From tomorrow five artists will embark on a creative retreat we call Space/Time in Dumfries & Galloway. Three of the artists have written about their expectations of this cross-artform residency:
Claire Halleran (set design)
I’m a Set and Costume designer based in Scotland, but have been fortunate to work overseas and to have work tour internationally. My designs vary from small, compact children’s shows to large immersive events for all. I have created small cardboard houses covered in glitter and hand paint for 2-year-olds to the interior of a cinema/film festival in a disused bingo hall in the north of Scotland.
I love what I do, I enjoy the problem solving and working and collaborating with others, but also taking time to research and develop ideas as an individual. Working in the world of stage design ensures that there is never a day that is the same as another, which keeps things interesting, exciting and I appreciate a challenge. I work in scripted theatre and devised theatre both of which bring their thrilling moments and I’m always astonished at how much I learn from each collaboration.
I am very much looking forward to Space/Time - spending time with artists from other art forms and allowing myself to stop and consider what I do and why I have found my particular way of working. I find myself reacting quickly to create design decisions and have not interrogated my approach to the creative practice since studying both Fine Art (Glasgow School of Art) and a Master of Fine Art (Queen Margaret University). Being able to learn and evolve your creative practice is a fundamental part of being able to maintain an exciting and engaging conversation with both your creative colleagues and your audience. Each time I have seen Space/Time or Rough Mix advertised, I have wanted to be involved, but each time there has been too much going on to take the time. Now I realise that I need to make the time.
