This summer Watermark Gallery was joined by Luna Morillon-Rios, a year 11 student on work experience from St Aidan’s School in Harrogate. From the moment Luna stepped through the door we were determined to keep her busy with a whole range of tasks, from helping with a photo shoot to visual merchandising, serving customers to writing this blog. We gained a huge amount from having Luna on board and thought she made a real impact in a very short space of time. But don’t take our work for it. Here’s her account of what it was really like to work for us …
Luna’s Week at Watermark
Before the start of my work experience at Watermark Gallery I was extremely nervous about the whole week. I didn’t know whether I would enjoy the tasks or the work environment. However, on arrival I was given a tour of all the different displays and rooms which gave me a sense of the different art styles sold at the gallery – my favourite being the wide variety of ceramics!
I gained so many new experiences which I didn’t expect. On my first day I was lucky enough to help with a photoshoot for new art pieces being displayed and sold at the gallery. By getting involved in the process I gained insight into the precise, detailed work which goes into creating an aesthetically-pleasing and comprehensive website, which I think will be helpful for any work in the future that has an online presence. I also worked with another staff member to reorganise the back gallery, creating a whole new display for the ceramic pieces. One collection which caught my eye is by an artist called Michele Bianco, as the varied textures and colours used create a remarkable collection- my favourite piece is called the Ripple Vessel.
On my second day I researched a ceramicist called Robert Goldsmith as I was asked to produce an informative poster about his company, Selborne Pottery (now on display in the gallery!). Robert produces a beautiful collection of tableware; mugs, jugs and bowls, in a variety of different sizes, all individually decorated. My favourite pattern was “Allium” as I love the design of the flowers with the stray petals floating around them.
In addition to selling original paintings and prints, Watermark Gallery also sells 3D work including sculpture, ceramics and contemporary jewellery. I helped the owner of the gallery audit a new range of jewellery recently submitted for consideration by students at the York School of Jewellery. I found this very exciting as it gave me a sneak peek into the different stages of introducing new products to the gallery and some of the decisions that need to be made.
By the end of my week, I felt I had gained a much better understanding of how a gallery actually works and I’m looking forward to popping back in to see the results of some of the artistic decisions that were made whilst I was there.
Watermark Gallery would like to thank Luna for all her hard work during the week she spent as part of her team and we wish her all the very best for her forthcoming A-level studies.
