Sarah Gent is best known as the programme and marketing manager at The Witham, but here, she gives readers an insight into her own artistic endeavours – linocut printing
Have you always been artistic?
I’ve always been interested in the arts. At school, I was always involved in drama and nearly joined the National Youth Theatre as a teenager.
In my 20s, I did a bit of paid performance work before settling down to a “proper job” .
I’m not sure I realised that you could actually have a career in the arts really and it’s only as I’ve got older, I’ve given myself more time to devote to creating things.
My role at The Witham has been really inspirational. The chance to see what other people create – whether it’s theatre, dance, art, music – is brilliant and I enjoy witnessing their creative journeys in whatever guise they take.
Why lino prints? What’s the attraction?
I really like the sensation of carving out the linocut and it’s such a bold way of making a mark on paper.
I’m not great at drawing so tend to take photos as templates for my work and then find the words to add meaning.
I’ve always been drawn to linocuts.
What makes a good lino print?
Hmm, something that is bold and makes an impact.
I know artists, such as local printmaker Holly Scott, who can create amazing detailed prints but mine tend to be more simple.
Using something that visually appeals to get my message across. I am a relatively beginner and feel like, over the years, I’ll be able to answer this question in more detail!
Where do you get your inspiration?
Nature and the environment around us. We moved a few years ago to a remote spot in the stunning Teesdale countryside and our views have really inspired me to start printing.
It’s hard not to be inspired by such stunning countryside.
Art comes in many forms – what sort of art are you attracted to?
I think it’s really important for people to express themselves through art and am pretty passionate in it not being just for certain people or in certain mediums but for all.
It’s easy for people to be snobbish about what they like but who am I to judge what is good or bad art?
Art is for all and that is whatever appeals to you.
Personally, I enjoy theatre, dance, music and art – it’s been brilliant to have access to such a wide range, thanks to The Witham, and without my five years there, I don’t think I’d have picked up a carving tool to make my own prints.
Seeing and enjoying art tends to inspire you to make your own and I feel strongly that our rural population here in Teesdale deserves to be able to enjoy a wide range arts entertainment, just like those in the cities.
I think lockdown has really encouraged people to tap into their creative side and have loved seeing all the music, art, literature, etc that has been produced by lockdown.
What is your favourite piece of art? And why?
Crumbs, that is a hard question as it would depend on the day, my mood, the weather, etc!
I was watching the Olympics opening ceremony the other day with my daughter who hadn’t been old enough to watch it in 2012 and it really struck a cord.
To see so many people working together to celebrate and inform people about our history and culture was really thrilling.
I don’t have a favourite piece of art but enjoy an ongoing relationship with the arts and love to witness what different times and moments produce in response to current affairs.
I have to say a real highlight for my over lockdown was working with local poet Meg Peacocke and then sharing the resulting video of the Royal Shakespeare Company reading her brilliant poem, Barney Voices.
Art is a great leveller and, teamed with lockdown, it felt like it was one of the best vehicles for capturing a moment.
Andy Yeadon and the musicians of Teesdale also did something similar – took the chance to take one of the most challenging times of our age and use creativity to make it something else, something special, to help cope.
A host of artists have made the dale their home – why do you think this is?
Because Teesdale is an excellent place to live – it’s beautiful, remote, a bit “off the beaten track” .
Plus there is a great artistic community, thanks to Teesdale Artist Network, The Witham, TCR Hub, The Bowes Museum, Utass, the AONB and lots of other engaged people and groups. We are blessed by this community.
In addition to your art, what keeps you busy?
Having two growing children, the garden, working at The Witham, lots of things.
How have you been keeping busy during the past three months or so?
I’ve been furloughed from my role at The Witham during the last six weeks but was working before that to move events, inform customers, share information about the arts online. We’ve spent quite a bit of time in the garden and home education has been pretty absorbing for the whole family.
With the easing of restrictions, what are you most looking forward to?
Seeing family and friends. It will be wonderful when we can hug again.
For anyone interested, where can they find out more about your artwork?
I’ve got a Facebook page: search for Inky Art by Sarah Gent. You’re very welcome to pop there and see what I create.
