Rethink and reclaim your Down Time with Grayson Perry’s new series.
Anyone can make and do art. It’s not difficult, nor is it only for the youth or those deemed “good” at art. Those sceptical of this statement can view this TEDxTalk by Graham Shaw and come back afterwards.
Grayson’s Art Club returns for a second series with 6 weeks’ worth of themes for the nation to delve into and join in on. The original series aired during the 1st National Lockdown with Turner Prize Winner artist Grayson Perry and his wife, fellow artist Philippa Perry attempting to lift the spirits and boost morale by encouraging people to tap into their creative side through art as an online community.
The 1st series wanted people to get in touch and tap into their sense of creativity through art. Art, as Perry nicely put it, is a way to make sense what is going on in the world and express how we feel about it. Art became both bond and medium for people during those testing months. Making art as part of a community was the heart of the show, the sense of togetherness and comradery showcased people’s take on the pandemic and gave an insight on their thoughts and feelings. It featured weekly themes for people to base their art on with the opportunity to submit their work, be highlighted and chance to be part of an exhibition at a later date. The series also had some celebrities getting involved with their interpretation of the given theme. Now unfortunately the 2nd National Lockdown threw a major spanner into the works with entertainment and leisure facilities being closed off but luckily the exhibition has managed to be extended until Autumn 2021.
The first episode of the second series was a lovely and touching recap of the experience, featuring some of the nominated artists being visited by Perry (socially distanced and outdoors) to discuss what they made and how they felt about their creation. Naturally of course they also voiced their take and feelings about the pandemic, many mentioning art was a big factor in helping them cope and deal with the it. The selected artists were then invited to a viewing of the exhibition if they were able privately, all visibly adhering to social distancing rules and with face masks. Grayson Perry was noticeable pleased and moved that despite the exhibition not being able to be open and appreciated to the public he was able to at least present it to the artists that made up the collection.
Grayson’s Art Club website has posted its themes ready for the next six weeks ahead. The first being family to begin with. The episode will air late February, the delay is to allow ample time for budding artists to complete their interpretations as hundreds and thousands of submissions were made during the 1st series.
Now whilst submitting mightn’t be for everybody, many can still partake create art over the next months. It’s proven that art can be therapeutic and help lower stress and anxiety. It’s also a nice and relaxing activity to do. It can help us to understand ourselves what we think and what we feel, the times we live and the events that have occurred. We need that, we need a way to process everything that has gone on and make sense of it. Art is perfect that.
Most people will have pen and paper lying around somewhere so it’s really is easy to do. That’s about as basic tools and equipment one needs. Something to make a mark with and something to do it on. Simple. Easy. For many that have been WFH, consider a quick doodle as part of your break, have you put the kettle on for your tea or coffee? Well, you can get a doodle done or do a quick mark making session in that time. Look out of your window and so a little sketch, split it up and you’ve got yourself a landscape sequence happening. Do enough of these during the day when you have some free or spare time and you’ve yourself a small collection. You can fit the time in if you want. You can do it with your significant other, your children if you have a family or just do it for yourself.
Make it a part of your down time. See what you come up with, share it and see what other people have also done by using #GraysonsArtClub on social media.
