Haus-A-Rest
A Zine by Artists for Artists, it’s for those who turn their raw, real-life experiences into stunning art and bold, captivating prose. We’re all about embracing the offbeat and the extraordinary, curating the untold stories, sharp opinions, and fresh opportunities that surface each month.
Got a spark of creativity itching to be shared? Our Open Calls are your chance to light up the world with your unique vision. So jump in, and let’s celebrate the voices that deserve the spotlight!
Issue57
While ephemeral art has gained prominence in contemporary discussions, its roots stretch back thousands of years. Many of the earliest human artistic expressions were, by necessity, ephemeral. Ancient sand drawings, temporary ritualistic paintings on bodies and walls, and performance-based art forms such as dance and oral storytelling were all integral to human cultures. These forms of artistic expression were designed to serve a purpose in the moment, whether spiritual, communal, or personal, rather than to be preserved for posterity.
During the Renaissance and Baroque periods, elaborate festivals, parades, and theatrical productions were often considered ephemeral artworks. Artists and craftspeople would create temporary installations, set designs, and architectural structures meant to be dismantled or decayed over time. Even in religious traditions, such as Buddhist sand mandalas, ephemeral art takes on a deeply spiritual meaning, symbolising the impermanence of life and the importance of non-attachment.
In the 20th and 21st centuries, ephemeral art became more widely recognised as an intentional movement, particularly with the rise of performance, land, and conceptual art. Artists such as Andy Goldsworthy, who creates intricate natural sculptures that eventually dissolve back into their environment, and Christo and Jeanne-Claude, known for their large-scale environmental installations that are intentionally temporary, have demonstrated the power of fleeting art in making profound statements about nature, time, and space.
One key figure is Ana Mendieta, whose earth-body sculptures and performance pieces in the 1970s explored identity, nature, and the female body. Mendieta often used natural materials such as mud, blood, and fire, creating works that were intentionally impermanent and deeply connected to the landscape. Her "Silueta Series" involved carving her silhouette into various natural environments, leaving only a brief trace of her presence before nature reclaimed the space.
This month, we invited artists to submit work on the theme "Ephemeral Art," celebrating the beauty of the temporary, the fleeting, and the impermanent. From art made with natural elements to performances that vanish in the moment, to writing that captures transient emotions, "Ephemeral Art" explores creations that exist only briefly but leave lasting impressions. Ephemeral art is a form of expression intended to be short-lived and transient. The term "ephemeral" refers to something transitory or short-lived. Ephemeral art is meant to be experienced at the moment and exists only in memory once it has passed. We hope you enjoy the beautiful and thoughtful work that the artists captured.
FOR THE GALLERY AND HERE FOR THE WRITER’S CORNER, and BLOG
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OUR TWO EDITORS HAVE BEEN BUSY OVER THE CHRISTMAS BREAK, AND LOOK FORWARD TO SHARING WHAT WE HAVE BEEN UP TO OVER THE NEXT FEW MONTHS…
I am so excited to announce the launch of The Stories of Eva / Ava on @eva_ava_artist
This is an Instagram novel with the story developing over time.
The story starts ...
These are the accounts, the memories and the stories of two artists, Eva and Ava who work as a collaborative team to unpick dark events in their lives. Their work explores oppositional spaces and their approach of discussing and then making artwork generates a creative response.
Over the next six months, their stories and their work will unfold.
Their accounts span many years and their recollections and memories have varied perspectives, but through their narrative and artwork, their story will be revealed.
jennafoxartist, RCA MA Sculpture, PhD Fine Art Research
Selected for Wells Contemporary 2022
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Nichola, Has been busy evolving her practice to become more ephemeral and sustainable, and with that in mind has started to develop new materials with ephemeral materials.
@nicholarodgers.artist , BA, Mlitt Painting & Sculpture
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This month’s feature is BBC Journalist:
Jane Mote
We are thrilled to have a Q&A with Jane Mote a renowned BBC Journalist, documentary creator, and editorial consultant for the Whickers Awards
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This issue’s resident creatives include our Graphic novel bookworm Mildred Burchette-Vass, critical art writer Michaela Hall, and our wordsmith poet Peter Devonald, and our editors and creators Nichola and Jenna
!! Calling Artists & Writers!!
