At BLOCK Plymouth, we’re privileged to be based in a beautiful 200-year-old, Grade 1 listed building with rooms rich in maritime history. Our meeting and event spaces offer stunning marina- side views that offer a real sense of calm and inspiration.
To compliment these already stunning spaces, Lizzie Michael, Executive Assistant at BLOCK had an idea to inject a little of the vibrant local art scene into the building.
The goal was to inspire, add colour and enhance creativity in our spaces, engaging the clients and customers who use them even further.
Studies show that artwork has an extremely positive effect in a work environment. It can boost mood, increase productivity and helps towards problem solving and creative thinking.
Lizzie began this project by carefully researching talented local artists whose work she could visualise in our spaces. Teresa Pemberton and Emma Carter were the two artists chosen to collaborate with, both of which are inspired by local natural landscapes.
The response received by Emma and Teresa was overwhelmingly positive, and so the project was hatched, and it was over to the artists to select their pieces to display.
Teresa Pemberton
Teresa Pemberton’s work (www.teresapembertonarts.com) is intricate, with vibrant green and blues, mirroring the gorgeous sea views. Her focus is in on colour and light on coastal landscapes and still- life using oil paints.
Teresa commented: ‘Subjects range from land and seascape, to still- life objects, often combining the two, creating exciting and challenging colour combinations. Recent experiments have resulted in collaged canvas onto board, sometimes stitched, and making work about the seasonal shifts of leaves from branches of botanical growths.’
The paintings capture Teresa’s fascination with nature, memories and the passing of time. Inspired by landscapes, the sea, and experiences during the pandemic, each artwork tells a unique story. From colourful spring blooms to serene sunsets, the paintings invite viewers to reflect and explore. Through vibrant colours, textures, and perspectives, Teresa shares her inner thoughts and sensations, creating a journey for the viewer, bringing a sense of calm and contemplation.
Emma Carter
‘Free Flow’ and ‘Templers Way’ are both original acrylic paintings on canvas by Emma Carter – a seascape and landscape artist inspired by her family home on Burgh Island in Bigbury (https://emmasisland.com/)
One of her pieces ‘Free Flow’, which is on display in the Admiral’s Boardroom was inspired by the artist's experience living off-grid on Dartmoor in a traditional Mongolian yurt during a month-long residency, reflecting her dedication to continuous learning.
‘Templers Way’ draws inspiration from an 18-mile walk on Dartmoor, symbolising the journey from the high moor to the sea, paying tribute to Devon's countryside and humanity's connection to nature. Both artworks capture the essence of Dartmoor's landscapes and the profound experiences of the artist within them.
Emma said: “My practice is based on an expression of a place, rather than a realistic interpretation. I like to allow the atmosphere and free-spirited essence of a place to feed our souls and I mainly paint from my head, allowing this to freely flow out.’
Installation
The installation process was a collaborative effort between BLOCK and the artists. Lizzie worked closely with Emma and Teresa to determine the best placement for each piece, taking into account factors such as lighting and space. As the artworks were installed, the spaces were transformed - each piece adding a new dimension and feeling to the room.
The results were spectacular. The art has not only enhanced the interior spaces but also created focal points that draw people in and encourage them to explore. The vibrant colours, intricate details, and diverse styles of Teresa and Emma’s artwork have added depth and character to BLOCK’s event spaces, making each visit an enriching experience.
This project has been more than just an aesthetic enhancement; it's also been about celebrating our community and getting creative.
‘We're shining a spotlight on local artists and developing a deeper connection with the community, supporting the local art scene here in the Southwest.’ Lizzie said.
‘Our clients now can enjoy not only the natural stunning sea views, but also the gorgeous work from two incredibly talented local artists. As well as visual enjoyment, the pieces have sparked conversations and interactions among our visitors during events. People are curious about the stories behind the pieces and the artists who created them.’
Continuing the Art Connection
The success of this installation has given the team realisation that art has the power to positively transform spaces, enhancing wellbeing and creativity for customers.
It has also inspired Lizzie and the team to continue exploring ways to integrate art into the business. Plans are in development to host exhibitions, artist meet-and-greets and painting workshops later this year to further engage with the community.
For more information, check out @BLOCKworkspace on Instagram