'Fancy doing something?'
This was the message I received on the Art Etc. Social Media account.
Yet it was one that perhaps best epitomised what they stood for, simply "Getting up to Stuff."
Forever searching not only for a diverse array of artists, but ones whose works are rich in themes and convictions, I was instantly keen to know more. A week or so later they very kindly sent their book for me to explore and for the rest of last month before bed that's exactly what I did.
Being an independent magazine means that we aren't backed or financed by any large corporation or person and we don't need or look for anyone to sanction the creation of our editions. This being the case, as the Editor I was most inspired by what they stood for.
Getting up to Stuff attempts not so much to redefine but re-emphasise the true meaning of art. They argue for instance, that art should be the freedom to create whatever you want and have it appreciated without feeling that you need to go through all the now normal channels to do it; be that through networking, social media, colleges, exhibitions or prizes.
Replacing the 'who', with the 'what', their work pushes us to replace our urge to be approved to do things with a desire to just feel the joy in, well, getting up to stuff.
What makes their message all the more impactful is the fact that this very talented artist is still regarded by many as being so, without us even knowing their name.
How many of us, for instance, read a book (or not read it) based on how famous the author is? How many more judge the music they listen to or the artwork they see upon the yardstick of how well established that musician or artist is?
In this incredibly brand oriented world, Getting up to Stuff reinvigorates the meritocratic definition of what it means to value something. Indeed, by removing their name from the equation we are able enjoy their artwork without our judgement being affected by any preconceptions of who might be creating it.
Getting up to Stuff furthermore presents to us, and subsequently brings to the forefront, the very human elements in our world, from alcoholism to homelessness, which we all too often purposely overlook.
In one of their most prolific works for example, they placed a man made of rope in the middle of one of Bristol's most notorious areas and surrounded him with an astonishing 1,000 beer bottles. The artwork forces us to confront the uncomfortable question of how much it really takes to push someone over the edge when it comes to alcohol.
Clearly, Getting up to Stuff cares about the stuff we get up to and wants us to know that whilst it is good to redefine certain limitations, we ought to be more careful when we reconsider others.
"There is a freedom and strength in creating without fear, approval, recognition or award. Freedom to create with the joy we had as children. Freedom to 'Get up to Stuff'."
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