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!
Issue59
Welcome to the Zine Issue - Celebrating Students’ Creative Voices
On your screen, you’re holding something vibrant and raw. This edition is a creative outpouring of student voices, perspectives, and passions, brought together in one place to showcase what happens when emerging artists and writers speak up, share boldly, and create freely.
At its core, this zine isn’t just a collection of poems, essays, photographs, and visual art. It’s a window into the lives and minds of students navigating a world that’s constantly shifting. Every page reflects the beauty and complexity of being a creator in transition—between semesters, between self-definitions, between worlds. Some contributors are sharing their first-ever public piece; others are refining years of craft. What they all have in common is a willingness to be seen and heard.
The theme of this issue—though deliberately open-ended—is united by the spirit of experimentation and honesty. Here, you’ll find writing that stirs the imagination. You’ll discover art that asks questions rather than offering answers, that stirs emotions without apology. These works weren’t made to sit quietly in a drawer or be forgotten in a browser tab. They were made to start conversations.
We’ve curated Issue 59 with care. Every piece adds to a growing archive of student creativity that matters. This zine doesn’t aim for perfection. It values vulnerability, voice, and vision. It celebrates the unfinished, the in-progress, the brave.
To everyone who submitted, thank you. Your work shapes the creative culture of this space. To everyone reading, we hope this zine lights a spark: whether it’s a new idea, a sense of connection, or the courage to start your piece. If something here resonates, highlight it, share it, and respond to it. Let this be a living dialogue.
Our resident poet and Creative writers’ work this month is also in the writers’ corner, along with tips on writing your artist statement and creative proposals…
— The Editors
FOR THE GALLERY AND HERE FOR THE WRITER’S CORNER, and BLOG
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OUR TWO EDITORS HAVE BEEN BUSY AND LOOK FORWARD TO SHARING WHAT WE HAVE BEEN UP TO OVER THE NEXT FEW MONTHS…
jennafoxartist, RCA MA Sculpture, PhD Fine Art Research
Selected for Wells Contemporary 2022
One of my dreams has been to create a huge public artwork, and I am so lucky as I was commissioned by West Swindon Parish council to create a mural. It was in a subway and consisted of 38 panels, which totaled 81m in length and the area of 3/4 the size of a tennis court!
The subway was covered in graffiti, and I used a thin paint to allow this to ghost through my paintings. The mural is a landscape that mimics the local hills.
Each panel is a separate painting that links to the paintings next to it to create an immersive space, making a huge landscape that connects the housing estate to the woods via the subway. I visualised the space as a painted sculpture, and this helped form my proposal.
There were so many amazing comments from the many people who use the subway. They stopped and told me their stories.
I have been overwhelmed by the positive feedback from hundreds of people of all ages.
I haven't been in a public space creating work for such a long duration. It was incredible.
A huge thank you to @simonbelletty. he has been amazing, helping and supporting me.
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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 ephemeral materials; these can be seen on her website. She has also contributed to this month’s writers’ corner.
@nicholarodgers.artist , BA, Mlitt Painting & Sculpture
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photo by @brunavalenca
This month’s feature is Artist
Kit martin
Our latest Q&A is with an artist whose work is a symbiosis of photography and science!
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This issue’s resident creatives include our Graphic novel bookworm Mildred Burchette-Vass, critical art writer Michaela Hall, 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
The next open call for Issue 60 is for Textile work
If you work with textiles or have a view on making and how textiles can link to memory, culture and creativity, then we want to hear from you!
We invite artists and writers to submit work exploring the theme of TEXTILES.
This open call seeks creative interpretations that push beyond the literal and embrace the complexity, meaning, and associations of textiles as a medium.
Themes to Consider:
The use of textiles as a material - how do you use textiles in your creative practice, and how do you push the medium to its limits?
What processes do you use to create textile art - is the process more important than the material, and how do you transform it into your finished work?
Emotional and symbolic weight - What do the textiles you use signify? Is there an emotional connection to the fabrics and how does your work play with this?
Metaphors of illumination and obscurity - What can we learn from the fabrics you use?
History and context - Do the textiles you use have significance for their history, culture and political connections?
For Who Can Submit and MORE DETAILS CAN BE FOUND ON OUR OPPORTUNITIES BOARD
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
