Will Copley

Will Copley has recently graduated from BA Fine Art at Newcastle University* and was artist in residence from July – August 2022.

Will Copley is interested in work beyond the boundaries of a gallery space. His practice explores material colour in site specific environments and its relationship with light. An increasingly important element of Will’s research is how he can create something relevant to its surroundings and he finds it crucial to establish a connection to the people who share and inhabit the same space as the work. He seeks to create connections between landscapes and people through colour. Having grown up in an isolated rural part of the UK, Will has always felt a strong connection to the colours that are synonymous with his surroundings.

During is residency, Will responded to the land and the colours within it and made a final piece of work inspired by the sensation of looking up to the sky through the trees:

“Being fully immersed in the beautiful surroundings at VARC was a opportunity like no other. The quality of light and the sensations it provided became the focus of my experiments, and will continue to be a source of inspiration after the residency. The work I made has become a time capsule of sorts, as the pressed leaves within it are an explicit representation of time I spent there. I feel exceptionally grateful to those who offered me the opportunity and those who made the time so special.” Will Copley, Aug 2022

Will offered a workshop opportunity for children and families to Bellingham Heritage Centre on Thurs 11th August. Visitors were able to use painted samples under different LED light, and operate the device using remote control to see how different light affects colour.

*VARC has a long relationship with Newcastle University’s Fine Art department, particularly with their LifeWorkArt programme, where students come on placements to VARC. This residency comes at a crucial time for graduates who are starting out on their artistic career and who need space and time to develop work without the pressure of deadlines and outcomes.

Will Copley workshop at Bellingham Heritage Centre
Will Copley light box and leaves from Highgreen
Will Copley in the studio, August 2022
Degree show work, Hatton Gallery, June 2022