Together Apart: Meet the Artist
My name is Lorraine Hamilton, and I’m from Glasgow. I make work primarily with sensory and tactile materials, I like to create sculptures and environments that tell stories of themselves and others. I often feel particularly drawn to working with objects and materials that facilitate the translation and processing of emotion. Whether working in the gallery, theatre, or in nature, neurodivergence and sensory experience are central elements to my practice.
What does the theme Together / Apart mean to you?
Together / Apart made me think of all the versions of ourselves that we carry with us. We are always together and apart from these past selves, they impact who we are today, we can visit them in memory (or in therapy), but we can never go back.
Hearing the theme of the exhibition I immediately thought of a piece of work I made previously called Dead Sea Scroll. This work is a handwritten stream of consciousness text turned into a sculptural form, it hangs from the gallery ceiling creating both an obstacle and a window. The paper is infused with Scottish kelp, and it gives a subtle fragrance of the sea when you pass it closely.I made this piece in response to a group exhibition around the life cycle of the immortal jellyfish. This jellyfish will (seemingly infinitely) return to its polyp (juvenile) form if it encounters harm or trauma, giving itself the chance to grow up again at a later date when its environment is safer. The text itself is a snapshot of visiting my younger self through the process of EMDR therapy, the repetition of the text reflects the repetition involved in this kind of therapeutic work.
What do you like about being part of a collective?
It feels very special to be part of such an open and welcoming group, it’s great to be around other people who have similar experiences and who are making such a huge variety of work. I find Neuk to be particularly supportive, and relaxed. Even though there’s so much on offer – whether it’s practical support for funding application, workshops, or exhibition opportunities like this, it’s great that you can participate and engage in whatever capacity feels right for you.
What else should someone do in Glasgow when they come to see the show? Food, sites to see, other galleries, etc.
There’s so much to see in Glasgow, Project Ability is walking distance from the Barras so I’d recommend popping over there at the weekend to see a mix of old and new Glasgow. There’s good food options too, The Crumbleologist is amazing and completely gluten free, but if you can eat gluten look out for the fresh doughnut stand, and the homemade clootie dumpling.
Also, make sure to spend some time looking at all the other fantastic gallery and art spaces in Trongate 103. Some of Glasgow’s most important independent spaces are housed here and they’re currently under threat. Take the opportunity to see them, see the brilliant work they have, and show your support.