There are blogs and there are blogs… this one’s Special!
This blog really is a one off, celebrating 21 years of the Chalk Gallery opening, the gallery after 21 years is moving to its new address and the return of a founder member from 21 years ago, Michèle Findlay, so this blog combines both the past and the future. We have asked Michèle to share with us on this special occasion her thoughts of the Chalk Gallery over the years.
Why did you originally establish the Chalk Gallery and is your background creative?
I was part of a similar organisation in London and thought this formula would work in Sussex, so I got together with a group of artists and suggested the idea. I was a ceramic sculptor at the time and it was one way of exhibiting my work, displaying the art of local artists, making it appealing to the people of Lewes and being in a community of like-minded people.
How many artists were there initially, was it difficult to get them to commit to a new gallery and what were your biggest challenges?
There were 21 of us in the beginning and we all thought it was a good idea. The biggest challenge was finding a venue we could afford. It took 6 months from forming the group to moving into 4 North Street and we had to negotiate a strange contract with the landlord: we had to vacate the premises for two weeks in the autumn so that he could use the venue to hold his own exhibition of Russian art.
What was Lewes like 20 years ago? Were there many other galleries, did it have a thriving art scene?
Lewes was much the same as it is now, a town with many individual retail outlets, but not much competition for Chalk. I think there were possibly two other galleries at the time. Over the years other galleries have come and gone but Chalk thrived because of the way it is run.
Was the gallery run as a cooperative when it originally opened, as it is today?
The aims of the gallery then are much the same as they are now.
When did you leave and why?
I left in 2010, because I was busy caring for a sick husband and a sick daughter and could not fit it all in.
They say never go back, but you have, how has it changed and what, I’m sure you don’t mind me saying at the age of 80, made you do it?!
Chalk has always been close to my heart. Over the years I have seen how it has encouraged artists to get involved in the business of organising a gallery and selling their work as well as the work of others. I have seen people who were Chalk members work harmoniously together setting up external exhibitions and talking to customers. I wanted to see that continue and I wanted to be involved in supporting its growth through this transition. Being 80 has not made any difference to that wish and at present no difference to my ability to get involved.
How different is the artwork from 20 years ago?
That a question best answered by another question: How long is a piece of string? Each artist has a style of their own so it is difficult to compare one with another, either in time or in a particular situation.
The gallery has relocated to a much stronger position now, is that something you would have liked to have done at some point?
We had such a hard time finding something that we could afford that any wishing we might have had was pie in the sky. There were people over the years who wanted to move into a more central location but the cost was beyond what we could afford.
Have you continued to exhibit your artwork and where?
When my duty of care to my family came to an end, it took me a few years to get back into the groove. It was also the time when I decided to change tack from ceramic sculpture and started painting and making mixed media work. At this time I started studying painting both in person classes and on line courses. At that time, having work to display, I was part of a group of artists in Seaford and Newhaven who called themselves Salt Edge Arts. We put on a couple of exhibitions for three consecutive years which were very successful. I have curated local exhibitions and shown my work in a number of local venues.
What would you like to do differently this time?
I don’t think I want to do anything differently. Of course we all adapt to the situations we find ourselves in so we will be doing things differently to my early experience, but I have no wish to change anything that is working. I want to be a member who works to make the gallery a success and to see it survive for another 21 years at least.
The current gallery has expanded to include framing and different media. Is that something you welcome?
What I welcome is a plan that makes the gallery an interesting and friendly place that does not intimidate anyone: either members or our visitors. I want to see the gallery survive and thrive and to do that we should adapt to circumstances.
And lastly, how good is it to be back?
It is brilliant to be back, I am excited and eager to keep nurturing the high standards we have achieved through all the hard work of the existing membership. Here’s to the next few years.
And now for some slightly more personal questions.
You’re a snazzy dresser, where does your very individual style come from?
A snazzy dresser? I buy my stuff in charity shops, flea markets and new clothes mostly from Seasalt but I hold onto my clothes for years so possibly I’m out of step with current fashion. I like to accessorise maybe that’s what makes the difference.
Someone’s coming in to do the catering so what do you order and who’s coming to dinner?
Firstly, an intimate dinner for four and secondly as many as you like who’s coming.
I’d order something posh that I’m not likely to tackle myself maybe beuf Wellington and a baked Alaska and some mocktails. I don’t like big parties. I like to listen and talk to people so it would be no more than six people and they would probably be women artists. One exception to that maybe a lovely friend or mine and her husband. I recruited her husband to join a child mental health charity I’m trustee of and he has been a great asset to us. So we can always chat about the business of running the charity. I sometimes find myself at odds with male conversation hence the imbalance of sexes at any gathering I would organise.
Is there any age, other than right now, you would say was just spot on?
I often say “I am living my best life” probably the last 10 years have been the most interesting and fulfilling
Are you a spender or a saver? What do you spend it on or what are you saving for?
I’m a thrifty spender. I have invested money in stocks and shares for a rainy day, but I tend to spend more in my dotage than I did it any other time in my life. The money comes in and I revel in the possibility of spending some of it on books, art, charity shops treasures and what they call vintage shops these days but I would call junk shops.
We have a Time Machine, where and what period would it take you to, backwards or forwards?
Could I use this Time Machine twice? I’d go back to my young adulthood and stick to my original plan of not getting married or have children. I was the oldest of five and found myself responsible for younger siblings and helping mother. I thought I’d done my service. I am curious about the future, there are so many scientific discoveries in the offing. I’d like to think that humans might grow and become more generous and understanding. It would be good to witness that.
Thank you so much Michèle for your time and wonderful contribution.
Interview by Jen Grant
Instagram: michelefindlayart
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