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!
HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE AND WELCOME TO THE FIRST ISSUE OF 2025!
Issue56
Creativity, a bridge between the unseen and the tangible, allowing us to give form to the depths of our internal worlds. With this open call, we invited artists and writers to explore Externalising the Internal — a multifaceted idea that speaks to transformation, self-reflection, and the alchemy of turning personal or collective experiences into outward expressions.
What does it mean to externalise the internal? At its core, this theme can manifest in a variety of ways. In psychology, externalisation is a defense mechanism, a way to project inner struggles outward to make sense of them. In narrative therapy, it becomes a tool for healing, enabling individuals to give shape to their stories and separate their identity from their problems. On a broader level, this process can be a societal mirror, reflecting the collective voice of communities seeking visibility, justice, or reconciliation.
For many, externalisation is an act of courage. It can mean shedding light on hidden corners of the mind, sharing personal truths, or expressing the inner workings of the imagination. Whether through painting, sculpture, poetry, photography, video, or prose, the act of creation allows for catharsis, healing, and the opportunity to connect deeply with others.
Why this theme? We believe that creativity holds transformative power. Art and writing provide pathways to process grief, celebrate joy, confront challenges, and reimagine possibilities. In these times of global uncertainty and rapid change, there is immense value in voices that articulate what often remains unsaid. By externalising the internal, we foster self-awareness and build empathy, resilience, and collective understanding.
Your journey or that of communities This open call looked to embrace a wide spectrum of experiences. Perhaps drawing from personal narratives — moments of triumph, loss, introspection, or growth. Or maybe work that reflects the collective stories of communities, capturing their histories, struggles, and dreams. Both the individual and the communal have the power to resonate deeply and create meaningful impact.
A celebration of media and expression We always seek artwork across all forms and media. From visual arts to literature, performance to digital installations, we encourage diverse interpretations of the themes we choose.
Join us in this exploration As we curate the selected works, in our exhibition and writers’ pages. Our resident poet, and art writer have also aired their views on the subject in their latest blog posts.
We look forward to experiencing your responses, and we are excited to witness the unique ways you choose to externalise the internal.
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…
Jenna has been accepted for the mentoring program Springboard which is a professional development programme for women pioneered by the universities of Oxford and Cambridge. It has been researched and designed specifically to address the study and career issues faced by women at university. The aims of the programme include developing focused goals and aspirations and increased personal effectiveness. Participants set their own individual goals and career plans beyond the PhD (sharpening career goals, raising aspirations, raising visibility, clarifying values) or to personal life goals unrelated to their PhD. This is an exciting opportunity for Jenna to plan her career and map out her progression when she completes her PhD. Jenna said, “There were only 15 places and 800 who could have applied so feel very lucky to have been awarded this place on the programme.”
@jennafoxartist, RCA MA Sculpture, PhD Fine Art Research
Selected for Wells Contemporary 2022
Nichola, Has been busy evolving her practice to become more ephemeral and sustainable, and with that in mind has been selected for the Devils Dyke sculpture exhibitions in the South Downs of West Sussex. More details to follow.
@nicholarodgers.artist , BA, Mlitt Painting & Sculpture
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Our Featured Artist this month is
Featured Artist:
ALISON GRIFFIN
We are thrilled to have a Q&A with Aliosn whose answers be seen via the link above.
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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 sculpture by Jenna Fox
our open call for Issue 57 is The Ephemeral
Haus A Rest invites artists and writers to submit work for our upcoming exhibition and publication on the theme "Ephemeral Art." This theme celebrates 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 artistic 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 in the moment and exists only in memory once it has passed.
Submission Guidelines: We welcome submissions in a variety of media, including:
Visual Art: Paintings, drawings, sculptures, mixed media, digital art, collage, photography, and more.
Text-based Work: Written or visual poetry, art journaling, experimental text, and other word-based art forms.
Multidisciplinary/Other: Unclassifiable forms, assemblage, found objects, or installations.
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
