The letter writing network of artists who are bringing optimism back to Brighton
QUILT are a Brighton based collective of artists that focus on “creative people outside of traditional institutions… facilitating ideas and networking artists.” With their lockdown project entitled ‘Postal Musings’, they have been doing just that: connecting and collaborating a huge network of artists behind closed doors, through letters.
Created out of the turbulent times of Covid-19, the project aims to “explore our experiences of location and community during isolation” by creating “a little ritual and structure as the weeks go by, and connecting us creatively through collaborative making.”
The Project
All you needed to do was email the group via their social media to get involved. Then each week, participants receive an address and post something to another participant. As long as the ‘something’ fits a standard sized envelope and complies with health & safety regulations, the possibilities were endless. The contents of the letter could be anything you like, something you’ve made or some memorabilia from your time in lockdown. Alongside the object, the participant provided a short piece of writing, or musing, to further share experiences and create a sense of unity in this time.
Response
It’s encouraged to respond to what you receive and build on it, write on it, draw with it, maybe even send it on. For example, if you receive some lino and some ink, you can carve it, print it, and then send that on. Or if you receive a whittled painting utensil, you can paint something for the next person to receive. This entire process solidifies a sense of collaboration within the created community of strangers.
As a participant, one time I received a batch of receipts. They appeared to symbolise a huge passage of time and an archive of mark marking, depicting the potentially mundane or incredibly exciting task of going to the supermarket as one of the only things we could do at that time. There was something wholesome about receiving something from a person that I’d never met, whilst all the while totally relating to their experiences.
The Results
These lockdowns in some ways have dampened a sense of inspiration for artists, so receiving a new and exciting stimulus in the post gives a new sense of purpose, community and adaptation. The most amazing thing about this project is that in a time when people felt isolated, and the art world was at a complete stand still, they found a way to collaborate & communicate from behind closed doors, creating pathways of inspiration in the most lonely of times.
Once the lockdown rules lift, Quilt are planning on showcasing these pieces in a collaborative exhibition, so keep your eyes peeled for that. In the meantime, visit their Instagram or Facebook.
In light of the government’s four-stage plan announced yesterday, we have a provisional studio re-opening date of Monday 17 May 2021. This is subject to change if the number of active Covid-19 cases has not deteriorated enough by this point.
In Step 3, it is suggested that indoor mixing will be permitted of no more than six. Copperdollar Studios will be following this rule if the data allows it. We will be looking to lift the restrictions to normal studio capacity by 21 June (if the data permits this).
We will start accepting bookings from 12 April. As always, if you have any questions please get in touch.