The ninth post of the series is up! For this article, we asked the talented abstract painters JOPP 2018 Judge Karl Bielik and JOPP 2018 Commended Entry Aisling Drennan what advice they would give to emerging artists.
To view our other posts in this series, please visit our main blog post ‘Advice for Emerging Artists‘.
Karl Bielik
Karl Bielik, one of our Expert Judges for the Jackson’s Open Painting Prize, is an award-winning abstract painter based in London. His paintings have been in numerous shows at home and abroad, including The 2016 John Moores Painting Prize, The Royal Academy Summer Show, The Contemporary British Painting Prize and The London Open. He has work currently touring China as part of ‘Contemporary Masters from Britain’ and a solo show at The Rochester Art Gallery in Kent. He is the Founder and Director of Terrace Gallery and Studios. Bielik also writes and performs in Lark who are signed to Standard Lamp Records. You can see more of Karl’s work in his interview with Jackson’s, his Instagram or on his website.
‘It sounds like someone crawling out of a swamp to me. It’s about the work whether you’re emerging, unknown or fading from view… the one constant is your practice. Take it seriously, take it lightly, just keep on doing it as much as you can… while there is still a flame. Good times, bad times, don’t fall for any of it. It is just an invented Art Market word anyway! Enjoy your moment in the Sun.’
JOPP 2018 Commended Entry Aisling Drennan
‘Aisling Drennan’s practice examines the consequence of a mark and the conversation it sparks; possible definites and definite failures. Her approach to painting is playful even irresponsible at times, a concoction of ultimate violation and ultimate indulgence.’ Her work has been extensively exhibited around the UK and Ireland, her paintings shortlisted for and winning many competitions and creative funding opportunities (including being listed as a Commended Entry in Jackson’s Open Painting Prize 2018!). Read more about her Commended Entry here, or view more of her work on her website and Instagram.
‘Set yourself up, expect things to happen, put yourself out there and be honest about the work you are making. It’s ok to fail because it’s part of the process but it’s not ok to not try.’
