#corklinedrooms

London studio visit 2019. New studio visit coming soon in Glasgow 2023.

http://www.zoemendelson.co.uk/

Where is your studio and how long have you been there? My studio is both a room and an outdoor space in South London. I’ve been here for nearly nine years.

What is your earliest memory of art? Venetian glass walking sticks in Nottingham Castle Museum.

If you could own any work of art, which would it be? Lorenzetti’s The Allegory of Good and Bad Government fresco in the Palazzo Pubblico of Siena. Could you throw in the building as well?

When and where are you happiest? Now. Always now.

What is your greatest fear? Loved ones getting ill or dying.

If you could ask one question and receive a true answer, what would that question be? What is life like after death? (My husband died of Covid and I've just outlived my mother - she died at 61). I'm curious.

What is your greatest extravagance? Air travel.

Which natural gift would you most like to possess? The ability to keep bees alive (I’m a bee-tender).

What to your mind would be the greatest of misfortunes? A world without bees.

What to your mind would be the greatest of fortunes? Having complex and empathic understandings of our environments

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?

Having the memory that I had when I was 30.

What is your favourite drink? Potable water (and a cheeky little Argentinian Chardonnay).

What is your current state of mind? Combobulated.

Who is your favourite fictional hero/heroine? Virginia Woolf’s Orlando. Both he and she.

Who is your favourite fictional villain? Javier Bardem as Raoul Silva in Skyfall. Compellingly scary. Very much ‘he’.

If you had a superpower, what would it be? Time-space travel.

Which album, film and book would you take to a desert island? What’s Going On (Marvin Gaye); Orlando (Sally Potter); Forgotten Skills of Cooking (Darina Allen).

What would your ‘death row’ meal be? Pescatarian tasting menu and matching wine at a chef’s table WD-50 in New York (sadly now closed).

Which three historical figures would you like to have lunch with? Mahatma Gandhi, Rosa Parks, Nelson Mandela. We’d talk about changing minds.

What or who has been the biggest influence to your practice? Impossible to say. It keeps evolving.

Who will play you in the film of your life? Angelica Huston.

What would you do if you knew you could not fail? Make a feature film.

https://www.edwinafitzpatrick.com/

Interview and images 2019

Where is your studio and how long have you been there? I’m at Chisenhale Studios and have been here since 2016.

What is your earliest memory of art? My grandmother was an artist; she painted in her studio at her house in Shaftesbury. Most of her paintings were of the English landscape though she also did illustrations for children’s stories. Towards the end of her life her paintings became quite loose and free, partly due to a cataract; I thought these were some of the best works she made.

If you could own any work of art, which would it be? Probably Philip Guston’s, The Studio (1969), or any other painting by him. I’d also love a Sigmar Polke.

When and where are you happiest? When I’m traveling - seeing new places, meeting new people, speaking other languages and in the sun.

What is your greatest fear? Falling.

What is your greatest extravagance? My work.

If you could ask one question and receive a true answer, what would that question be? It’d be a difficult question to ask and share, but it would be in relation to what my mum went through in the last months of her life.

Which natural gift would you most like to possess? Some kind of healing ability.

What to your mind would be the greatest of misfortunes? To live without seeing and traveling the world.

What to your mind would be the greatest of fortunes? I feel enormously fortunate already, but I’d love to travel with the love of my life whilst exhibiting in major galleries and museums around the world and to live together by the sea with a massive studio.

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? My insomnia - from overthinking at night.

What is your favourite drink? Chai.

What is your current state of mind? Quite calm and focused…pondering over so many things these days, mostly on work and ways of assembling images.

Who is your favourite fictional hero? I was rather fond of Thing 1 and Thing 2! Dr. Seuss. Though I don’t know that you’d call them heroes! I was more interested in the mischievous characters.

Which album, film and book would you take to a desert island? Album: Anything by Boards of Canada. I could listen to them forever. Film: Baraka. Book: The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying.

