The Tribune

By JEFFARAH GIBSON

Tribune Features Writer

jgibson@tribunemedia.net

Popop Studios opened its doors for a behind the scenes look at the creative process of several resident artists, continuing a five year tradition.

The Friday exhibition featured 10 artists, including Heino Schmid, Katrina Cartwright, Jan Elliot, Dylan Rapillard, Dede Brown and a junior resident artist, who all displayed a variety work from paintings, drawings, photography, digital imagery, quilting and ceramics.

Popop Studios owner, John Cox told Tribune Arts that hosting the open exhibition benefited both the artists and the viewing public.

“They got a behind the scenes look. They also got the opportunity to view the creative process and what it actually took for the artists to get there finished pieces. Every artist has their own way of doing things; it is not rocket science, but there is something creative and different about the way each artist puts their work together,” said Mr Cox.
Both finished and unfinished pieces were on display at the event.

“This has been the tradition for the last five years. International artists participate in open studios all the time, and I thought it would be good for the artists here to do the same. It allows the public to have an open window into the minds of the artist, which is also good because they also get the viewers perspective on their work,” he said.


Steven Schmid, an art major at the College of the Bahamas participated in the gallery’s residency programme. He also displayed past works including mix-media pieces, and a few drawings that were featured in a Central Bank art exhibit. Steven was also the recipient of the residency award.

The Popop Studios residency programme invites artists to spend one to three months working and living on the gallery grounds. During their time at Popop Studios, artists give a public presentation of their work.

“I was given the award based on the progress I had made during the programme. It was wonderful a experience,” said Steven.

He started his residency at Popop Studios in June. From start to finish, he said the experience was more than he could imagine. Surrounded by established artists on a daily basis, he said his work was influenced in many ways by their perspectives.

“They gave me their views on my work and they would give me advice on maybe what I could do better. All of that polished me and made me much better. I think the entire environment, and just being around them helped me a lot,” he told Tribune Arts..

Additionally, he was able to visit New York, and Schooner’s Bay along with other artists.
“The two trips were a wonderful experience. During our time in New York we visited galleries everyday. It is such a different experience seeing the works of famous artist like Picasso in real life than on the internet or on television. Seeing these works in person was simply captivating,” he said.
Art in New York has influenced his perspective too. He said viewers will definitely see those influences in upcoming works.