Kaleidoscope Interview! Redefining Success: Art and Identity in the North East
As part of our diversity theme, I’ll be focusing on geographical diversity and how it affects the North East as a whole as well as our Stockton, Middlesbrough area. This is demonstrated through the discrimination and often self-inflicted ridicule by and surrounding northerners - accents, stereotypes and even nicknames such as ‘smoggies’ being used for the people of Stockton and Middlesbrough due to the industrial revolution taking over the area with smoke. This often diminishes the natural aspects that make up the landscapes that people have become so accustomed to, that they lose their charm.
This is why I personally believe Abby and Owen represent our area and capture the artistic potential behind its environment and scenery. In addition, Abby+Owen strongly contradict the ideology that ‘London is everything’ because our own local areas can hold many kinds of art, big cities may be a hub of life and art, as well as inspiration, but art exists everywhere and it's up to us to appreciate it.
The dynamic duo first met in college when they both studied graphic design and later on progressed to university together after graduating from the Northern School of Art which then was known as the Cleveland College of Art & Design, therefore studying for a total of five years. Before this, Abby attended Ian Ramsey, having Mrs Barnfather as her graphics teacher to support and push Abby to pursue a career in the arts, setting an example for artists our age to be proud of where they are from. Then, in their words they “began to map out our future in pencil, leaving plenty of room to doodle in the margins.
A big part of their career -individually and with each other- has been doing the artwork for Hartlepool train station, after winning the commission they had been a couple for 11 years and owning a successful business together, I reached out to them after inquiring with the school about alumni, and asked them some questions.
What inspired you to initiate your creative career?
For me, pursuing a creative career was the most logical and natural path, not to mention the most enjoyable. The allure of self-employment lay in its flexibility and the autonomy it provided over my work, allowing me to avoid the repetition and mundanity often found in some design jobs. Owen, who has been passionate about art since he was young, always envisioned a career in the arts. Despite his natural talent, he finds overly structured environments challenging due to his ADHD. The freedom to set his own schedule and choose projects that genuinely inspire him has been a key factor in his decision to pursue self-employment as a creative.
What would your dream project look like?
It's wonderful to acknowledge that we've been a part of so many projects that felt like dream projects, such as giant murals for our town centre and illustrating a wonderful book. Looking to the future, I’d love to expand our print shop and create more amazing murals.
What meaning do you want your art to portray?
Our artwork, which includes North-East themed scenes of landmarks, murals, posters, illustrations for kids, and illustrated maps, generally reflects our ethos on the importance of community, instilling local pride, and celebrating cultural landmarks and beautiful scenes within the Tees Valley.
Do you think living in the North-East has limited your opportunities as an artist? Why or why not?
I don't believe it has limited us, but rather focused us. The only experience I can speak on is my own… you'd have to clone me and place her down south to see if an alternative-reality Abby would get more opportunities! I do think there's a certain underappreciated value in the North. We're resilient, supportive of each other, and strong in adversity. We’re firm believers in making your own luck. ‘Luck Is What Happens When Preparation Meets Opportunity’ as the Roman Philosopher Seneca liked to put it. There are loads of opportunities in the North-East, you just have to be prepared to pitch in for them when they come up, and to know where to look for them. This also means having a physical or digital portfolio at the ready.
London is the creative hub of the UK. What does the North East have that London doesn’t? The North East of England contrasts London with its unique blend of cultural heritage, close-knit community spirit, and affordability. Unlike London's daunting scale and competition, the North East offers a more accessible and collaborative creative scene. This environment allows artists, designers, and creators to form supportive networks, share resources, and gain visibility in a way that feels more personal and less commercialised. Teesside’s unique history and landscapes also offer a rich source of inspiration, influencing a diverse range of art, music, literature, and design.
What advice would you give to young people in the North East looking to venture into the creative world? The Northern School of Art was a crucial resource for us, enriched by its tutors, facilities, and the vibrant community. The lifelong connections we made there have been pivotal to our careers. This institution is a must for anyone forging a creative career. Additionally, for those aspiring to be artists, the advice is simple: MAKE ART! Remember, your taste will evolve faster than your skill, so practise patience and self-encouragement over perfectionism — persistence is your friend and a true test.
Overall the feedback that I have received from these questions is proof in itself that even though geographical diversity can affect careers, you shouldn’t let it. I truly believe that Abby and Owen represent what it means to be proud of your background and inspire teenagers to not limit themselves due to other’s opinions.
Written by Hollie Matthews and copyedited by Eli Pearce
View the full Kaleidoscope magazine here: https://www.ianramsey.org.uk/kaleidoscope-magazine-april-2024/
