Interview with Bridget Watt

How long have you been a part of the Northern Arts Club and what made you eager to join?

Just over a year. Since completing my Fine Art Degree in Liverpool during the 1980's, I have always yearned to have studio space again to continue my studies. I was thrilled when I was offered this opportunity and love everything about the space. The walk to the centre of town, the building itself has a special atmosphere with plenty of light overlooking a beautiful green space.

How has the pandemic affected the routing of the club, as well as you?

It has disrupted the regular life drawing sessions I normally attend and several projects I've been working on in the studio. I am looking forward to returning and sharing the creative process with other artists.

Have you found that you have had more time to focus on producing artwork during lockdown?

The discipline of attending a dedicated space with others definitely motivates and focuses creativity.

Have you been producing and sharing work with group members on a regular basis? If so, how have you done this?

I have instead used the lockdown time to rediscover lots of my Son's art he did as a youngster, with bold energetic shapes and colour. I was struck by the maturity of his secondary school work which has a sensitivity combined with humour guaranteed to make you smile. This new painting is my first serious abstract commissioned by my son and inspired by Kandinsky and Mile Davies. The title is ‘Divoc 91’.

'Divoc 91' by Bridget Watt

What have you taken inspiration from when producing your artwork?

Looking at well crafted art and taking on the same challenge to transform careful observation into art of an equal measure.

Do you focus on particular themes/using certain materials when producing you artwork? If so, what?

The theme is capturing the life force in the subject. Materials used are mixed media water based paints, mostly acrylic with charcoal, pens, chalks and any other reasonable media that provides the right colour and texture to achieve the desired outcome.

Has creating your artwork acted as a coping mechanism during the pandemic?

Creating art is always a fantastic way to explore and communicate your relationship with the world at any stage of life.