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We are delighted to introduce Isabel McLeish as our next Circus intern. Although the current Covid-19 pandemic has paused our exhibitions programme, it provides an opportunity for Circus to work remotely with an intern from outwith Inverness. Isabel is currently based on the north shore of Loch Alsh near Kyle of Lochalsh in Wester Ross and 

graduated from Grays School of Art in 2019.

 

Isabel's practice is inspired by wild places and explores the interrelationships between people and the land, where art is the medium for strengthening a feeling of connection and unity. Her practice is informed by personal experiences of immersion in landscapes, the history and language of the Highlands and Islands and the rhythms and cycles intrinsic to the planet. Isabel's work traverses the edge between the tangible and the palpable; where the land is not just seen and touched; but felt, intuitively and metaphysically. One does not walk on the land, but rather in and with it, through time, space, place and history.

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"I’am delighted to be the next graduate intern at Circus Artspace and excited about collaborating and networking during these uncertain times of Covid-19. I look forward to being part of the developing contemporary art community in the Highlands and supporting Circus’ projects and events in the coming months. As part of my internship, I hope to create a socially engaged project during this time of physical distancing measures and to find creative ways of connecting and interacting with artists and the public.”    Isabel McLeish

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During her internship we hope to support Isabel to produce a series of artists' interviews and a socially engaged project, both of which reflect on this period of isolation while continuing to develop her artistic practice in a rural context with a focus on engaging with our community. Isabel brings a wide network of peers with her as she is currently part of the Bridge Art Collective in Skye & Lochalsh and will start an MA in Art & Social Practice with University of the Highlands & Islands this September. She has been selected for residencies with Sail Britain and La Wayaka Current in the Atacama Desert of Chile for which she has received grant awards from Creative Scotland's VACMA fund and The Neil Mackenzie Trust. Finally Isabel is currently part of two online exhibitions: Collective Isolation with the Bridge Art Collective and Coming Home as part of the Aberdeen Artists Society.

 

You can see more of her work on Instagram @isabelmcleishart or https://www.isabelmcleish.com

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Thank you to everyone who took the time to apply for our internship.

 

Circus Artspace run an internship programme, 4 times a year we will advertise for one intern post. Interns will work as part of the Circus collective gaining first hand experience in all the activities carried out by an artist-run collective. Successful interns will receive a £300 stipend to cover any out of pocket expenses. The next internship Open Call will be advertised from October 2020.

 

The 2020 internship programme has been kindly supported by funding from The Highland Society of London.