Mali Morris

Together
2011
Acrylic on canvas
70 x 80 cm

How long have you had a studio at APT?
I’ve been here for 26 years, from the very beginning. I mapped out my studio dimensions in chalk on the floor, at the back of the site, looking down on Deptford Creek, before any of the internal walls were built. I think many of us feel emotionally attached to the building, which dates from 1912, and we all love the creek and its inhabitants. 

Which female artists inspired you growing up?
I was a student at the Department of Fine Art, University of Newcastle upon Tyne, then at the University of Reading, during the 1960s. There were very few women tutors then, but Rita Donagh was at both places, a sensitive and empathetic presence. I had a tutorial once with Sandra Blow, and found her very encouraging. I was inspired by the work of Helen Frankenthaler, and closer to home I loved what Gillian Ayres and Prunella Clough were showing. Historically, I enjoyed discovering Sonia Delauney, Lyubov Popova, Varvara Stepanova – and quilts made by women in many cultures. Of my peers, I admired the paintings of Jennifer Durrant and Marilyn Hallam.

What is the most important piece of advice you have been given?
It’s more a useful comment than advice, but a long time ago a friend said that some people like what one does for the same reasons that others don’t like it.

Why did you choose this piece of work for today?
I’ve chosen this one because it was made here at Creekside in 2011, and will be shown soon in the Mercer Gallery, Harrogate. I like getting to know earlier works again, something I’ve been doing during recent lockdowns