How many ways can you interpret a word?

According to the curator of an open art competition, the answer is 108.

The Hodgson Loom gallery, in Laxey, is currently displaying the entries for its annual open art competition using the word ’Under’ for this year’s theme.

From artistic creations based around fish and underwater designs, to sculptures and paintings depicting various pieces created around the idea of being underground, the amount of work on display at the gallery, along with both the variation on the theme, is staggering.

The owner of the gallery, Julia Ashby Smyth, said that each year she is amazed by the quality of work entered into the annual competition and this year was no exception.

’I never know what is going to come in. It is such a joy to unwrap everything and see what we can hang on the walls,’ said Julia.

’There are so many different interpretations of the word "under" and I think there must be 108 different interpretations of the word here.’

Entries this year range from large painted canvases to detailed Celtic knotwork, painted silk, felt craft, ceramics, sculpture and 3D, photography, pencil sketch and video, along with many more styles.

’It is surprising because actually it is not an obvious word to interpret. You want people to be able to take the inspiration of the theme and go literal with it, or to think laterally.

’We have entries based around underground, under water, under pressure and things like that, but it is not just the title of the subject matter.

’It can refer to a technique, either under-glazed in pottery terms, or under developed in photographic. There is a lot of weaving under and over in terms of textiles or Celtic design too.

’There are so many different directions the artists have taken the theme.

’I think the majority of the pieces this year were created purely for this exhibition, which is amazing,’ she added.

’It makes this competition feel that little bit more special, as it clearly means a lot to the artists who take part and put their efforts into their work.’

There are several categories based around the media the work is created in, along with prizes for children aged under 12 and between 13 to 18-years-old, chosen by a secret panel of five judges.

There is also an award for the best entry chosen by the public, which can be cast only by viewing the pieces at the gallery.

With the competition winners being announced on Saturday, February 1, Julia said that the public vote, which can be cast up until midday on the final day, is already very close and proving impossible to predict.

’I always think I know what will catch the public interest, but this year has been something of a revelation,’ she said.

’So far, we have five pieces that are the most popular with the public and there is only one vote between them.

’The exhibition has already been very popular, and we’ve had hundreds of people cast their votes.

’It is obvious that, this year, every vote will count and make a big difference.’

by Mike Wade

Twitter:iomnewspapers