At the end of 2024 I applied for the Path Primer with Dr. Kellie O’Dempsey hosted by the Redcliffe Art Gallery. My application was successful and I’ve just completed five intensive days in the program—what a ride!
The Path Primer is a methodology designed to support project and concept development for artists. It helps corral wild ideas into a framework for refining, communicating, and activating a project.
I’m still reflecting on everything I’ve learned, particularly how reading and research play a huge role in articulating a concept—especially when you don’t yet have the language to draw upon. For every project, there is so much to think about, tease out, and discover that it can become overwhelming. Having a system to guide the development of ideas will be invaluable.
Along with concept development, we also had the privilege of a session with Dr. Louise Mayhew on slow looking and critique. It was fantastic to learn a way of looking at art informed by an art-historical, analytical approach. One of the really interesting things is something I have been struggling with for some time—how to learn about art and artists in chunks based on visiting galleries and learning about the work of those artists in the moment. Slowing down creates a sort of cascading effect, where the information gathered leads to a richer appreciation of the artwork. I’m sure it will take practice, but I’ll keep at it because it was a bit of a revelation!
And last but not least, I couldn’t fail to mention that meeting such a diverse group of inspiring artists made the experience even more rewarding. If you get the opportunity to participate in The Path, I highly recommend it!
Huge thanks to Dr. Kellie O’Dempsey, Dr. Louise Mayhew, and the Redcliffe Art Gallery team for their generosity and support. I’m so grateful to have been part of it!
