This month we headed down to Plumpton in East Sussex where India Dickinson's gorgeous art filled studio is. It was most definitely worth the journey, not only did we get to see some amazing works of art that India will be exhibiting but we also got to meet and find out more about her work as an Art Curator
and how she came to make a living out of what she loves.
Tell us a bit about your story. How did you become an art curator?
After school I worked in a few galleries and with artist agents in London and New York. I then studied Art Business and went on to do a degree in Visual Culture at Goldsmiths. While I was at university I began organising pop up exhibitions with friends and artists I knew. After I graduated I continued working with artists and curating shows. From there I setup my own company and started representing artists in a more formal way. Now I am based in a studio in Sussex, represent twenty artists and curate pop up exhibitions in London every two months.
What triggered your passion for art?
I have always been obsessed by art and was creative from an early age. Both my parents have fantastic taste and opened my eyes to a lot of different art. I then studied art at school and university. However, at this point I was more interested in other artists and the organisational side of things rather than making my own art. I think having an artistic background helps me to understand artists work and the struggles it takes to create an artwork.
Where do you draw inspiration from and how do you find new artists to showcase when putting together exhibitions?
I draw inspiration from the people I work with and a lot of research is involved in finding new artists for exhibitions.
What qualities do you look for in art pieces?
Fundamentally I have to love it myself, at the moment that seems to be the only criteria for selecting artwork. I trust my own taste and the art has to engage with the viewer in some way.
What are the steps you take when curating an exhibition?
For me it starts with the venue as every exhibition I curate is in a different space. I then work around a loose theme or idea when sourcing artists for the show. I try to include a combination of artists I represent and have worked with before and new artists. I then select the work to include in the show and then it all kind of snowballs from there. We then design the invitations and press release. Clients and press have to be invited, social media campaign begins and so on. Then we have the private view which is the best part and it all kind of happens in a bit of whirlwind.
What aspect of your job do you enjoy the most?
Scouting new artists and doing studio visits. I love going to exhibitions and degree shows and discovering new artists. But really, I love organising my own exhibitions the most!
Can you walk us through a day in your life?
My day to day varies hugely and at the moment as I split my time between London and my office in Sussex. When I am at the office I start my day with half an hour of yoga followed by breakfast and a strong coffee. I then go to the office and spend most of the morning replying to emails. I am either prepping for an exhibition or managing our website and online sales. When I am in London I am often driving around to meetings or studio visits with artists. I also try to go to a lot of private views and exhibitions while I am in town.
How do you make your clothes work for you and your busy lifestyle?
I wear pretty impractical clothes and mostly live out of a suitcase so it needs some planning, but I try and look smart most of the time.
What are your go-to wardrobe staples?
A statement two-piece trouser suit or black jeans, white t-shirt and big boots.
And finally...
If I wasn't an art curator...I'd be an artist
My favourite artists are... Ivo Morrison and Orfeo Tagiuri
Words to live by... 'If not now, when?'
My ideal breakfast... raw tomatoes on toast
My day isn't complete until I've... had a productive time in the office.
My favourite season... Winter
My favourite London hangout... Brockwell Park
My style muse is... Marion Cotillard
 Julie Sweater > |
 Rochana Blouse > |
 Riley Straight Crop Jeans > |
 Sophie Sweater > |
 Nina Trousers > |
 Alma Cami > |