New Resident Artist & Why People Are Making the Journey to Jo Morley Studio
By Resident Artist, Sarah Filmer
A new face in the studio
There are exciting developments unfolding here at the studio.
I am thrilled to share that prominent Southampton artist Sarah Filmer (@sezifilmswork) is taking up residence in the studio space at the back of our main room.
Sarah wears many fascinating hats: she is an incredible artist, an Associate Lecturer in Fine Art at Solent University, and a vet! This residency came about through the beautiful magic of word of mouth, serendipitous connections, and a shared love for the creative environment we've built here. I am so happy to welcome Sarah. I can't wait to watch her practice develop in this space and explore how we might collaborate and share our creative experiences. Do check out her Instagram, her portraits are brilliant.
What makes a studio community?
The spirit of the studio- on the wall and in the work
While Sarah and I were chatting during her move-in, she asked me a poignant question:
"What sort of people do you want for the studio spaces?"
It really made me pause and reflect.
I realised that I want to surround myself with people who share a deep passion for creativity in all its shapes and forms. I want individuals who bring their own unique flavour, who are curious, open, and willing to share. Most importantly, I want variety. I want people who are completely different from me, who will bring fresh ideas, distinct inspirations, and new disciplines into the building.
My belief is that everyone is creative. My mission is to help people find their own unique, authentic creativity by giving them the tools and techniques to discover their own way. I want Jo Morley Studio to always be a space where people feel entirely safe to let go of preconceived ideas, try new things, play, and simply enjoy being creative together.
People are making the journey
Still in our first year — and just getting started
Recently, someone made the drive from Shaftesbury, an hour and a half away, specifically to spend a day here learning abstract painting. I find that wonderful.
Learning to work freely, without constraints, without a plan, and simply to see what happens, this is something different.
So many creative people have spent years working accurately within the constraints of a technical process, where the image is everything and there are rules to follow. The freedom of abstract painting is the opposite of that. No plan. No map. Just paint, and the willingness to be surprised by what you make.
That is what we explore here. And people are finding us. People who have specifically looked for this, and chosen to come here for it. I think that is amazing.
We are still in our very first year…
This influx of new energy is incredibly timely. With the summer months upon us, we are already gearing up for Hampshire Open Studios in August and deep into planning for the Autumn Term. Right now, the studio is connected to so many beautiful opportunities. I have to gently remind myself that we are still in our very first year, and the response from our community has been nothing short of amazing.
We are continuously evolving, growing both Jo Morley Studio and Studio 4B Artist Studios.
We are building a reputation, a destination, and a community that people want to come back to time and time again. Thank you for being part of this first year with us.
Come and join us!
If you would like to explore abstract painting for yourself, there are still a few spaces on the 6-Week Evening Abstract Course starting Wednesday 3rd June, and the next Abstract Painting Day is Sunday 5th July. I would love to see you here.
