At Axis we’re keen to support Own Art because the scheme plays a vital role in developing new audiences for contemporary art and supporting artists’ livelihoods – which is precisely why we’re here too! We thought we would share our behind-the-scenes story of making the films and meeting the collectors.
Axis interview Ian Murray
May 2012
This film for Own Art took place in London, the day after we filmed in Kent. We met Ian Murray, a filmmaker, at his warehouse apartment in Peckham. Ian is an avid contemporary art collector and over the years he has purchased numerous works by a number of contemporary artists including an extensive collection of paintings by Charming Baker.
Ian’s most recent purchase is a series of works by photographer Suzanne Moxhay from BEARSPACE Gallery in London, using the Own Art scheme. Ian told us about how he was drawn to the process behind the work – Suzanne Moxhay produces unsettling work which sits somewhere between a photograph and set. The works are created by constructing multiple layers of imagery from vintage travel magazines. The layers are lit and then photographed, with the final images providing an unsettling mix of illusionary and real space, twisting perspective and muted palettes. Ian explained how the processes involved in making the work are similar to the way early film special effects were created and this immediately caught his attention.
Our tour around the flat prior revealed just how seriously Ian takes collecting. Within his office, numerous files are neatly filled with reviews and newspaper cuttings of artists he’s keeping an eye on. You got the sense he enjoys researching artists nearly as much as buying the work. I asked him about the extent of his collecting habit and he admitted it had become a bit of an addiction, admitting that if it was a choice between drinking, drugs and art he’d choose art every time. For us, it was a delight to meet someone who takes such pleasure in supporting emerging artists and speaks so passionately about the work he now owns. And well, we have to agree, if you have an addictive personality and can’t help yourself, there are much worse things to spend your money on than art!
Chosen by Ruth to celebrate our 21st birthday
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Axis interview with John Broadbent
June 2012
This interview for Own Art was with John Broadbent, an amiable Yorkshireman now living in Coventry.
John is an electrician by trade but has always had an interest in art. His passion for collecting once saw him spend part of his student grant on buying paintings whilst at university.
When looking for new work to purchase John goes with his gut reaction to a piece and his only criterion is how the work makes him feel. It was this that first attracted him to the work of Chris Gollon whose dark, intense paintings 'ask the viewer to respond to it'. John purchases Gollon's work through IAP Fine Art in London.
Many of Gollon's works consist of mythological or allegorical scenes with sinewy, taut figures realised in layers of acrylic and it was in their imposing presence that we conducted the interview. A sense of levity was brought to the proceedings by John's son who was gently ribbing his dad off-camera about his obsession with art.
John sees the Own Art scheme as 'crucial' as it allows him to indulge his passion for collecting and 'spread the load'. He says it's vital not only for the consumer but also the artist as it allows people to purchase and enjoy their work.
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Axis interview Michael and Hilary Quick
May 2012
For the fifth film we travelled down to Kent to meet Michael and Hilary Quick, a lively couple who don’t always have the same taste in art. They even admitted that they find it difficult to agree on the work they want to purchase. What they do both agree on is the fact they would rather invest their savings in art than ISAs.
Michael and Hilary are proof that you can start a collection at any age. They first decided to take the plunge into buying art when they relocated from a farm house in Devon to Kent a few years ago. The couple frequently use the Own Art scheme and enjoy decorating their new home with works that remind them of places they have visited over the years.
White Space Art in Totnes has become their favourite gallery to call upon for advice. The gallery often suggests artists they might like to research and they have built up a strong relationship with them over the years.
After an afternoon of filming, we were treated to tea and cake (and something stronger if we wished!) and took a look through their collection of postcards from exhibitions they have visited over the years. It was lovely to spend time with them and listen to tales from their art collecting journey.
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Axis interview David Parkin
May 2012
Day four involved a trip to Derby to meet David Parkin. David and his wife Olivia live in a modern three-storey house on the outskirts of Derby and have transformed the top floor of their living/dining area into an informal gallery space that showcases the work they have been collecting for many years.
David and Olivia married in St Ives and every summer the couple travel to Cornwall and spend a few weeks exploring the Cornish coastline. Many of their pieces have been purchased from Millennium Gallery in St Ives and reflect the couple’s interest in Cornish art and their love of the area. Over the years they have built a strong relationship with the gallery.
