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Unease
Grace Sharp
08/04/2021 - 28/08/2021
Grace Sharp uses glass blowing techniques and varying levels of pressure to create abstract sculptural forms. The work is influenced by Grace’s experience of living with depression and anxiety and the impact that this has on her life. By manipulating the surface and form of the glass, Grace represents the effect external forces can have on our emotions.
We originally planned this show with Grace for April 2020, before Manchester Craft and Design Centre closed due to the national lockdown. The following months have been an extremely difficult time. For many artists, including Grace, lockdown restrictions limited access to their studios and limited opportunities to create work. However, the collective anxiety and feelings of uncertainty mean that Grace’s work has taken on new relevance. Many people turned to craft activities in lockdown as a means of comfort and escape in such a stressful time. Grace’s work is a perfect example of how art can help us talk about our emotions and some of the challenges we might have faced.
Grace was on the panel of our Creative Businesses in Lockdown discussion on Wednesday 24 May. You can watch a recording of this here.
Video by Walker Creative. All images by Matt de-Beger.
This exhibition and film have been supported by the Radcliffe Trust, Arts Council England and Manchester City Council.
Grace’s work UNEASE is influenced by her own experience of living with anxiety and depression. If you or someone you know has been affected by this, please find a resource below with organisations that you might find helpful.