What made you decide to take part in the first CAOS in 2017?
I wanted to share my practice with other local artists to celebrate and be part of an emerging 'art scene' in Carshalton!
How has your art practice developed since CAOS17?
I have embraced the challenge of working in different mediums and approaches intentionally putting myself out of my comfort zone.
What have you learnt from talking to visitors and other artists?
I have learnt that there is a real appreciation and sense of wonderment from conversations with visitors about how much talent there is in Carshalton. Every year seems to yield more and more talent as a result of CAOS!
What does it mean to you to have taken part in all 10 years?
I feel very fortunate and privileged to have taken part for this last 10 years! There's a real sense of community and being part of something larger, (and growing) year by year!
What is the most challenging thing about taking part in CAOS?
I think trying to reinvent myself artistically each year. Getting a new cohesive body of work together. Framing/presentation costs can be a challenge!
What advice would you give to artists thinking of doing CAOS?
To make sure you have a platform/social media/website presence and to show consistency in your work.
What do you think visitors enjoy most about CAOS?
I think the visitors enjoy the conversations with the artists. (Talking to the visitors is what I enjoy most about CAOS incidentally!)
How do you think CAOS benefits our local community?
Art is a form of therapy both in terms of taking part, but also in the absorbing of it! Talking to artists who are passionate about what they do seems to have a positive effect on the local community.
Most memorable CAOS moment?
I don't have a specific moment but just seeing the reaction of the visitors and their general interest in what I and my fellow artists do motivates me to keep on going!
What do you think will keep CAOS going in the future?
A hunger for the arts and the sense that people want to support it is I think what will keep CAOS going in the future.
