Artist Educator for the public programme

Mags Orson is a creative artist teacher, spending most of her working life at Charterhouse, Surrey.

Can you tell us about your creative practice?

Observation is always the beginning. A sunrise during the Spring Equinox, a neolithic burial chamber, or profound experiences such as birth or grief. My work is primarily autobiographical and emotional. Working thematically, I use whatever medium is appropriate, painting, mixed media, printmaking, film, installations, or sculpture. Although techniques vary, there are recurring preoccupations: transience, liminal spaces and the tension that can exist between space and matter.

Who or what are your creative influences?

Since 2020 my focus has been creating fabric designs based on the garden. After taking a Pattern Cutting course, I started developing botanical studies for fabric designs “Wearing the Garden”. Sketchbook’s play a vital role in developing ideas, and I often share techniques, and give specific focus to workshops, supported by examples of my own work.

Where is your favourite place to feel inspired at Watts Gallery?

The Watts Gallery is atmospheric and so drawing by candlelight, or an evening sketching in the sculpture gallery is inspiring. Life drawing among the paintings and sculptures or working in the grounds are perfect places for workshops.