Spike Island Open Studios: meet the artists: Hannah Murgatroyd

Ahead of Spike Island’s perennially popular Open Studios (May 4-7), we’ve grabbed a chat with a couple of the residents who’ll be throwing open their studio doors and inviting the public in for a look at their workspace and creative processes. First up is painter Hannah Murgatroyd.

Tell us about your art – methods, media, inspirations…
I’m primarily a painter, though drawing and writing also underpin my work: narrative shapes my practice. My paintings are concerned with seasons, landscapes and emotions, and are primarily led by the body. I have a cast of male and female protagonists that recur, springing from the history of the figure as told through high art, popular culture and personal narrative.

You’re currently exhibiting in London. How is that going?
Yes, I’m in Women Can’t Paint at Turps and ASC Galleries in London, curated by Marcus Harvey. The 13 painters featured are in their late twenties to early eighties, and make both figurative and abstract work. As painters I suspect what we have in common – apart from being women – is that we’ve all spent some time out in the wilderness, without recognition. This show is the first time my work has been seen in London so, I look forward to seeing how things develop.

Hannah Murgatroyd, ‘Twentieth Century’ (oil, pastel and pencil on canvas)

Have you participated in previous Open Studios at Spike? What do you most enjoy about them?
Last year (2017) was the first time for me. As an artist, it’s a weird experience sitting in what is essentially your private space and entertaining strangers who might love, or hate, or just not care about what you do. That said, I’m always curious as to how people respond to my work, as so much of their reaction depends on their relationship to their body.

What do you think artists, and visitors, get from Open Studios? What are your hopes for this one?
I’d hope local visitors gain an insight into the possibilities of the creative world, from fine art to design, and see that what we mostly are here at Spike are people curious about the world. Spike is beginning to shift, as Bristol begins to shift, as more graduates and established artists choose to make regional cities their centre, as people look beyond London’s horizons. I think decentralisation is a good thing, as flux brings fresh opportunity – providing it supports existing communities.
I was born in Bristol and, although the city sustains an urban art scene, and has strong performance and socially engaged artistic roots, it lacks the commercial infrastructure which is a necessary part of artists being able to eat. Spike Island has a well-respected national reputation which is essential in getting the people who may provide that support for you as an artist further down the line – whether that’s something as simple as posting an image of your work on Instagram, or something more substantial, such as placing you in a group show. You can only advance by working with people who love what you do.

Spike Island Open Studios 2018 May 4-7. For more info, visit spikeisland.org.uk/events/events/spike-island-open-studios-2018
For more info on Hannah, visit www.hannahmurgatroyd.com and www.instagram.com/hannah_murgatroyd

Read more: A Busy May at Spike Island