Chichester Open Studios Artists
Rebecca McQuoid
Posted by Nicola Hancock on 18th April, 2018
It was winter time when Ellen and I went to visit Rebecca to add to our series of Artist Interviews … May and the Art Trail seemed forever away. But now look where we are! The Art Trail is in a few weeks. A good time though to give you a taste of some inspiring artists and their work, so you can plan your personal Trail.
Although there are only a few in this series of Artist Interviews, so far, you can do your own research into the type of work you might like to see, and whose studio to visit. The Trail Guide can be downloaded from the Home page and you can have a look at each artist in more detail. You will come across the printed version of the Trail Guide all around the area in shops, cafés, libraries and the like. The Oxmarket will have them too and all our artists will carry a stock when you visit them.
If would like to visit Rebecca and see her work in its very special, now spring time environment, you can meet her at Venue 40 on this year’s Trail. Meanwhile, visit www.sculptures.uk.net to see the variety of forms her art can take.
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... My studio inspires me with it's peace and the views of changing sky, light and nature just outside.
Nicola Hancock
You designed your own studio space, what kind of space did you aim to create? How did you begin this process?
Rebecca McQuoid
Mainly a space to work away from outside distractions, where I am to be able to contemplate ideas and spread my work out and leave it to dry. I began the design of the studio by considering the size dictated by the old garage footprint, then creating windows which looked over the countryside and let in lots of natural light. The small bathroom/store was placed to divide the messy work end from the thinking end, and a tiny office area was fitted in under the slope of the stairwell (an area the builders were going to close off). When positioning the windows and walls I would also consider where I would like my furniture to be placed, thereby using the space efficiently.
Photographic Credit: Ellen Hancock
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Nicola Hancock
What is a normal day in the studio like for you?
Rebecca McQuoid
A normal day will consist of working in the studio all morning until lunch; I tend to divide the time into sections moving from one project to another thereby changing position physically (standing/sitting) which is better for my back etc. When not actually thinking of ideas, I will work whilst listening to Radio 4, 3 or my music CDs. After lunch I may go for a short walk or do a bit of gardening if needed, then go back to the studio until supper.
Photographic Credit: Ellen Hancock
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Nicola Hancock
What projects are you working on at the moment in the studio?
Rebecca McQuoid
At the moment I have four low relief sculptures and one 3D leaf sculpture, plus a 3D white sculpture inspired by how a woodlouse rolls up when it’s attacked. Due to the slow drying time of papier mache it is necessary to work on more than one piece at a time, especially in the winter.
I am also working on a design for an abstract bird, in concrete.
Photographic Credit: Ellen Hancock
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Nicola Hancock
What time of year do you most enjoy your studio?
Rebecca McQuoid
Winter mainly because in the summer I crave to be outside.
Photographic Credit: Ellen Hancock
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Nicola Hancock
What changes to your studio, that you are unable to make, would you make if possible?
Rebecca McQuoid
I would not have a sloping roof, thereby creating more height and wall space, also I would have a bigger entrance and be on the ground floor.
Photographic Credit: Ellen Hancock
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Nicola Hancock
When you are creatively lost or frustrated how does the studio inspire you?
Rebecca McQuoid
My studio inspires me with it’s peace and the views of changing sky, light and nature just outside.
Photographic Credit: Ellen Hancock
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Nicola Hancock
What is your favourite corner of the studio?
Rebecca McQuoid
Don’t have one.
Photographic Credit: Ellen Hancock
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Nicola Hancock
What is a ‘studio’ to you?
Rebecca McQuoid
Somewhere to work away from all outside worries.
Photographic Credit: Ellen Hancock
