We’re pleased to welcome graduate Tannah Carntell to Paradise Works, who joined us after winning a Studio Bursary through our annual partnership with The Manchester School of Art. The Bursary, which is in its third year running includes a studio for twelve months in addition to mentoring, previous winners include Maisie Pritchard and Gwen Evans.

We caught up with Tannah, to discuss her work and find out how she’s managed to stay creative in lockdown. Tannah will be also taking over the Paradise Works Instagram from the 1st - 3rd of April. Make sure you’re following us on social media for an in-depth look into her practice.

What drives your work?

My practice begins with digital manipulation and ends with oil painting. I create images of familiarity and use elements of juxtaposition and comedy to build my collages. Leisure is the theme I tend to explore most, creating scenes that display relationships between people or interactions with objects. I favour situations of relatability and enjoy using memory or photographs to inspire my creations. I like to be playful within my practice and maintain this mentality throughout.

‘Cards’, oil on plywood by Tannah Cantrell, 2020. — *‘Cards’,* oil on plywood by Tannah Cantrell, 2020.

2020 must have been a difficult year to graduate! How did you manage to stay creative after leaving university during lockdown?

Mostly, I used my memories of togetherness and community to inspire the creation of my art! Most of the work I have completed since graduation features figures in social events and I have enjoyed reliving moments that occurred when not socially distanced. Looking after myself has also been key.

For me, I am most creative when I am at ease – and that has been a struggle for a lot of young people in lockdown: losing jobs, work placements, financial stability etc.

My personal life is greatly echoed in my creative process, and I have enjoyed seeing my practice bloom with the gradual confidence I have gained.

'Untitled’, oil paint on MDF by Tannah Cantrell, 2019. — *'Untitled’,* oil paint on MDF by Tannah Cantrell, 2019.

‘Portrait of Elke’, by Georg Baselitz. [image: artnet.com]

Name one artist you’re interested in at the moment and why

Georg Baselitz. After reading about Baselitz’s beginnings, I thoroughly enjoyed the rebellion he utilised in creating his upside-down portraits.

I am a huge fan of art that treads a fine line or tests people’s artistic notions.

His confident approach has inspired me to be more abrupt with my own practice and not as timid in the completion of works. I’m also a fan of his mark-making, portraying hair and clothing in almost the exact same stroke.

What has winning the studio at Paradise Works meant to you?

Since joining the Team at Paradise Works – who have been supportive beyond compare – I feel I have grown as an individual and an artist. This achievement has allowed me to meet some amazing and inspiring people, and has provided me with incredible opportunities. Having a studio space to call your own is an amazing thing, and I feel incredibly grateful every day!

‘Night at the Bar’, oil paint on canvas by Tannah Cantrell, 2021. — *‘Night at the Bar’,* oil paint on canvas by Tannah Cantrell, 2021.

What are you looking forward to the most once lockdown is over?

The lifting of lockdown restrictions will provide the opportunity to travel again and make memories with friends; things that are vital inspiration for my work.

I am excited to connect with and build relationships with my other team members at Paradise Works, looking forward to the first drink we can have together as a group!