Eleanor Watson

An interview[expand trigpos="below"]1. How long have you been a member at The Arthouse?On and off since 2013 (I think)2.What do you like about The Arthouse?It is a beautiful building and an incredible space to make work in. My studio is upstairs under the glass barrel vaulted ceiling; the light is always wonderful, even in the winter. The temperature can be less wonderful, but it is worth the sacrifice for the light.It is also great to be a part of the community working together to run the studios and sharing the space with lots of inspiring makers in different disciplines.3. Could you tell us a little bit about what you do? “An Introduction to”I make contemporary figurative paintings of interiors from found photographs. These are usually very ornate, ostentatious spaces from old museum houses. I am interested in playing with the illusionistic depth of interior paintings; the way in which we perceive positive and negative spaces and shifting the ways which these are read across the picture.4. How do you use your studio?I like to keep the central space flexible with a table which I move about, either with a palette and paints on top, or clear for drawing, printing or working on my laptop. I hang the paintings on the walls whilst working on them, and stack works in progress and finished works in the corner. I try not to have too much unnecessary visual material on show, as it can make me feel a bit claustrophobic.5. Is there a work your particularly proud of and why-Something you felt has been really important to you, or has changed the way you workI find this a really difficult question to answer - I tend to be focused on the next piece. Different paintings come to mind as I am working and tackling similar issues, but I don’t like to linger to long on old work. Perhaps I should do a bit more and that is perhaps why I am returning to do a Masters this year. I hope to spend more time reflecting on why I make certain decisions in my practice.I have been making paintings of interiors from photographs since my BA which I completed in 2012 - I suppose that was a breakthrough moment. Time for a new one!6. What interests you? What influences you?I read novels. I also I listen to audiobooks as I work. I find it easier to escape in to work with head phones on and a story I can drift in and out of. Listening and reading help me to explore my place within the world and to develop an emotional understanding; I am sure that sounds pretentious, but I think that is why I am compelled to read.My partner is an architect, which is perfect as there is no persuasion needed to explore new buildings and gardens. We spend a lot of time discussing how we experience these spaces.I also enjoy the charged atmosphere of theatre, although I don’t go as often as I would like. I am fascinated by the economy of information needed on stage; how structures, furniture and props elude to a world without having to fully describe it.7.Are you working on anything particularly at the moment?I am working on a large commission currently, as well as a few other works. Commissions are always more challenging, but interesting as they force me to confront new territory, and find new solutions.8.What’s in the pipeline? What’s Next?I am really excited to begin a masters in Fine Art at City and Guilds in September. A chance to really reflect on and challenge my practice.END

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