Art Catcher Presents...

Art Catcher, run by artist Katja Rosenberg, is a curating platform that brings together themed grouped exhibitions of both professional and amateur artists around London. It constantly has a project on the go and if you are eager for a sniff of some art in East London before the Art Trail kicks off they currently have a great exhibition themed 'Survival of the Fittest' at the Lea Valley Waterworks.

During the trail itself, they have an exhibition in an open flat that sounds like it will be even more exciting than rummaging in a charity shop in Mayfair! Katja gives us some info on her ideas, methods and Walthamstow:

1. Please tell us about the work you will be showing in the 2012 E17 Art Trail?

“Oxfame” (venue 26) is an exhibition of about 15 individuals’ creative outbursts, all inspired by or made from purchases acquired in their local charity shops. Not to be missed, needless to say. 

2. Is this your first time in the Trail or are you an E17 Art Trail veteran?

I am a regular…

3. What are the challenges of getting everything ready for your Art Trail event?

Ahh it’s all fun, not much stress. We can sleep later.

4. Do you remember the first artist that really influenced you? Does that artist’s influence still have an impact on your work?

Caspar David Friedrich’s paintings, for me they are such a great summary of life. They impact my work in the way that they remind me of what it feels like inside when a piece of art really makes sense to me. 

5. The E17 Art trail has become bigger every year. Do you think it is because more artists are calling it home?

Well, they naturally see the art trail as a great opportunity for exposure and exchange especially these days. I think it would be fantastic if proportionally to the increasing size, the trail reached more and more deeply into the souls of an ever growing audience and became an accessible and relevant event to really all. There have been pieces, like Danny Coope’s blue plaques or Esther Neslen’s waiting boys sculpture, that were so gentle, accessible and thoughtful, and you didn't need to “like art” or be educated in a certain way to relate to them. They were also so free of judgement while beautifully thought provoking. I am very much looking forward to seeing Esther's follow on sculptures this year. They are like oxygen. Basically, it's us artists who have to make Walthamstow feel like home. That's what artists are for! :)

6. What has E17 bestowed on you?

My own home and a great roof from which to observe an unbelievable evening sky most nights. To be enjoyed with a nice glass of wine, accompanied by my lovely neighbours, other related souls from across the road, and the best cat in the world. Also needless to say.

www.artcatcher.co.uk