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image and Photography by Nichola Rodgers
our open call for Issue 58 is Light & Dark
We invite artists and writers to submit work exploring the theme of Light and Dark—in all its nuances, contrasts, and in-between spaces. This open call seeks creative interpretations that push beyond the literal and embrace the complexity of duality, convergence, and transformation.
Themes to Consider:
The interplay of light and shadow: How light and dark coexist, influence each other, and create depth, visually and metaphorically.
Liminal spaces between extremes: The transitions where light fades into darkness and vice versa, exploring uncertainty, ambiguity, and transformation.
The gray areas of existence: Moving beyond stark dualities to examine how nothing is ever truly black or white, reflecting on moral, emotional, or conceptual ambiguities.
Opposites interacting: The tension, harmony, or fusion between contrasting elements—hope and despair, clarity and obscurity, life and death.
Emotional and symbolic weight: What does light signify? What does darkness hold? How do they shape narratives, moods, and perspectives in creative work?
Metaphors of illumination and obscurity: Light as knowledge, revelation, or purity; darkness as mystery, the unknown, or the subconscious.
The cyclical nature of light and dark: Exploring patterns of day and night, seasons, personal growth, and transformation through shifting contrasts.
feel free to get in touch via the form below with your Ideas & Questions …
see our new A MENTORING
OPPORTUNITY pages
We think that the art world can be a tricky place to navigate, especially when you're coming to the end of your course and are not sure what’s next.
We have decided to run an open call for any artist who is at an early stage of their art career. This is not age-restricted, all we ask is you meet the criteria below…
If you are in your third year of an art degree, an MA / Mlitt, or are in the first three years of your art practice and would like to have 3 x one-hour sessions 1:1, one a month for three months (via Zoom or Teams) to bounce ideas, ask advice, gain practical steps and support from the Haus-a-rest team then contact us via our form here…
Please note there is no funding for this opportunity, it is your chance to be mentored by two artists who have been around the block to offer support and suggestions to help support your art journey.
There are two places available
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Looking ahead, we plan to deepen our interactions with artists through several exciting initiatives:
Mentorship Program: We are launching a mentorship program of six intensive sessions designed for early-stage and established artists. This program will provide personalised guidance, helping artists navigate their careers, develop their skills, and achieve their creative goals. Each session will be tailored to address specific challenges and opportunities faced by artists, ranging from creative development and project management to marketing strategies and networking. Our mentors, who are experienced professionals in the art world, will offer invaluable insights and support, tailored to each artist's unique needs. The goal is to create a nurturing environment where artists can thrive and push the boundaries of their creativity.
Live Exhibitions: We aim to host live exhibitions, creating immersive experiences where artists and art lovers can connect and engage with the works on display. These exhibitions will be curated to highlight the diversity and innovation within the artistic community, featuring a mix of mediums and styles. By bringing art into physical spaces, we aim to bridge the gap between digital and physical art worlds, offering a platform for artists to showcase their work in a tangible, impactful way. These exhibitions will elevate the artists’ profiles and enrich the audience's appreciation of contemporary art.
In-Person Reviews: In addition to our digital reviews, we plan to offer in-person review sessions. These face-to-face interactions will provide artists with direct, immediate feedback, fostering a deeper understanding of their work. Our reviewers, who are seasoned critics and curators, will offer constructive critiques aimed at helping artists refine their techniques, expand their conceptual thinking, and enhance the presentation of their work. This personalised feedback will be instrumental in helping grow and improve, making their artistic journey more robust and informed.
Physical Events: We plan to run a series of physical events, providing spaces for artists to meet, collaborate, and share their work in person. These events will include interactive workshops, panel discussions with industry experts, and networking opportunities designed to foster a vibrant and supportive art community. Workshops will focus on skill development and creative techniques, while panel discussions will address current trends, challenges, and opportunities in the art world. Networking sessions will create a platform for artists to connect with peers, potential collaborators, and art enthusiasts, building a strong community that supports artistic innovation and professional growth.
Through these initiatives, we aim to create a dynamic and supportive environment that nurtures artistic talent and fosters meaningful connections within the art community. Our goal is to empower artists, provide them with valuable resources and opportunities, and celebrate their contributions to the cultural landscape
