ARTESIAN
ARTS is a Scottish recognised charity run by and for visionary,
intuitive, grassroots and 'outsider' artists. Many of these
artists (us!) have lived a life excluded from the world
of mainstream art, and struggle with poverty, problems with
physical or mental health, or homelessness, some of us have
learning difficulties, while others follow our own unique,
often lonely, artistic path. Out of our struggles comes
art that is raw, powerful, yet accessible because it touches
the spirit and cannot fail to inspire.
ARTESIAN
exists to promote this art and to provide a forum where
the voices of the artists can be heard. Since its inception
in 1999 ARTESIAN has established a regular magazine, an
active website and on-line gallery, an outreach programme,
and a small publishing press for artists' books, in addition
to holding six highly successful group exhibitions.
ARTESIAN
is part of a world-wide movement that is currently stronger
in the United States, Russia, Australia, and Europe than
in the UK.
ARTESIAN
has received phenomenal response from artists, community
arts projects,
and individuals from all over the world for our work.
Now
is the time to create the only RAW ARTS CENTRE in the UK
-
a national centre that will gain world-wide acclaim.
The
founders of ARTESIAN knew that there was a need for a forum
for the outsider artists of Scotland. The need is far greater
than anticipated and extends way beyond the border.
The
responses to ARTESIAN's exhibitions and the Magazine have
been almost overwhelming,
as suggested by the quotes below:
"BRITAIN
HAS BEEN WAITING 300 YEARS FOR ARTESIAN!" J.H. Self-taught
artist
"I
love the magazine. As I looked through it I got such good
feelings. It was as though I'd met a group of friends who
were exactly on the same wavelength as me and felt excited
about the same things that excite me. In the pages of Artesian
I felt that I'd come home to my spiritual and creative birthplace..."
V.P. Self-taught artist (has had schizophrenia and depression
for 25 years)
"More than anything else in the
magazine, something which touched me deeply, was the information
on all your contributors. For the first time ever I realised
I wasn't alone!!!!! All the original, individual creative
people working within the same area as myself, seeing things
from their perspective, yet all connected by the same vision!
I don't feel like an alien anymore!!" M.O. Self-taught
artist from London, now planning to move to Edinburgh
"Reading
Artesian is really the first time that I have seen so much
wonderful proof that there is a movement to support and
encourage the power, magic and potency of creating. It was
great to see so many people from all walks of life, doing
their own thing outside of the contemporary art scene. I
was very inspired reading the magazine and had a feeling
of belonging to something rather than feeling strung out
on a limb with my creativity. Thanks very much." B.R.
Artist, poet and writer
"I am honoured to have met you.
My client was absolutely glowing as we left your show. The
inspiration and encouragement that you provided is well
commended ... I appreciate all that you have done as far
as motivating and inviting us to be included in your organisation."
J.O., Project Worker, Edinburgh homeless project.
"As
the editor of Raw Vision magazine since 1989, I have been
constantly involved in the world of art and creation. I
can state quite categorically that the work supported by
Artesian is of high quality and Artesian plays an important
role in bringing new art to a wider public. Artesian has
an important part to play in the field of education and
information to the benefit of a world at large." John
Maizels, world authority on Outsider Art, author, and editor
of Raw Vision Magazine.
