Brenda Liddiard – At Times Like These

At Times Like These:

The Artist Collective Is a Lifeline

Portraits and Photographs by Brenda Liddiard

8-28 April 2021
Opening: Saturday 10 April 2-4 pm
Acoustic Concert: Sunday 18 April 2 pm
Artist on site: Sundays for the duration of the exhibition

The arts community has come under a lot of pressure during the COVID-19 crisis, and has responded with remarkable resilience and creativity, to stay connected and visible. When the present is difficult to navigate, and the future is uncertain, a reliable, safe and supportive community can become a lifeline.

Ten Last Strokes, the artist collective to which Brenda belongs, has become a vital connection point, both artistically and personally, for all its members. In ‘normal’ times, they pool their resources, share information, constructively critique each other’s work, visit exhibitions and support each other in many ways. During the last 12 months, with a number of the members classified as part of the ‘vulnerable’ population, they have become even more aware of personal needs. Being able to meet together less often, social media has become an important way for the group to stay connected – the lifeline adapted and extended by technology.

In this series of portraits and photographs Brenda seeks to capture something of the atmosphere created when the group meet and work together, and to introduce the special women involved.

Since ancient times, women have gathered to create crafts, both utilitarian and decorative, and to share their lives, skills and stories. The Ten Last Strokes collective of artists is part of this continuum.