We have to say a massive Thank You to Sonja Benskin Mesher for travelling quite a distance to speak at the Preview Evening, her speech was incredibly inspirational, and she has been busy blogging about her visit throughout the day, for which we are extremely grateful:
“Oriel Scala. My impressions as an artist.
My first impression of the Oriel Scala came when I first met Badge and Susi, and their freshness and enthusiasm for art was overwhelming and exciting. They had travelled over to Machylleth to visit MOMA, a long road trip.
On researching the venue, I have been impressed by the professional attitude, the stylish website and face book presence.
This is an active group whose work has been exposed in the press and the media, some members achieving national awards.
An artist led venue can work very well as already proven in Rhyl, and St Dogmael’s etc.
It seems to me that this North Coast is becoming a high class art trail, thanks to these artists’ cooperatives and the established Galleries.
The move to showing graduates work is innovative, and helpful. It means that the public are seeing new work, freshly emerged, and it is also supportive of the new talent.
Those leaving University are not only leaving behind the establishment, but also their support system, the daily structure, their studio space and more. This for them is a springboard for their art practices, and a new network of support.
I feel that it is very important for art workers to have a network of friends and colleagues that are objective, and honest. It can be a lone life in the studio, and I hope the artists here take advantage of new colleagues
I was lucky enough to see the Glyndwr end of year exhibition and was shown around by both students and lecturers. The quality of work was very high, and interesting, and it was hard to pull my self away. The work has remained in mind, and it is good to revisit it here at Oriel Scala as I was unable to return to Regent Street for a second look.
For some artists here this is a continuation of their career, for others the beginning.
Remember that each step you take is important, however small. Each success is to cherish, each failure, another step in your education. Learn from it all, and enjoy it.
A doctor once asked me who had painted the pictures in the hospital. I told him I had. He replied ‘What a beautiful thing to be doing’.
And so it is.
There are difficulties, and setbacks, as there are in life. Think of it as a ladder. Each step at a time, slip back, never mind, keep going.
Be true to yourselves and your message will come across. Of course their will be those who do not see the value in your work, but there will also be those that like it. You cannot please everyone.
We all have a different route to take, and it seems there is room for all of us here, without our paths colliding!
We are all in this together, so let us help each other!
This Gallery is a testament to all those that started it, run it, and show here. The standard is high, worthy of any big city.
Thank you for inviting me to come, and be a part of it.
I wish you all every success.”
Sonja Benskin Mesher.