What would your ‘death row’ meal be? I really love fresh, buffet style healthy options – grilled veggies, loads of colours, ayurvedic kinda food and a shit load of red wine! 

If you were a world record breaker, what would it be for? Indecisiveness…I think?

Which three historical figures would you like to have lunch with? William Morris, May Morris and Walter Benjamin. 

What or who has been the biggest influence to your practice? My Mum and the things she left.

Who will play you in the film of your life? Penelope Cruz apparently.

What is your motto? It’s not a motto as such but to live life to the fullest and love wholeheartedly, to be present, to say yes to things and have as much fun along the way.

http://www.dianataylor.co.uk/

Where is your studio and how long have you been there? SE18, just by the Thames Barrier. I have moved there in 2015. The views of the river are spectacular.

What is your earliest memory of art? A faded Joan Miro’ poster depicting what looked like a friendly alien.

If you could own any work of art, which would it be?   A large Betty Woodman installation, more specifically The Summer House from 2015. 

When and where are you happiest? When I am cuddling my cat Arturo and he is purring away like there is no tomorrow.

What is your greatest fear? To loose my beloved ginger cat Arturo.

What is your greatest extravagance? My work.

If you could ask one question and receive a true answer, what would that question be? I would like to know what people’s motivations are.  

Which natural gift would you most like to possess? Mindreading. Can’t wait till we are in 2080 when we all simply communicate telepathically.

What to your mind would be the greatest of fortunes? To find Arturo soon after loosing him.

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? When I was six I wanted a new pair of elbows. Now I reckon I could do with a brand new spine.

What is your favourite drink? It changes according to season. As we are in Autumn I would opt for a full-bodied glass of red wine.

What is your current state of mind? I’m actually quite happy. It’s year 2080 and I am writing this interview on the palm of my hand. That’s how I know we all communicate telepathically.

Who is your favourite fictional hero?   Little Helper from the Donald Duck comics. Helper is a small, humanoid robot (about 20 cm tall), constructed from pieces of metal and a light bulb, which serves as his head. He acts as the assistant to the inventor Gyro Gearloose and is often shown as an inventor himself, sometimes copying Gyro's inventions. Little Helper never speaks, but occasionally uses thought bubbles. He enjoys chasing mice and helping Gyro clean up the unusual consequences of his inventions.  

Which album, film and book would you take to a desert island? JG Ballard’s autobiography, something very long such as the whole original series of Dynasty to keep me well entertained, and a mix tape from the 80’s.

What would your ‘death row’ meal be? Nutella crepes thank you.

If you were a world record breaker, what would it be for? Wallpapering at supersonic speed.

Which artist do you think is most under-rated? Alberto Panettone. He is an alter-ego of a person very dear to me and a formidable performer. 

What or who has been the biggest influence to your practice? Memphis. As much as I think my references are evolving I keep coming back to it.

Who will play you in the film of your life? Arturo. If he doesn’t want to I would ask Little Helper.

What would you do if you knew you could not fail? Dance in the streets manically. Often.

www.ludovicagioscia.com

Where is your studio and how long have you been there? As of 24th May 2017... Deptford/New Cross... been there 6 months-ish.

What is your earliest memory of art? Music… probably. Or textiles… patterns in rugs. I have memories of watching other people drawing, and sitting with them while they are drawing … like in silence… watching someone making marks with a pencil… the quietness and intensity… goosebumps!

If you could own any work of art, which would it be? Maybe… something by Kokoschka... an artist’s self-portrait… or Van Gogh.

When and where are you happiest? In transit.

What is your greatest fear? Stupidity.

What is your greatest extravagance? Sadly… Alcohol.

If you could ask one question and receive a true answer, what would that question be? Is the Universe infinite?

Which natural gift would you most like to possess? Perfect pitch… or photographic memory...

What to your mind would be the greatest of misfortunes? To be deaf, dumb and blind.

What to your mind would be the greatest of fortunes? Love.

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? I would like to be less jealous.

What is your favourite drink? Beer.