Their most recent purchase is a 'Drummer' maquette by sculptor Tim Shaw. They used the Own Art scheme to purchase the work after being sent details of the maquette by Millennium Gallery.
The passion the couple have for their art collection is evident by the pride they take in displaying and caring for the work. It’s clear that they purchase works that are close to their hearts. When we asked David about selling art to make space for new works, he answered that it would be a bit ‘like selling his children’ - evidence indeed of his commitment to and love of his collection.
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Axis interview Jenny Wilson & Gideon Seymour
May 2012
Our third film involved a local trip to the village of Saltaire where we met Jenny Wilson, Gideon Seymour and their lovely daughter Stella. Gideon wanted to purchase a special gift for Jenny to celebrate her 40th birthday and the birth of their daughter.
Jenny was drawn to jewellery designed by Polly Wales. Polly creates pieces which reference organic forms: rings resemble buried treasure, knarled and wonderfully misshapen as though they have spent years nestled deep on the ocean floor; multi-coloured sapphires set in 18 cct gold.
Gideon and Jenny have purchased a number of pieces from Kath Libbert Jewellery over the years. They both work in the arts and often attend her exhibitions. We met Kath in the afternoon of filming and her expertise was immediately evident: the gallery is filled with unusual pieces. She gave us a tour of the space and explained some of the techniques involved in fabricating the works.
For Gideon, the Own Art Scheme was crucial. He was able to afford to purchase a ring that was specially made for Jenny and will be passed down through the family. As Gideon says very succinctly, if you really like something, it’s very hard to resist. Own Art enables you to make a purchase (nearly) guilt free!
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Axis interview Daniel Khan at the Bluecoat Display Centre
April 2012
Our second day of filming for Own Art took place at the Bluecoat Display Centre in Liverpool. We met Danny Khan, a first-time art buyer who was drawn to the ‘ugly- beauty’ of Stephen Dixon’s vessels, so decided to purchase a teapot, encouraged by the Own Art Scheme, which allowed him to spread the cost of payments.
The Bluecoat Display Centre is a treasure-trove of artworks, jewellery and ceramics, with much available to purchase through the Own Art Scheme. Danny, who is currently training to be a film producer in Chester, regularly travels to Liverpool to see exhibitions taking place across the city.
Danny is particularly interested in craft and over the years his tastes have become a little more daring: he now prefers Grayson Perry’s elaborately decorated vases to the practical earthenware which first caught his eye. He’s drawn to the craftsmanship of work and likes objects which have a darker side.
Over the course of the afternoon that we filmed Danny, we exchanged names of artists whom we thought we would both be interested in. A few days later he dropped me a line to say he had researched some of the artists mentioned and had found some new work he was keen to buy. Sounds like he has definitely caught the art collecting bug!
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Axis interview Jane Wilde & Adrian Lear
April 2012
Our first film for Own Art was especially exciting. In April we travelled deep into the wilds of Scotland to meet Jane Wilde and Adrian Lear who run Strongarbh House, an elegant B&B in the picturesque town of Tobermory, on the Isle of Mull.
The pair have long been interested in contemporary art, for Adrian is a freelance arts consultant and Jane is a graphic designer.
It quickly became apparent during our interview just how passionate the couple are about contemporary art. The front room of their property has been transformed into a gallery complete with catalogues and further reading about the works on display. The focus on art continues into the bedrooms, with money spent on art instead of televisions; and then there is their extensive art library which, Adrian admits, is quickly expanding out of control.
Jane and Adrian take a serious approach to collecting contemporary art. The B&B is run with military precision and this is also how they operate when purchasing works. They thoroughly research every purchase, so that each artwork has a story to tell – often reflecting the landscape and sensibilities of island life. The B&B speaks of their passion for art and gently encourages guests to dip their toes into the contemporary art world.
We always enjoy interviewing people about the artwork they purchase and Jane and Adrian’s dedication certainly provides inspiration for people starting a journey into collecting. Take a look at the film we created to learn more about their Own Art purchases and have a virtual tour of an exceptionally stylish B&B.
http://www.ownart.org.uk
Watch more films
If you would like to commission a film from Axisweb, please contact Julian Lister (julian@axisweb.org). You can find more information about our film-making services at www.axisweb.org/aboutfilms
