Creative Hinckley Latest News

In The Spotlight: Bev Chandler

Posted Tuesday, 11 August, 2009 by Alan Cantes

I started my working life as Knitwear and Leisurewear Designer in the late seventies in what was at the time a flourishing industry here in Leicester. After bringing up a family and by this time now in mid life I felt the need for a new challenge and went back to Uni. I read for a degree in Fine Art at De Montfort University. I really enjoyed this experience and found that being a mature student meant that I was able to fully appreciate this time to learn and expand my painting skills. I was further spurred on by gaining a First Class Honours Degree went on to the next level to study for a Masters.

After graduating I continued my art practice independently. During the making process avenues of enquiry formed generated by my work, questions formed and I felt this was an appropriate juncture to return to formalised study. This time I wanted to research the philosophy behind the decision and thought processes artists employ when concluding that pieces of art, “work”. I found I needed a framework to study this question and have returned to D.M.U. to research for a Doctorate in Practice Based, Fine Art.

I have found that the qualifications, contacts and experiences gained at D.M.U have opened doors such as; organising and taking part in exhibitions. Currently there are two of my large paintings on permanent display in Croners, on Wheatfield Way in Hinckley. You can view these but by appointment. Smaller work is for sale in “House to Home” 171 Belgrave Gate, Leicester and The Factory, Graphic House, Druid Lane, Hinckley. To date my most rewarding experience has been as Academic Support for a student with learning difficulties at D.M.U. who successfully achieved an Honours Degree in Fine Art.

I am currently subsidising my studies as Artist in Residence and Art and Textile Technician at John Cleveland College. I also support the local art scene as Chair of The Hinckley and Bosworth Arts Network. We organise local and regional exhibitions and facilitate local networking events. This is currently evolving into the “community arm” of Creative Hinckley. We have found there is a strong need for such a networking group to support recent graduates from local universities and colleges who suddenly find themselves in the “big bad world” at the start of a career in the creative sector. Many of these supporting roles will be part of Creative Hinckley, but there will still be need of an established networking group.

My most exciting opportunity to date has been as a Director of Creative Hinckley.