are costly and difficult to source elsewhere."
Julie Cassels  Manchester Metropolitan University

"The AA2A project enabled me to continue my ceramics practice with the security of knowing I have workshop access for a whole year has been amazing and I am going to be lost when it ends. I now have the confidence to approach other schools and colleges to offer myself as an artist in residence."
Louise Waller  Liverpool Community College

"Most of my previous work has been as a 'lone' artist, so this was a great opportunity to explore the dynamics of collaborative working."
Robin Kiteley   University of Huddersfield

"I would say every part of my AA2A project was really worthwhile. I loved being part of the university with the students working in the same print workshop. It was great being able to discuss my work and to give positive feedback on students work as well."
Caren Garfen  University of Hertfordshire