Fresh-faced Rebecca Steiner is a brand new member of Hidden Art, and this year’s Hidden Art Open Studios event was her first ever direct involvement with us. We managed to catch up with her prior to the exhibiting weekends, to find out what her expectations were.

 

As a new member of Hidden Art this will be your first participation in an Open Studios event, have you ever been along as a visitor?

Yes, I went along every year when I was doing my degree, I'd always come down and look around. It looked like good fun.

Where did you study?

I went to London Guildhall, which is now London Met. It was really good, I was awarded a special grant from the South Square Trust. That's how I have come here and set up.

How have you found Open Studios in the past?

They always have such a buzz about them. I like the way you can see different work in these environments. Everyone is really chatty and it is great that the designers are there. You can go and meet everybody. It was really exciting when I was doing my course because all the people there were like idols on our course. You'd look at their work in books and think it was amazing, then you'd get to meet them in their studio.

What are you going to be showing at open studios?

I am using the event to launch a new collection I have been working on. I have made some new pieces from gold and diamonds, which is really exciting. It's the first time I have used those materials.

How will feel about people coming into your studio?

I am really looking forward to it. I share this workspace with other designer-makers and it gets quite cramped. So I have organised with some others to hire out a specific space in Cornwell House, which adjoins our block of studios. I am going to show my work there. There will be nine of us in there.

What kind of audiences are you expecting?

Personally I want to work to commission a lot, between myself and the others who are exhibiting in the space we have sent out invites to all of our personal contacts and previous clients, and also to the press. They cover the open studios anyway so I know the press will be around. Also through our alliance with Cockpit we have got some posters that are going around. Hopefully people who visit other studios will come and see our space as well.

What are you hoping to achieve from Open Studios?

It is about the experience really. I wanted a go at organising something for myself and not relying on an outside company, which is what this is really good for. I think that's the main thing. It's good to get some attention and have your work seen by the public, and it is a different way of doing it. It's a more involved way. This will be my first event with Hidden Art, but already being a member is proving to be very useful.