One year on: Fine art graduate, Deanna Lewis presents first solo exhibition.
Since graduating from Leeds Arts University in 2018, Whitley Bay-based artist, Deanna Lewis has moved back to the North East, set up a studio in North Shields and has an exhibition of new work. It all sounds so easy, but it hasn’t been plain sailing.
After the euphoria of her Final Show in Leeds, supported by family, friends, fellow students, lecturers and interest from a London Gallery, the reality of life in the art world hit.
“I had a brilliant network of friends and colleagues in Leeds, but the reality was that I just couldn’t afford to live there and rent a studio. So, I came back to the North East and had to start all over again.”
Fortunately, her parents encouraged her to keep painting and not give up. Setting up her easel in the spare room, back in Whitley Bay, Deanna continued to develop her work and slowly began to make connections in the North East.
Deanna recalls, “I started by volunteering at The Tower House Gallery in Seaton Sluice, to get more experience of curating artwork. But I didn’t really know anyone. It was a chat with the mother one of my old high school friends that set the ball rolling.
“I called round to see my friend around Christmas and got chatting with her mother. Christine had just set up Whitley Bay Loves Art, and she immediately suggested going along to the North Tyneside Cultural Hub, in North Shields. The rest, as they say, is history.”
It was at the Artists Hub that Deanna met Catherine Hearne, chief executive, Helix Arts. As they talked about the hurdles faced by young artists trying to make their way in the world, Catherine offered Deanna the opportunity to exhibit her work at the next Hub meeting.
It was at the same event that Deanna met Ben Jones, East Street Arts, who was in the process of setting up artists studios in North Shields.
“I think the stars aligned or something! I just couldn’t believe my luck!” laughs Deanna as she recalls the event.
Spurred on by the conversations, Deanna set to work.
The result — Displace, is a new series of paintings inspired by the idea of traces; various intimations left on surfaces that reveal something that has been or has happened.
Deanna explains, “The work is based on fingerprints found on tablets, phones and computer screens and represent our contact and reliance on technology. I have been experimenting with various compositions and colours in the creation of this series.
“To me, a mark provides a narrative, its nature revealing something about the manner in which it was made. The remains I take an interest in, are found randomly, therefore on many occasions the trace has been made by an unidentified person performing and unidentified action. I find this anonymity fascinating. I aim to create art as evidence and draw attention to the overlooked traces around us.”
So, just how does Deanna feel about her first solo exhibition?
“Naturally I’m very excited to have the chance to exhibit my work in the North East and I am very grateful to Helix Arts for giving me the opportunity. It’s a great confidence booster and it has motivated me to keep making, to get my work out there and get valuable feedback.
Deanna now shares a studio with fellow artist, Dolores Hobby, at East Street Arts, Beacon Centre in North Shields.
“Finding an affordable space at East Street Arts has been perfect, enabling me to work in a local venue that is open to showing the work of recently graduated artists. Also it’s providing an artists’ community that ensures there is always a place where fellow emerging artists can go to discuss their practice and share ideas. It’s helping to bridge the gap between art education and starting a career as a practising artist.”
As Deanna approaches the end of her first year out of Art School, how does she feel about the future and what advice would she give to new graduates?
“Well, I’m excited and a little nervous about the future. But I’m able to pursue my art and there are plenty of things on the horizon to look forward to. I don’t know that I’m qualified to give advice, but I would say persevere, try to be confident, do plenty of networking and stay true to your practice.”
Deanna Lewis: Displace, is at Helix Arts, North Shields until 14 May 2019.