What is your current state of mind? Distracted.

Who is your favourite fictional hero?  Spock.

Who is your favourite fictional villain? Darth Vader.

If you had a superpower, what would it be? Super-speed… up to and beyond that of light!

Which album, film and book would you take to a desert island? Aphex Twin - Richard D. James Ridley Scott - Blade Runner Gabriel García Márquez - One Hundred Years of Solitude

What would your ‘death row’ meal be? Fresh cockles in a Styrofoam cup… with vinegar… (with a walk on Stiffkey Saltmarsh)

If you were a world record breaker, what would it be for? Rudeness.

Which three historical figures would you like to have lunch with? Philip K. Dick, Arthur C. Clarke, Iain M. Banks.

What or who has been the biggest influence to your practice? Impatience. 

Who will play you in the film of your life? Tom Cruise. 

What would you do if you knew you could not fail? Make contact with an advanced, extra-galactic alien intelligence.

What is your motto? Every mark resets… so, no worries… just keep moving forward.

www.tomplatt.studio

Where is your studio and how long have you been there? My studio is with Acava in Cremer Street in Hoxton, I have been there 8 years. Sadly next year we will be evicted to make room for a hyperspace bypass.

What is your earliest memory of art? Aged six I made an enormous number of drawings attempting to depict every kind of animal. It’s the first time that I remember being totally taken over by the making of something. My mother complained I used up all our Siemens free notepads and threw the pictures away.

If you could own any work of art, which would it be? I’m going to be a capitalist about this and opt for Amedeo Modigliani’s Nu couché (1917), not because she’s so sexy but because the £113 million can buy me a really cool collection of contemporary art, plus a bit of china, fashion, antiques, real estate, that sort of thing.

When and where are you happiest? Summertime, jumping in a waterfall, surrounded by brilliant artists. This happened, honest!

What is your greatest fear? Becoming the Lady in the Van. The chances are actually quite high and modern Camden would deport me to a home up North with no heating.

What is your greatest extravagance? My studio.

If you could ask one question and receive a true answer, what would that question be? When will I die?

Which natural gift would you most like to possess? To write hit singles.

What to your mind would be the greatest of misfortunes? To lose my memory.

What to your mind would be the greatest of fortunes? To lose my memory.

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? I’d like to be somebody who wastes less time.

What is your favourite drink? Nothing beats a cup of tea, if beer was my area of interest I’d have stayed in Munich.

What is your current state of mind? Excited by the multitude of possibilities that remaining alive has to offer.

Who is your favourite fictional hero? Margarita, from The Master and Margarita by Bulgakov. She combines romantic dedication to a feeble man with fierce energy and ingenuity to overcome a powerful one. And who wouldn’t want to ride naked on a broomstick across Moscow.

Who is your favourite fictional villain? The Snow Queen.

If you had a superpower, what would it be? Timetravel would be great. Or self-renewing cells…

Tell us a joke. This one is my sister’s joke, which is why I like it. A rabbi, an imam and a priest are on holiday together and decide to go swimming. It’s a beautiful sunny day, the place is deserted, so they go in without their clothes. As they are just coming out of the water, a huge tour bus pulls up and people start gathering on the beach. The priest and the imam both cover their crotch in deep embarrassment. The rabbi covers his eyes. The priest says ‘Hey, rabbi, why are you covering your eyes?’ He says, ‘Well I don’t know about you guys but they recognize me by my face.’

Which album, film and book would you take to a desert island? The Kinks, I imagine I’d be watching a lot of sunsets.  Koyaanisqatsi: Life Out of Balance (1982, D. Godfrey Reggio).  The boat builders hand book.

What would your ‘death row’ meal be? Free range roast chicken with all kinds of green vegetables, spinach, broccoli, leek, the full works followed by chocolate fondant cake with ice cream.

If you were a world record breaker, what would it be for? Not taking my own advice.

Which artist do you think is most under-rated? The female artist. Just saying.

