Colette Lilley was the overall winner of the AWOL Studios X Comme Ca Art Open Call Exhibition 2023!

Colette is an award winning visual artist based in Liverpool. She explores the process of observational drawing in her work. Colette gained a Masters in Art and Design Practice at Loughborough University where she researched the link between Dyslexia and Creativity. A topic still prevalent within her practice as she explores the benefits of drawing.

Colette also co-founded Liverpool Artists’ Network (2015), a platform whose aim is to connect  artists, art organisations, venues, groups and collectives of Liverpool.

She kindly answered a few questions about her experience with our Open Call exhibition, check out her insightful answers below:

1 . What is the importance of events like the Comme Ca Art x AWOL Studios Open Call Exhibition?

Events like this are wonderful for many reasons but especially because it showcases regional art. It helps to build a community and is an incredible reminder of the talent and creativity around us, it is so inspiring.

2 . What inspired you to enter our Open Call in particular?

After the success and caliber of work I saw in the Comme Ca Art x AWOL Exhibition, I aspired to be part of it.

3 . Do you have any advice to artists on entering an Open Call?

Take the plunge and just do it! The process of entering is great in itself as you can reflect upon your practice. It is a fantastic opportunity to get your work seen and be recognised by your peers. To be accepted is a boost to your confidence and a great way to make connections.

The AWOL Studios x Comme Ca Art Open Call Exhibition 2024 is live! For more info and entry, head here ~ Deadline 10.03.24

Check out more of Colette’s work here

We’re so excited to have such an eclectic mix judging our Open Call Exhibition this year, read more about them below!

Short Supply –

About Short Supply: Short Supply is an acclaimed artist-led organisation based in the North West of England that creates opportunities for emerging artists within an increasingly competitive industry, producing exhibitions, talks and workshops that address the barriers creatives face to employment and education. They are well known across the UK for their practical advice and playful energy – artist development and grins guaranteed!

Sean Williams –

About Sean: I am an artist and curator based at Bloc Studios in Sheffield.  I was born in Nantwich in Cheshire, and often return there for inspiration for my work.  My paintings are views of the fringes of suburbia, places that feel as though they are familiar, but then escape our conditioned response.   

I have been a member of the Contemporary British Painting group for 6 years. Last year I exhibited in ‘Paint Fiction’, a group show at the International Gallery for Contemporary Art in Anchorage, Alaska, and ‘X’, a group show of painting at Newcastle Contemporary Art.  In 2022 I exhibited in ‘Vitalistic Fantasies’, a group show of painting at the Elysium Gallery in Swansea. 

I am very proud that my painting ‘Our Bloody Hell’, featuring the Nuclear Bunker near Nantwich, is now part of the Priseman-Seabrook Collection in the Yale Center for British Art in Connecticut.  

In the last two years I have curated a number of micro-exhibitions within Bloc Studios and, more recently, at Fronteer Gallery in their Stairwell Space.  These shows usually feature just 3 or 4 paintings on a theme, be it conceptual or something more practical.  I am also delighted to have been invited to curate ‘Autumn Almanac’, the annual show by members of Yorkshire Art Space for the last three years.    

Ceri Morgan –

About Ceri: Originally from Newcastle on Tyne. Studied Interior Design at MMU and qualified in 1994.

I have worked for various design practices and architecture studios in London and Manchester since finishing University, across many sectors so consider myself to have a broad spectrum of influences in my own work. 

For the past 12 years or so, I have ran my own interior design business again on a varied range or projects. 

In my downtime, I enjoy walking, photography of my ventures, visiting galleries and travel.

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The AWOL Studios x Comme Ca Art Open Call Exhibition 2024 is live! To enter & T&C’s, please head HERE ~ Deadline 10.03.24

Matt Davies won Highly Commended at our first AWOL Studios X Comme Ca Art Open Call Exhibition in 2022.

Matts work ‘develops from found and sought images originating from endless media resources. Magazines, old newspaper clippings, photographs are collected from outings, tangential research and his immediate surroundings.’

Matt kindly answered a few questions about his experience with our Open Call exhibition, check out those answers below:

1 . What is the importance of events like the Comme Ca Art x AWOL Studios Open Call Exhibition?

Every Open Exhibition especially Comme Ca Art /Awol Open Call Exhibition is a great way to showcase your work. I enter because it’s exciting for your work to be seen by judges who consist of curators and professional artists. It is then extremely rewarding to be accepted.  Bringing confidence in your practice, it is encouraging that your work  has the ability to inspire and influence a mass audience.

2 . What inspired you to enter our Open Call in particular?

 I am familiar with Comme Ca Art and aware that they have been promoting artists across the North West for a long time.  I have faith in their ethos and attracted by their ability to reach audiences.

3 . Do you have any advice to artists on entering an Open Call?

Do It, Give it a shot! All art is unique and original, meaning you are unique and original. Research the Judges, see what they are about, their history and their practices. This may tailor the type of piece that you want to put forward.

The AWOL Studios x Comme Ca Art Open Call Exhibition 2024 is live! For more info and entry, head here ~ Deadline 10.03.24

Check out more of Matts work here