Rowena McWilliams

CASE STUDY

“Grow your art business” Foundation Programme

Can you give us a brief description of yourself and your background?

I studied Art History at Edinburgh, worked at Arts Council, then moved to Africa where I taught art and was Chief Examiner in Art. Moved to Malaysia in1987 where I started painting more regularly and held two exhibitions at the British High Commission. Back to UK, Adult Education teaching, PGCE at Canterbury, 15 years teaching Art and English in Hawkhurst. Started a business at Smallhythe Studio which I ran for seven years as curator and tutor. Exhibiting regularly around the South East.
Passionate about art, nature and life.

Can you tell us briefly about the status of your art practice when you started the programme?

I had had my own discrete studio at home for 12 years, but my work was fitted in round my teaching and art business. Started to paint more from 2015 onwards and lockdown accelerated this and gave me the nudge to start the Pure programme. I had exhibited regularly over the years but my admin was not particularly advanced.

How did you first hear about Pure and the programme?

I first heard about Pure through the exhibitions at Powder Mills; then I became a host for Pure meetings and learnt more about the group and what was on offer.

What challenges/problems/situation necessitated you undertaking the programme?

As I mentioned, lockdown was the final nudge. I was needing to become more disciplined, learn from other artists and become part of a tribe. 

What were you looking for as an outcome?

I wanted to move my art career forwards and to work with other artists.

What made our programme stand out from others on offer?

Because it was local to me and because I already knew the Pure group and Lesley. Lesley was willing to discuss what was on offer beforehand as well. I was able to talk to others already undertaking the programme.

What feature of our programme was most appealing?

That you could undertake it in your own time.

What is the biggest transformations you experienced while undertaking the programme?

Going into my studio more regularly, needing to paint and more efficient paperwork.

How have you implemented the learning made during the programme?

Building more of a routine into my day; applying to more exhibitions forced me to put the learned admin skills into practise. Practise enforces learning and theory.

What was your initial reaction to the programme when you started?

It was better than I expected!

How has the programme helped you during the learning journey?

It has moved me on quicker and made me more confident about applying for courses, exhibitions etc. Making me more professional!

How has working with Lesley helped you?

The 1-2-1 sessions are a great idea to motivate people and keep them going. I find conversations with Lesley stimulating and exciting and she is willing to share information.

Has this solution saved you time and helped you grow and progresses faster?

Belonging to Pure helps, but the I think the programme helps to move you quicker in the right direction.

Can you share any tangible outcomes from the programme?

Talking about my work more easily; making videos about my work.

What have you been most impressed with?

The 1-2-1 advice; the Making Module; Brene Brown and Tabish Khan videos

How do you feel now about your career and future potential?

I actually feel very similar to how I did before but I have more idea how to move forward and how to reach my potential.

What plans do you have now for the future that are new?

Continuing to look for conceptual galleries, artists, curators and buyers. Looking to collaborate with one of these.