We visited Walter Wall at his house during this year’s Worthing Artists Open Houses to find out why Walter thinks the annual Worthing-wide event is so important and how it helps him reflect on his work as a painter.
Walter began trying to capture mood and atmosphere in his work when punk first burst into existence. He wanted to capture its visual presence in figurative painting. He wanted to represent its audacious, brash, anti-establishment poses and jarring vitality. In the process he found the raw energy very difficult to portray and it slipped into the ether. In his search he became more interested in abstraction and began to focus on dynamic and colour. He was keen to see if he could capture the energy of the creative process in the finished piece.
Later on Walter produced paintings and props for a theatrical show that were deliberately destroyed as part of each performance. He had to create a new painting for each show. He found having to work rapidly and not worry about the mess made in the creative process liberating and energising. This inspired his interest in expressive painting, and since then he has made gestural work that often embraces throwing paint.
Walter’s current exhibition runs until Saturday 14 September but Walter will return to the gallery from December 10.
About #WeMakeWorthing
#WeMakeWorthing is a campaign initiated by Colonnade House in collaboration with Discover Worthing that aims to platform and grow the network of creatives and entrepreneurs that make our seaside town a colourful and exciting place to be. As a thriving gallery in the centre of Worthing, we are passionate about sharing local projects and helping people to be involved in the creative community.
#WeMakeWorthing will continue with more video interviews made by us that champion local creatives. Follow us @ColonnadeHse to keep updated with our stories. We invite you to use the hashtag #WeMakeWorthing to tell yours.
About Worthing Artist Open Houses
“Worthing Artists Open Houses is brought to you by local artists working together to organise the event and exhibit their work, creating a unique display of art to delight all interests and tastes. Entry is entirely free and you’ll find each venue a unique experience full of art and craft, ranging from painting to jewellery, sculpture to prints, textiles to pots.
Every year the event takes place over three summer weekends and offers visitors the chance to spend the afternoons strolling or cycling between venues, and enjoying the seaside town and its countryside.
The event welcomes participation from all areas of the community, including local schools, community groups and not-for-profit organisations. If you would like to take part in future events, please join our Mailing List or email us at info@worthingartistsopenhouses.com ”
