Julia Ashby Smyth has been a freelance illustrator for 31 years and calls herself a 'perpetual lifetime doodler'. More recently, Julia has been a curator at the Hodgson Loom Gallery in Laxey for the last 10 years. We caught up with Julia about the Lockdown Art Exhibition which celebrates creativity in adversity and is currently being showcased at the gallery.

Q. Tell us about the Lockdown Art Exhibition, what inspired it and how did it come about?

Seeing the plethora of creativity appearing on the likes of Facebook and Instagram, I thought it would be wonderful if we could bring it all into one space in the Hodgson Loom Gallery just to celebrate that burst in artistic energy.

Most of the artists we had booked had deferred their exhibitions to next year. Those that hadn't, I was worried that there would be not enough people circulating directly after Manx Lockdown, to warrant them putting up exhibition that may go unseen or be closed suddenly should a new lockdown occur.

Thus a space became available to try a gathering of art made during lockdown, open to all. I was overwhelmed by the number of submissions that were entered. I didn't limit the number of pieces that could be submitted (not thinking that there would be over 100!) We had over 300. I put up the exhibition, what I could fit in initially, and have been adding pieces ever since as others have sold and gone to their new homes. Other pieces have come in as artists have been able to fire, glaze, finish and frame - but all was created in lockdown conditions.

Q. The exhibition features a diverse range of mediums from multiple artists. What can we expect to see?

There are 38 artists represented in the show and over 200 pieces. Some artists have never exhibited before, so this was a gentle introduction into that world. Others are professional and have a fine long pedigree of beautiful work, but have produced work in an entirely different medium.

There are oil and acrylic landscapes, abstract geometrical storm godesses, lino pints, etchings, watercolours, pencil and graphite, textiles, sculpture, recycled and re-purposed items, jewellery, wooden bowls with legs, lollipop copses, circular landscapes, a wolf cub incorporating real wolf fur (moulted and alive, not dead from a pelt), birds aplenty including every species of penguin on the planet, driftwood lighthouses, a button lamp, a delightful mackerel and about a hundred other things I've not mentioned. 

Q. What role do you think art has to play during uncertain times both on a personal and global level?

Art always has a role to play, in every walk of life and every event thereof, whether it be sad, happy, scary, brutal, anxious or remarkable; inwardly or outwardly. Depending on how life is affecting a person there is an art form that will either act as a release from the stresses, or will act as dialogue for the event and emotions of the time. Art is therapy, both for the artist and the viewer, something within it, whatever its subject matter, connecting like minds in an unseen web, giving support, succour, voice, inspiration, stimulation or freedom. Without it, I know I would go mad.

Q. Did you find that you were more or less creative during lockdown?

I was more creative. I suddenly had TIME. Oh the deep joy. Most of my commissions were on hold and the gallery was shut. I could try that paper I've had for 5 years, try different techniques, draw whatever I flipping well liked, for days on end. 

Q. The exhibition is described as ‘creativity in adversity’. In what ways does this exhibition provide insight into the lives of people living through challenging times?

I know some artists who did nothing, they just couldn't find the inspiration to work. Some had other commitments, some stranded in hospitals across with loved ones, unsure and uncertain of the days ahead, some were so busy with housebound families that they had no time or space, others just did other stuff. 

One of the main perceptions from the art in the present exhibition is one of joy - joy of nature, gardens, having time. It is uplifting. There are a few pieces that are more Covid centred and are a reaction to the crisis of emotions in their own head, but again the art they have produced is still gentle and caring. I think it may have been different had the Lockdown extended here on the island ( or indeed if the weather had been dreary), the art may have reflected more frustration, anxiety, fear and darkness.

Q. What sort of feedback have you received about the exhibition so far?

Great feedback. Being able to get out and go to an exhibition. There have been many many pieces sold, large and small. Because pieces could be taken as soon as they were sold (to furnish a newly decorated wall!) any gap was filled with pieces that were still waiting to go in. Again, many people, expecting a darker, anxious exhibition have commented on the uplifting joyous feeling.

Q. What do we have to look forward to next at the Hodgson Loom Gallery?

I am doing a re-jig of the exhibition next week, for its last month, finishing on October 31st. Then we are going to have a group Christmas show from November 10th through to the beginning of January. Not sure who will be in it yet, its a moving feast! A bit of an arty allsorts, with the possibility of 'table pop-up' days for a couple of artists every week if they wish.

(I need to nail that down logistically yet. We are thinking, a £30 daily table fee, no commission on table sales, bring your own sum-up machine, set up, manning etc. We will have room for only two artists so watch this space for that - all suggestions welcome!)

We have an idea brewing for mid January to mid March for 3 or 4 x 2 weeks 'Hire the Gallery' opportunities. Basically nitty gritty is to hire the space only for two weeks, the artist/s is responsible for everything else, set up, manning, publicity, taking payment ; set up wed, thur, fri. Exhibition for two weeks, take down and out by tuesday. - type thing.  A £600 single fee, no commission on any sales. Again, we are just sorting out all the dates before we launch it. I can chat more before we launch the idea, if you want in on the scoop!!

Q. Where can we stay up to date and find out more?

Facebook @HodgsonLoomGallery

Opening hours
10:00 - 17:00

01624 861395
julia@laxeywoollenmills.com