News

At the start of July we say goodbye to Hotwall’s longest-standing artists Lizzie Cornelius, Alice Hume, James Mouland, Karl Rudziak and the Fire Monkey collective as their tenancies come to an end.

Hotwalls Studios was established to provide subsidised studio spaces for artists and makers to grow their creative businesses. The length of our tenancies are limited so that the studios continue to benefit new artists and makers who, in turn, will grow their businesses over a set period of time before moving on to other workspaces.

Lizzie, Alice, Karl, James and the Fire Monkey’s have been at Hotwalls since the development first opened in 2016 and their tenancies were extended by an extra year in response to the Covid-19 pandemic. They have all been active members of the Hotwalls community, participating in group exhibitions and other projects over the years. The team at Hotwalls Studios wish the departing artists the best of luck in their future artistic journeys. Their departure marks the end of one chapter and the start of a new one as we will welcome a new cohort of local artists later in the month.

You can find links to our past tenants in the Alumni section on the studios page of our website – The Studios – Hotwalls Studios

James Mouland, Studio 13

Karl Rudziak, Studio 4

Alice Hume, Studio 9

Fire Monkey collective, Studio 1

Lizzie Cornelius, Studio 2

The Round Tower has bid farewell to yet another highly successful solo exhibition by the resident artist Lizzie, known for her distinctive brand, “icanseethesea.” Over the course of the weekend, 469 visitors were warmly welcomed into Lizzie’s vibrant world of art.

Lizzie’s art is a delightful fusion of graphic design, bold compositions, and meticulous hand-painted craftsmanship. With a keen eye for detail and a vibrant colour palette, Lizzie’s artwork exudes a sense of joy and wonder, captivating the viewer.

The exhibition featured numerous pieces adorned with her iconic pink seagulls, which proved to be immensely popular, as they seemingly “flew” out of the door. However, amidst the excitement of Lizzie’s achievements, perhaps the most thrilling revelation to emerge from her “Follow Me” exhibition is her upcoming move to a new studio space. Lizzie’s artistic journey will lead her to The Porters Lodge, nestled within the Historic Dockyard, starting from the 3rd of July. The best part? Entry to the dockyard is entirely free for visitors. Simply inform the security personnel that you are visiting Lizzie at icanseethesea, and you will gain access to her captivating new space!

Find work by Lizzie at: Store – icanseethesea

Hotwalls Studios is set to unveil an enchanting new exhibition from 23 June until 25 June. Located within the historic Round Tower, the exhibition promises to be a remarkable showcase of talent, featuring a diverse range of art forms, including ceramics, printmaking, textiles, and painting.

Hotwalls Studios has carefully curated an exhibition that celebrates the rich diversity of artistic expression. Visitors will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the mesmerizing world of ceramics, where delicate forms and intricate designs come to life. The fusion of traditional and contemporary techniques in printmaking will captivate art enthusiasts, while the world of textiles will weave a story of texture, colour, and pattern. Additionally, the exhibition will feature paintings that span a myriad of styles, from block colours to realism, showcasing the boundless creativity of the resident artists.

The resident artists are extremely excited as they prepare to present their new works to the public on the opening night. The exhibition represents an opportunity for these talented individuals to showcase their artistic growth and push the boundaries of their respective mediums. Each artist has poured their heart and soul into their creations, resulting in a collection that is both thought-provoking and visually captivating.

Hotwalls Studios is committed to fostering a vibrant creative community. The exhibition not only provides a platform for artists to share their work, but it also encourages engagement and dialogue between the artists and the public. Attendees will have the chance to interact with the artists, gaining insights into their inspiration, techniques, and creative processes.

Join Hotwalls Studios between 10am and 4pm on 23-25 June.

The Round Tower

Broad Street

PO1 2FS

Katie Munro, a talented fine artist and illustrator based in Studio 11, is currently embarking on an exciting artistic venture as an artist in residence at Southsea Castle. This opportunity arose as essential maintenance work is being carried out on her Hotwalls Studio in Old Portsmouth, providing her with a fresh creative space to delve into her artistic practice.

During her residency, Katie’s new studio at Southsea Castle will be open to the public, inviting art enthusiasts and curious visitors to explore her captivating work and the inspiring atmosphere of her new space. The wonderful working studio, nestled within the historic walls of Southsea Castle, provides an immersive experience for visitors, fostering a deeper appreciation for the artistic journey that Katie embarks upon.

