VISUAL ARTS

Curating alternative art exhibitions under the name The Two Ians ( Ian Shillito & Ian Skelton) their aim is to offer opportunities for creatives who have had minimal to no experience exhibiting work professionally. Each participant would have the chance to get involved in the process, work alongside more established artists, invited to the private view and encouraged to network.

Walls Have Eyes at Hasting History House

A group of selected artists respond to the towns history through their own creative interpretations. The aim of this exhibition is to introduce the History House which is a characterful, old world, classically curated archive centre to a new audience and to highlight how the visual arts and its creative process can inform a wider audience to interpret the town's fascinating past.

Artist: Luke Garvey

WHAT DID YOU GET FROM THIS PROJECT / OPPORTUNITY?

The chance to create new pieces of work that I wouldn't have created otherwise, also really good exposure

WOULD YOU LIKE TO DEVELOP THE PROJECT/OPPORTUNITY FURTHER?

I would 100% work with these guys again, they are so welcoming and supportive so you can actually let your creativity thrive

WOULD YOU RECOMMEND WORKING WITH KNOW YOUR WORTH TO OTHERS?

Definitely! They really want the artist to create what the artist wants to create also they are so good at staging you can guarantee your work will look great in the space

IS IT CLEAR WHAT OUR KNOW YOUR WORTH ETHOS IS FROM WORKING WITH US?

Absolutely! In every interaction with the Ians I was made to feel like both me and my work was good enough and belonged in a professional and well curated exhibition

Artist: Thom Michael Collett

WHAT PROJECT DID YOU WORK / COLLABORATE / OR PARTNER WITH US ON?

I was invited by Ian Shilito and Ian Skelton to take part in their “Walls Have Eyes” exhibition at Hastings History House. A creative response to an aspect of Hastings and St Leonards past. My piece was an Edwardian ladies coat, which I made and decorated to tell the story of suffragist Muriel Matters and her memories.

WHAT DID YOU GET FROM THIS PROJECT / OPPORTUNITY?

Since starting University last year, studying for a BA Hons in history, I haven’t had the opportunity to do any creative projects, as most of my time has been spent reading and working on essays. This was a wonderful opportunity for me to get back into making and using my creative skills alongside my love of history. As someone who has found certain social situations daunting, in part because of my Dyslexia, taking part in this project has helped me enormously by building my confidence. I have valued the interactions with fellow creatives and members of the

public. As a young historian who would love to work in the heritage sector, I loved taking on this particular role as I met many people from all walks of life who feel as passionately and strongly as I do about history and the social history of our town. I felt honoured when others shared their own fascinating family histories with me.

WOULD YOU LIKE TO DEVELOP THE PROJECT/OPPORTUNITY

FURTHER?

I would love to collaborate on future projects with the two Ian’s, as well as others who were a part of this exhibition.

WOULD YOU RECOMMEND WORKING WITH KNOW YOUR WORTH TO

OTHERS?

I would absolutely recommend the Know Your Worth programme to other artists. It has been such a worthwhile and positive experience for me and a real pleasure working with other artists and creatives from different backgrounds who have been incredibly kind, supportive, and generous.

IS IT CLEAR WHAT OUR KNOW YOUR WORTH ETHOS IS FROM

WORKING WITH US?

Know Your Worth is committed to supporting and encouraging artists from different backgrounds and fostering an inclusive environment to be creative and embrace our differences. I had initially felt anxious about taking part as this is the first time I have

shown my work publicly in an exhibition space, but I could not have received a more welcoming, encouraging, supportive and enthusiastic response from the two Ian’s

and my other fellow creatives. I have learnt so much from working alongside artists with different skillsets and work experience.

iFound Extended Remix at St Andrews Mews,

After a successful inaugural run at the start of 2024, The Two Ians i-Found exhibition returns to one of Hastings most fascinating art venues at St Andrews Mews. Curated as the ‘extended remix’ artists in residence Ian Shillito and Ian Skelton are joined again by ceramicist Emma Harding and this time a number of selected artists for a month long exhibition across Coastal Currents Festival.

The work of these artists, though distinctly different, is linked by a shared interest in found materials, memory and a sense of place.

Artist: Mawjood

WHAT PROJECT DID YOU WORK / COLLABORATE / OR PARTNER WITH US ON?

I participated as a guest artist in the iFound Exhibition at the St Andrews Mews Gallery in Hastings. My series, Toyed Emotions, was part of the exhibition.

WHAT DID YOU GET FROM THIS PROJECT / OPPORTUNITY?

This exhibition offered me valuable experience in showcasing my work publicly, connecting with the local art community, and learning from other artists. It was a great opportunity to not only present my work but also gain insights from feedback and interaction with visitors.

WOULD YOU LIKE TO DEVELOP THE PROJECT/OPPORTUNITY FURTHER?

I would definitely be interested in developing further projects, especially those that connect emerging artists with more public and interactive platforms.

WOULD YOU RECOMMEND WORKING WITH KNOW YOUR WORTH TO OTHERS?

Yes, I would highly recommend the Know Your Worth programme to other artists. It provides a supportive and inclusive space for creative individuals to grow and gain real-world experience.

IS IT CLEAR WHAT OUR KNOW YOUR WORTH ETHOS IS FROM WORKING WITH US?

Absolutely. It’s clear that Know Your Worth prioritizes empowering emerging artists, helping them find their voice, and supporting them in building their confidence in a highly competitive industry.

Artist: Lara Vaney

WHAT PROJECT DID YOU WORK / COLLABORATE / OR PARTNER WITH US ON?

I was lucky enough to be selected to have my textile/printmaking work included as part of a collaborative exhibition ‘IFOUND- Extended Remix’ led by the amazing Two Ians. This was my first time exhibiting publicly outside of college, and it was a delight to be part of an exhibition that explored recycled and found materials; something that resonates closely to me and my artistic practice.

WHAT DID THE YOU GET FROM THIS PROJECT / OPPORTUNITY?

I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunities that this project allowed me to explore, it was rewarding to be part of such a vivacious and immersive exhibition and it was refreshing to see our work being displayed, lit and curated with such artistic consideration. Im sincerely grateful for how welcoming, supportive and passionate The Two Ians have been for my introduction into the art world and i couldn’t have asked for a better experience in beginning to share my work with the local community alongside many other talented artists. This entire experience gave me confidence in sharing my art and learning that it holds worth to the community.

WOULD YOU LIKE TO DEVELOP THE PROJECT/ OPPORTUNITY FURTHER?

If there were ever an opportunity to be part of further projects by this same organisation i would jump at the chance to be part of it all again. It’s been a great way to allow new and emerging Artists to come together and share work as a collective, each piece part of one narrative, led by a communal focus.

WOULD YOU RECOMMEND WORKING WITH KNOW YOUR WORTH TO OTHERS

I would without a doubt recommend ‘know your worth’ to others since i truly stand by their passions and aims, and my experience was nothing but positive! Thank you

IS IT CLEAR WHAT OUR KNOW YOUR WORTH ETHOS IS FROM WORKING WITH US ?

From working alongside this project, the ethos for 'know your worth' is shown vicariously through each action, thought, choice and consideration. The ethos is strong and relevant and entirely relatable to me as a recently graduated art foundation student, trying to navigate the artistic industry. I’m grateful that there are programmes and experiences like ‘know your worth’ that allow creatives in or out of education to get a chance at sharing work, and communicating with other artists, it’s reassuring to have this support in such a challenging and overwhelming creative industry.