We’ve got a new Artist in Residence at The Regency Town House — and she’s going to knock your socks off!
There have been artists working in all kinds of mediums connected to the Regency Town House since I’ve been there. One, delightully, used the medium of jelly to express herself.
So when I first heard that the medium with which our new Artist-in-residence was going to be exclusively working was paper, I was subconsciously pitting raspberry jelly against carboard — at the most. Mostly I worried that the Origami I was resignedly picturing, just didn’t seem to top art which actually wobbled.
Until Stephanie Smart and I met up.
Within the first five minutes all thoughts of comestibles had disapeared: I was in the process of having my mind blown. Beginning with the fact that paper Art actually could blow one’s mind. It helps to blow away all the limitations you ever thought paper would have as an Art form.
We breezed through the usual where did you study? Where have you exhibted? and Is it a departure for you — to be attached to one place ? questions until, on hearing that she had done three previous internships, I asked her if I could see the works she had created for them?
So she opened her laptop and all ideas of origami swans died of embarrassment.This was my first introduction to the Paper Art of Stephanie Smart.
I took in the scene and thought “Oh wow!”. And it was only after that I thought “Paper”?
I hadn’t imagined this was what an artist could do with paper; and not even in the realms of origami had the possibility of a parachute-dress presented itself.
“A parachute dress?” was all I could say.
Stephani explained then that the installation she will present in May 2020 at the Town House will not only be Regency themed, but will tie in specifically with references to those who have lived in Brighton, the The Regency Town House itself, and symbols representing these & other Regency Tropes.
One has only to look closely at this painstakingly researched and worked ensemble to understand the value of the current project which will culminate in May, 2020.
One also realises that it would be difficult to attempt a work of the size that Stephanie has planned dictates that assistance is needed. So the group which works on costume at the Town House are going to spend the next year being taught some of the skills of working with paper. And learning how to make all manner of things Regency; from gowns and artifacts to shoes.
(The work Stephanie’s already has done in making shoes will be enough to set hearts fpounding: - Shoes. As Art. Made from paper!)
For a little more than a year Stephanie Smart will be sharing, explaining, instructing and demonstrating her unique craft and skills at the Town House. She’ll be taking us on an amazing journey as she explains her vision, copes with challenges, and readies the Town House for an exhibition.
We are also hoping that she will be able to contribute to some of the presentations and events we have planned during this time.
We’d like to take you with us on that journey — Stephanie’s work is sure to be of interest to everyone who is interested in, or working with textiles, fashion, history, costume, art, photography.
We also would like to introduce Steph’s work to those on the look-out for innovation, different perspectives, excitement — and possibilities.
So come along with us we find out more about Stephanie Smart and the paper chase on which she is poised to lead us all.
To discover the world and work of Stephanie Smart go to her website https://bit.ly/2EGfhBA
We have a new Artist-in-Residence at the Regency Town House — and She’s Gonna Knock your socks off!
Artist-in-Residence,Stephanie Smart, Gives Introductory Talk at the Regency Town House.