Katie’s residency at Southsea Castle will continue until mid-July, allowing ample time for art enthusiasts and curious onlookers to engage with her captivating artwork and gain insights into her artistic process.

Known for her versatility, Katie Munro employs a variety of media in her artistic practice, including oil and watercolor. Her drawings and paintings captivate viewers with their depth, vibrant colors, and meticulous attention to detail. Through her artwork, she masterfully captures the essence of her subjects, whether it be the delicate interplay of light and shadow or the intricate lines that bring her compositions to life.

Katie’s working studio will open alongside the new Southsea Castle Makers Market on 11 June. This event provides an opportunity for visitors to engage not only with Katie’s art but also with other talented makers showcasing their creations, fostering a vibrant and supportive creative community.

For more info, find Katie at About — Katie Munro (katiemunroart.co.uk)

Hotwalls Studios recently concluded a fantastic exhibition, titled “A Hotwalls Retrospective,” which marked the culmination of artist Karl Rudziak’s tenancy at the studios.

Curated by the artist himself, this captivating exhibition offered visitors a unique opportunity to witness the evolution of Rudziak’s work over the past seven years. As the weekend unfolded, the Round Tower became a hub of activity, drawing crowds of art enthusiasts eager to experience the retrospective and show their support for the talented artist.

‘Hotwalls Retrospective’ provided an immersive journey through Karl Rudziak’s artistic progression during his residency at Hotwalls Studios. The exhibition showcased his diverse body of work, highlighting the artist’s growth and exploration of various techniques and themes. From his early pieces to his most recent creations, viewers were able to witness the development of Rudziak’s artistic style and the conceptual depth that has defined his practice.

As a recipient of arts council funding and an artist deeply connected to his community, Rudziak’s retrospective showcased not only his talent but also the thriving creative comminity fostered by Hotwalls Studios. This exhibition was a fitting tribute to an artist who has made an indelible mark on the cultural community of Portsmouth.

A word from the artist:

‘It’s just incredible how seven years can pass so quickly. I’ve met people from all over the world; It’s been a privilege to listen to their stories, and talk about their lives. It has also enabled me to share my experience as an artist, to elaborate how I operate my practice and how I incorporate my own values into my work. It’s extremely encouraging how receptive people are, to art as force for good and benefit to community, not just a commercial enterprise.’

For more information on Karl and his work, please visit: Karl Rudziak Artist

At the end of May, Hotwalls Studios watched two resident artists, Hollie and Alice, as they embarked on their second collaborative project, ‘Sky and Earth: Foraging and Growing’.

Their initial collaboration in September had been met with fantastic feedback, combining weaving and ceramics to produce pieces inspired by nature and crafted from organic materials. Building upon their previous success, the second collaboration took their artistry to new levels, incorporating locally foraged clay and home-grown plants.

Hollie, a skilled potter, brought her expertise in working with locally sourced clay to the collaboration, adding an authentic and raw element to their joint creations. Alice, a talented textile artist, continued her exploration of sustainable practices by utilizing plants she had cultivated herself, which perfectly complemented Hollie’s ceramics. The union of their artistic visions resulted in a harmonious fusion of texture, color, and form, echoing their shared admiration of the natural world.

The collaborative project aligned seamlessly with Alice’s arts council project, “From Soil to Cloth,” which delves into the relationship between the earth, plant cultivation, and textile production. This thematic connection added depth and resonance to their joint exhibition, inviting viewers to reflect on the intricate interplay between art, nature, and sustainability.

The exhibition not only featured the collaborative works of Hollie and Alice but also showcased the mesmerizing artistry of Tomas Arreigota. Arreigota’s latest collection comprised sonorous artist portraits, capturing the essence and spirits of Alice and Hollie in a captivating manner. His distinct style of film enriched the exhibition, offering a multi-dimensional experience for visitors.

The collective exhibition showcased not only the artistic talent of the participating artists but also the inherent power of collaboration. The merging of different artistic disciplines and the shared vision of Hollie, Alice, and Tomas resulted in a captivating showcase that celebrated the Earth, sustainability, and the transformative nature of art itself.

Hollie exclaimed -‘ The second exhibition was an incredible success and brought people closer to the artwork, taking them back to raw materials and process. Thanks to all who visited Sky & Earth – Foraging and Growing. It was wonderful to collaborate with Alice one again and showcase our latest work and processes in weaving and ceramics.’

For more beautiful images and information on the project, please visit: sky and earth — Alice Hume (vanderhume.co.uk)