Introducing… Fill That Space

Bristol resident and art-lover Maria Newman set up Fill That Space to promote the city’s many artists, via accessible events like the Family Art Fair, which takes place on July 14. Here’s Maria to tell us more.

So, Maria. Tell us about yourself, and your interest in art.
When I was in school I loved the creative subjects like music, art and drama. For a lot of my childhood, these subjects played a major part of my life.
I really became interested in art while studying GCSEs. I loved to paint with oils, and landscapes were my thing. I was inspired by the Impressionists, Edward Hopper and Van Gogh.
When it came to deciding what to do with the rest of my life I went for the safe option and I decided to study Business Studies. My logic was that this would give me lots of options and, probably, a good salary – which is what happened, as I landed a job working for Rolls-Royce.
However, there was always this niggling feeling inside. I wasn’t passionate about engineering. I wanted to be in a creative field. I also wanted to have my own business. Something I think I got from my dad, who is an entrepreneur. It wasn’t until I was on maternity leave with my second child that I decided to take a leap of faith and do something different. I also had the financial security of getting voluntary redundancy. I thought, ‘now or never’. So I took a year out of corporate life to decide what I wanted to do next.
This included starting a mummy blog, volunteering at a children’s hospital on a weekly basis, and arranging a children’s Christmas Fair, which raised £1,200 for CLIC Sargent. However I knew I needed some formal help. The answer? A life coach. She was brilliant. I’d already written off starting my own business. But she questioned this. And over the course of several sessions and completing several exercises, I decided to start Fill That Space.

Fill That Space founder Maria Newman

And what is Fill That Space about?
Fill That Space is about promoting local artists and local art in the Bristol area. It’s about making truly affordable art accessible to all mainly through pop-up exhibitions and art fairs. Although I’ve only been trading since January, I’m really excited to see where this journey takes me.
I want to make affordable art made by local artists accessible to all. I want buying art to be an experience, so it’s not just about the artwork but also the story and memories behind that purchase,
As for the artists, I want to help showcase their work and to provide them with a service that allows them to concentrate on creating.

Detail from ‘Bristol’ by Anna Duckworth, prints of which will be on sale at Fill That Space’s next Family Art Fair on July 14

And what are your links with Bristol?
I was born and raised in the little seaside town of Burnham on Sea and I only left the comforts of my hometown when I left to go to university at UWE. I’ve stayed in this beautiful city for over 20 years now.
There is so much I love about Bristol: its eclectic character, the foodie scene, the amount of greenery that surrounds us, the vibrancy… it has a community feel, it embraces culture of all forms and it welcomes everyone in. Plus, it’s a great place to raise a family. There is so much to see and do here. Why would I want to live anywhere else?

Do you feel the arts ecosystem here is pretty lively, and that Bristol is a good place for artists to make a living? What do you hope to add to the arts landscape?
Bristol has an awesome art scene. A real mix of places to see and buy art. Whether it’s an art trail, gallery, exhibition, art shop, studio, collective, festival or a big event like Upfest, Bristol is buzzing with talented artists and art lovers.
To me, Bristol also has a very unique attribute: the communities that make up the city, and the fact that we are very supportive of each other. I want to add to this thriving environment. I want to help artists, especially those who are just starting.

And the art fair… do you hope this will become a regular event? 
Definitely. My aim is to be running up to six a year within a few years. An event where families can surround themselves with all that is arty.

The next Family Art Fair takes place at Redland Park United Reformed Church on Sat, July 14. For more info, visit fillthatspace.uk/july-art-fair

Pictured top: Lloyd Lewis, ‘Fourth Doctor’ (detail)