Charlotte Henry-Stumpe and Lily Maddocks have come to the end of their graduate residency. We asked them to reflect on their experience having a studio at KARST and presenting the work they developed during the residency in their Test Space.
How has having a studio at KARST changed how you work as an artist?
Charlotte Henry-Stumpe: This opportunity has encouraged me to take my practice seriously and, as intended, I was able to use KARST as a platform to help excel community networking and access to opportunities. These instances have given me a better understanding of the framework that is necessary to continue making as I navigate the challenges that the art industry presents. Having access to a considerably larger space, a relaxed timeframe and no set boundaries has helped me to experiment, play and make with intention, spending time more efficiently in between work shifts.
Lily Maddocks: Having a studio at KARST has given me the time and space to reflect on my work and the purpose of my making. It has encouraged me to listen to myself and to trust my own approach. Using my studio in Plymouth as a base, I have been able to explore new places and work with new materials that are unique to this part of the South West.
How was your experience of Test Space?
CHS: Test Space was an opportunity to examine my work critically, to take a step back and re-evaluate my explorations thus far. The show culminated in an in-conversation event which was a really useful opportunity to make sense of the growing body of work, speak about the processes and most importantly to receive feedback.
LM: My recent work has been focused on processes and materials, but Test Space pushed me to think more about the presentation of this. During the install, I made decisions about my work which completely changed how it was perceived and understood. Charlotte and the team at KARST also made valuable suggestions during install which made the final outcome of our show all the more successful. Test Space was a challenge and a great experience.
What is next for your practice?
CHS: I will be continuing my research into frameworks and methodologies that are actionable and accessible beyond traditional gallery settings. This includes continuing to develop my stop motion films alongside textiles. I also hope to continue the element of play and experimentation in my practice, something that I have come to really enjoy over the course of this residency. More pressingly, I aim to document, via stop-motion, the activation of my textile costumes through the process of wearing them within the communities I have been working in. I hope this act of processional play will embolden others to also be visible and actively participate in the defiance of outdated systems or traditions.
LM: I am going to continue to learn about pigment making as a craft, whilst working on my printmaking in a new job.
What piece of advice would you give to the next set of KARST graduate residents?
CHS: I would definitely encourage the next graduate residents to spend the first few months playing and experimenting rather than aiming for anything finished. This should help in finding a good work rhythm to get back into after the wrench of graduating. The residency will be whatever you make of it!
LM: Trust yourself and your work. Use the time and space you have to make without worrying about any sort of outcome. Everything will come together when you least expect it.
