Collaboration is a word that had been spinning around my head for some time; knowing I wanted to create work with others, but not really knowing how to go about it.

In the summer of 2020 when we were able to meet up with people outside, I took a couple of beers and my bike to Finsbury Park to meet a friend of mine who was in between countries, on her wonderful journey of discovery and learning. She is a multi-disciplinary artist whose work and work-ethic I admire. I proposed the idea of us collaborating on a project together, which would see us bring multiple additions to a final piece of work over a period of time; in a kind of relay fashion. She agreed, and we arranged to create a set of photographs as a first step. That was 18 months ago, and not a lot had happened since, until just recently. I have collated & enhanced some of those first images and posted them to a holding address; my collaborator is currently on a residency in the north of England! I will reveal her name and our progress when she picks up the baton. Please be patient, as it could be a lengthy undertaking ;-)

During my first decade of parenthood I got into a habit of working alone, late into the night, once my son had gone to bed. There was always admin, planning and ‘stuff’ to do. The reality is that I procrastinated a lot more back then, not really knowing what direction I was heading, or where best to head. I had ideas, but I lacked the volition to put them into action. It is surprising how easily you can stop asking others for their opinion or help. It seemed like everything needed to be done in a hurry, so I just got on with it, and got into a habit of doing things alone. The problem here is that you have to answer your own questions, which limits your knowledge, and only offers one way of thinking. Upon reflection, and in subsequent years, I try to make a conscious effort to include others in what I am doing. It’s not always an automatic action, but I am working on it!

There have been a couple of stand-out periods in my life where I know I am spending time with a group of resonant souls! Back in the early 2000’s I secured some funding from the Princes Trust to help get my photographic business off the ground. I am using the term business, as the Prince’s Trust’s formula back then was mostly to help young entrepreneurs who didn’t have the financial means to support their fledgling businesses to get off the ground. With the right business plan and the right attitude I don’t think it was that hard for anyone to get help! They offered us a business mentor, various talks to enhance our business acumen on things like time-keeping, accounting, and funnily enough procrastination! I learned that I had a lot in common with other entrepreneurs and sole-traders. I met a lot of people through the Trust, but a certain handful of us gravitated towards each other. This group included a Glass artist, a DVD authoring service, a bespoke Tailor, and an accounting software designer who sold his business years later for over £10,000,000. He is one of the charity’s mega success stories! I am clearly not a money-making machine, but we had a great time sharing ideas and supporting each other in our endeavours.

Next up was Vintiners, my special place, and my best crew! Vintiners Framers is a framing shop in Crouch End, north London. I had had a couple of frames made there as a customer, and walked past it regularly on the school run. One day I saw an advert for a part-time sales assistant, so in I went, and was interviewed by Sarah Garvey, talented Printmaker, and back then, shop manager! She gave me the job, and so began my first experience of being surrounded by artists. Everyone who worked there was a practicing artist, and when we weren’t serving customers we were talking about art (or world affairs, or relationships!) I only worked there a couple of days a week amongst the freelancing, but I stayed there for 8 years, which is about seven years longer than I expected to! We had an open dialogue about our work, encouraged each other, and attended each others shows. This is where I learned to accept myself as an artist: everyone treated me like one, and I seemed to think like one, so I figured I may as well just come out and be one! Vintiners will always have a place in my heart.

And now, after taking the plunge and heading south to a place I hadn’t even heard of this time last year, I have found myself as part of an artists community, and opportunities are arising. I have already been part of a group show at The Lakeside Centre, where I share a studio space. This is where I met Marcus, a Performance artist and brilliant banner-maker amongst other things. He serendipitously mentioned how he had always wanted to collaborate with other artists, but that he was also a little apprehensive about it. Cue my opportunity to share my own desire to collaborate, and we have been discussing ideas in preparation for our first collaboration project next week! He actually told me about a funding opportunity that was nearing its deadline, so I worked over a few evenings, culminating in a 3.30am finish to complete the application. Let’s hope that all my experience of late-night working pays off!

I cannot emphasise enough, the importance of hanging out with people you connect with. I love hanging out with creative thinkers and can-doers from all walks of life, and all disciplines.

Move over Gilbert and George! And, please let me know your stories of collaboration and camaraderie.

Have a great rest of the summer,

Amanda x