first artist-in-residence at Park Campus

University of Gloucestershire welcomes first artist-in-residence at Park Campus

University of Gloucestershire’s Elwes Gallery is hosting the first artist-in-residence at Park Campus in Cheltenham.

Professional sculptor Natasha Houseago (pictured) is working outdoors in the Park Campus grounds over the University’s spring and autumn academic terms.

As a wood carver who works mainly with locally sourced wood that has fallen naturally, Natasha combines her own studio practice with exhibiting, teaching carving, community and public art projects, and residencies in the UK and abroad.

During her residency, staff, students and visitors will be able to witness the various processes involved in direct carving, from drawings and marking out a section of tree, to ‘blocking out’ with a bow saw and defining the form with chisel and mallet, and finishing with rasps and scrapers.

Elwes Gallery is a curated exhibition space in the centre of Park Campus which creates dialogue between the past and future of visual arts practice. The introduction of an artist-in-residence seeks to enhance by encouraging a greater awareness of material, process and time, and offer a different perspective on how contemporary art is made and experienced.

As the first Elwes Gallery artist-in-residence, Natasha’s work will bring contemporary sculptural practice directly on to campus. With much of her practice taking place outdoors, Natasha’s residency will offer staff and the local community an opportunity to experience traditional carving techniques within a contemporary context.

Sarah Bowden, Research Fellow within the University’s School of Arts, Culture and Environment, said: “We are very pleased to welcome Natasha as the first artist-in-residence at Park Campus.

“Natasha has just begun working in the beautiful grounds on her own projects, and her presence is already inspiring our current art students to pick up chisels

“It is always exciting to see the exchange of knowledge and ideas between generations of artists.”

Natasha Houseago said: “Having recently completed a number of large public commissions, this residency gives me the time and space to develop my own work in this beautiful park while also engaging with students, staff, and the local community.

“I’m looking forward to sharing the processes behind my wood carving and having conversations with everyone on campus.”

Students, staff, and visitors can find Natasha in Park Campus grounds near Broadlands Villa.

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