Which three historical figures would you like to have lunch with? Catherine the Great, the Queen of Sheba and Cleopatra, but not at the same time because they’d only ignore me.

Who will play you in the film of your life? A young Audrey Hepburn would be perfect I think. Or Thora Hird.

What would you do if you knew you could not fail? Build on a grand scale.

www.lianelang.com

Where is your studio and how long have you been there? Currently I am working in the loft of my flat in Bow London.

What is your earliest memory of art? Dr. Suess.

If you could own any work of art, which would it be? Warhol’s Electric Chair.

When and where are you happiest? In the desert in America.

What is your greatest fear? Poltergeists.

What is your greatest extravagance? Taking too many black cabs eating at Nobu.

If you could ask one question and receive a true answer, what would that question be? Is Big Foot real?

Which natural gift would you most like to possess? Singing voice; I sound like a cat being run over by a lawn mower!

What to your mind would be the greatest of misfortunes? Having no passion for anything.

What to your mind would be the greatest of fortunes? Friendships.

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? My Voice.

What is your favourite drink? Tomato juice.

What is your current state of mind? Happily Mad.

Who is your favourite fictional hero? Bugs Bunny.

Who is your favourite fictional villain? The Joker.

If you had a superpower, what would it be? Invisibility.

Tell us a joke. What did the 0 say to the 8? Answer: Nice Belt.

Which album, film and book would you take to a desert island? Johnny Cash Greatest Hits, Out of Africa, Green Eggs and Ham.

What would your ‘death row’ meal be? A huge rare steak with baked potato, sour cream, bacon bits and chives and broccoli.

If you were a world record breaker, what would it be for? Most beers drunk in one evening.

Which artist do you think is most under-rated? All of them.

Which three historical figures would you like to have lunch with? Dr Suess, Trotsky, Andy Warhol.

What or who has been the biggest influence to your practice? Natural History Museums.

Who will play you in the film of your life? Michael Fassbender (I wish).

What would you do if you knew you could not fail? Swim the English Channel.

What is your motto? Help Each Other.

http://dallasseitz.com 

Where is your studio and how long have you been there?  ACME, 165 Childers Street, Deptford, London, SE8 5JR. 5 Years. 

What is your earliest memory of art?  Poster paints on sugar paper.

If you could own any work of art, which would it be? Bliz-aard Ball Sale (1983) by David Hammons or a Jeff Koons Lobster.

What is your greatest fear? Being a bad mother (not to be confused with bad mutha).

What is your greatest extravagance? Pets, I have two dogs and a cat, but then maybe its tennis, I own three rackets.

Which natural gift would you most like to possess? To be able to sing with the effortless elegance and purity, think Whitney Houston (whilst dancing).  

What to your mind would be the greatest of misfortunes? Losing my child.

What to your mind would be the greatest of fortunes? Being content.

What is your favourite drink? Pol Roger, Blanc de Blancs, Vintage Champagne, bien sûr.

Who is your favourite fictional hero? Orestes and Lyra Belacqua ‘Silvertongue’.

Who is your favourite fictional villain? Diabolik (I have him tattooed on my arm).

If you had a superpower, what would it be? I would be able to fly and fast.

Tell us a joke. Snow White was feeling happy in bed! Happy got up.

Which album, film and book would you take to a desert island? My Family and Other Animals by Gerald Durrell, La Strada directed by Fellini and Jah Shaka’s Dub Symphony.

What would your ‘death row’ meal be?  Spaghetti all’aglio, olio e peproncino + a huge handful of parmesan, rocket salad, French macaroons washed down with Pol Roger + an opium pipe.

Which three historical figures would you like to have lunch with? Sigmund Freud and his wife Martha Bernays and her sister Minna B.

What or who has been the biggest influence to your practice? The pursuit of pleasure. 

What would you do if you knew you could not fail? If only that feeling truly existed…

What is your motto? Make love and listen to some music, you’ve got to let yourself go, go, go, go… ;-)

www.holly-stevenson.co.uk