Spotlight: Shelly-Ann Ryder on the Loose Goose Collective, the Importance of Community and Staying Organised as an Artist.

Shelly-Anne Ryder, September 2024

Edited by Beth Evans

Shelly-Anne Ryder is a fine artist in Plymouth and an MA student at Arts University Plymouth. She works across drawing, painting, installation, and participatory projects. Her practice is rooted in walking as a method of research, where she gathers observations, sketches, and photographs to explore the overlooked details of everyday environments. As well as investigating the relationship between structure, spontaneity, order, and chaos through mixed media and installation. Alongside her work, Shelly runs the Loose Goose Collective, curating exhibitions and events that connect artists with the broader community.

---

BE: So, Shelly, we've had you over on the blog briefly before for Artist Intros, but can you talk to us a bit about who you are and how you get involved with the Loose Goose Collective?

SR: Sure, I am an MA Fine Art student at Arts Univeristy Plymouth (AUP). The Loose Goose Collective was founded in September last year to provide a platform for artists in Plymouth. It is an informal and comfortable space to experiment and play with new ideas or to gain feedback on a project. I also work part-time at the Artmill Gallery on Hyde Park Road. It is a beautiful, welcoming independent gallery that shows many local artists from Plymouth and Cornwall. The Loose Goose was set up to complement it by providing somewhere for less established artists to display and share their work. I chose Sonny's cafe as the venue because they share the same values I do around community and inclusivity.

BE: That's great, it's so important to find community and it;s really cool that you've worked to establish one! What key steps were involved in setting up the collective?

SR: The first thing I wanted to do was to establish a line up of artists who would be interested in taking part. I also wanted the first one to have a bit of impact so finding our first guest was important. I did approach a few of the businesses in the area, but Dan at Sonny's was the most open and flexible, with the general vibe of the cafe suiting the relaxed atmosphere I wanted to create. After a couple of meetings to organise a suitable evening and sharing of ideas for the events it was just a matter of reaching out to artists.

BE: What resources or tools were most helpful to you during the setup process?

SR: Friends! They come top of the list. Without their support, the first couple of events would have had me and the artist! Word of mouth and sharing on Instagram by friends and family have helped the collective to grow.

The most helpful tool was Instagram. I have found this one of the quickest ways to connect with other creatives and collectives. I use it for promotion, marketing and connection.

The most helpful resource is Google and a diary! Blocking out time, emailing artists, being able to share things is incredibly important and Google Drive makes that easy. With reference to the setup, a good relationship with the owner at the cafe was super important. He really trusted me to do the best for both the cafe and the collective

BE: Speaking of friends... And what would you say are the benefits of joining a collective?

SR: One of the main impacts is the amazing art community that has built up as a result. I have had the chance to meet many amazing artists and creatives. This is something that was missing for me before I started at AUP and most of my ideas and making was created in a vacuum. So it has provided a great space for me to share not only my work, but the work of others in a really friendly space. It is also a safe space away from the pressures of other things like deadlines and the pressures to create a body of work. It's somewhere just to sit, share, listen and support each other.

BE: I love that, having a low pressure environment to play around and experiment as an artist is so valuable! Is there anything you've learned about yourself whilst working with the Loose Goose Collective?

SR: One thing I have learned is that networking and organising events is something that I am really good at. I enjoy being around people sharing my passion for art as much as hearing about someone else's. Prior to the Loose Goose, I often felt like the ‘art world’ was not a particularly inviting space. I think I have found my niche.

BE: Did it take time to get used to managing this newfound skill alongside your personal practice or did the responsibilities of supporting a collective kin of gel together?

SR: I use lots of google calendar! I use several calendars and diaries to help me stay on track. I have ADHD and can become easily distracted or sidelined and at times I didn't leave enough time for everything, generally just flying by the seat of my pants. With the Loose Goose I had to be more organised, create a template for install, deinstall, promotion etc. SO, I use a diary every Sunday and plan out my week after I have done a brain dump of everything I feel I need to achieve, then pick out the top five priorities and work from there. I use time blocking, always adding an extra half hour to most things!

BE: Yes! I would fall apart without my google calander haha! What other advice would you give to artists who are considering starting their own collective?

SR: Firstly, just get started. Ask yourself why? As bit of a Simon Sinek fan, I always ask that question first. Not what will I be doing, but why am I doing it? Creating a community for emerging artists was really important to me, as well as the sense of community and belonging. So all of the Loose Goose revolves around those values. So, anyone thinking of starting, ask yourself why.

BE: How can readers get involved?

SR: Come to an event! Events usually take place on the Third Thursday of each month. Events are always advertised on Instagram (@the_loose_goose_collective.) IThey'll help you get a feel for what the collective is about. I wanted to keep it accessible so there isn't an entry fee, we only ask for a donation. We offer a complimentary tea/coffee or a glass of wine and there are other drinks that can be purchased. It is easy to get there as we are only a five minute walk from Mutley. If you are driving there are free parking spaces available within a five minute walk as well.  Bring a friend and join us!

You could also...

Follow the Loose Goose on IG and share the posts and invites. This helps the collective to grow. Tell other people about it! I know not everyone uses IG so word of mouth is great! This is part of the reason for Third Thursday. 

Emerging artists out there who think they would like to be part of one of the events, can DM me on IG. If I find that I have enough artists, I might increase the evening to twice per month. I am taking a break in April though. A trip to Canada to meet my first grandson! But it will be back up in May.

And... In the future, I will be looking for other people who may be interested in joining the collective. It is just me at the moment!

To see more from the Loose Goose Collective, check them out on Instagram @the_loose_goose_collective.

If you have a project you want to talk to us about, email antiburnout@aup.ac.uk!