Where the Dead Lie and Art Lives: Exploring the Crypt Gallery for the first time

105 days. It’s getting real. Weekly Art Practice, issue 71 | The Outsider Artist known as SLART.

NEW HERE? WHAT'S THIS WEEKLY ART PRACTICE ALL ABOUT?

Every Saturday, I share my art practice. I'm captivated by the process, not just the finished pieces but everything from influences to materials. It's like getting a behind-the-scenes peek at an artist's world.

[If this masterpiece is too long for email, you can read Cream of the Crop in Substack. Or download the Substack app.]

As of today, Saturday, May 24, 2025, there are 105 days until September 6, 2025, Memento Vivere opening night.

This week I’ve had a true glimpse into what my life would be like working on my art full time. Time in the studio was honestly life-changing. I got a proper taste of what it would feel like to paint full time, to sink in, go deeper, and let the work absorb me. And it felt right. Totally wonderful.

I won’t give too much away just yet, but I’ve painted 12 new pieces and honestly, time just dissolved. I was completely in the zone, lost in it. The kind of flow that feels like coming home(as cheesy as it sounds, but it’s the same feeling I got as a child when I drew).

I also made a trip to The Crypt Gallery ahead of Memento Vivere in September.

The space is… incredible. Victorian London captured in stone, 500+ bodies are laid to rest, buried in this Crypt but it felt peaceful. Whether it’ll change at night, I don’t know. I had this thought while I was there, after looking around, this nagging thought just crept in: “Shit, I’m not good enough for this space.” But I’ve decided I’m not entertaining that voice. I’ve been around long enough to know that we don’t have to listen to our thoughts.

While I was there, I met Leon Clowes, who’s currently in residence. He’s been doing some really powerful work around absent fathers, it’s raw, honest, and deeply moving. Go check him out.

There was also Sophie Chinner, a performance artist holding a section of the crypt with a white veil, music, movement, atmosphere… it was magic. I was too shy to go and say hello, I think it was the performance element. Like being a kid and being picked on for audience participation at a pantomime.

And… finally, I SENT OFF MY DYCP APPLICATION! I’ve proposed a 6-week sabbatical to dive deep into my practice,proper dedicated time to reflect, experiment, and push things forward. Just pressing ‘submit’ felt like an act of faith. Whatever happens, I’m proud of what I’ve put together.

So it’s been a mixture of feelings this week. Studio peacefulness, troubling self-doubt, and a lot of gratitude.

Have a good week.

Take care,

Memento Vivere: Remember to Live.

Best wishes,

SLART.

P.S. One more thing, could you please leave a 4 or 5-star (Hopefully not 1,2 or 3) review on my SLART Google page? Just trying to level up my online game and get my art in front of more eyes, and this small, straightforward, and swift action would be immensely beneficial. Cheers!