Seven Questions with... Geraldine Snell

What are you studying, why are you interested in this subject and what do you plan to do in the future?

I studied an MFA in Fine Art Media at the Slade and was drawn to this mixed-discilpine course because I work across many forms of media in my creative practice – ranging from performance and music production to writing, filmmaking and installation. Studying the subject at postgraduate level enabled me to develop and clarify my creative projects and receive critical feedback and practical guidance, which opened doors to new opportunities and helped me to contextualise my creative and faciltative work in the broader community.

What is the most interesting thing you’ve done, seen or got involved with while at UCL?

There were some fantastic opportunities for me at UCL, including a group exhibition with the Barbican Arts Group Trust and a variety show the Slade had arranged with the Bloomsbury Theatre. The highlight for me, however, has to be screening some of my Slade video work on the Piccadilly Circus big screen as part of CIRCA 2020, which I was invited to participate in after the curator saw my work on the Slade degree show website. 

Have you discovered any hidden gems during your time at UCL?

The Japanese garden and some of the other spots on campus were always lovely spots to take a break in amidst being in the studio. When I think back to my time there, it’s those little moments – lounging in Gordon Square in Spring, walking between buildings before a talk, enjoying the architecture and pigeon-watching – that I miss. I also wish I’d spent more time in the library as it was a great study space.

Give us your top three things to do/see/go to in London:

• Hampstead Heath – I loved swimming in the ponds or watching the full moon rise from Parliament Hill. Golders Green pagoda is a lesser known but also lovely spot not too far from it.
• Go up the Shard – sometimes you can sneak up the lifts but otherwise it’s worth booking a reservation at one of the cocktail bars so you can see the view from up there – it’s just incredible, surreal, and galactic.
• Having a gallery gallivant around Soho and Mayfair. Especially on a day where you can sit outside in Golden Square, Green Park or St James’ Park. There are hundreds of smaller commercial galleries, most of which are free to pop in and gander at – pick up one of those London Art Maps that are often on display in the galleries or see here for all the wonderful spaces beyond the well known public galleries like Tate or National Gallery.

What’s one thing you’d like to see in a post-Covid world?

I feel that there is more awareness around work, stress, and presence but perhaps that’s related to the processes I went through during Covid, which brought about a lot of reflection around work-life balance, spirituality, and authenticity. I’d like to see more openness, vulnerability, and love, but also being the change you want to see in the world, as, ultimately, you can’t change the existing paradigms of competition, judgement and short-term reactivity by perpetuating them – whatever the end goal. 

Who inspires you and why?

Those who form bridges between disciplines, people, and communities and have an holistic approach. Those who walk the talk.

Bjork, for modelling uncompromising artistry, vulnerability, and femininity. Gabor Mate for providing such an accessible commentary around trauma, the need for compassionate inquiry, and the many factors at play regarding stress, illness, and the body. Also his ability to bring others together around this conversation and to self-reflect and highlight how difficult it is to actually live by and embody your values. Bayo Akomolafe for how he brings such eloquence, humility, and wisdom to both philosophical (how we think) and practical (what we do or don't do) matters. And my parents and family who, in dutifully and diligently showing up for their jobs, inspire me to ground my visions in reality through actual day-day work and service. I can get a bit grandiose and lofty but there’s no substitute for just being a decent human being and serving with compassion in whatever you do. I really feel it’s not necessarily what we do but how we do it that is key.

What would it surprise people to know about you?

That despite seeming to thrive or do a lot, I am lonely and struggle a lot with my mental health and some of the essentials of day-day functioning. Ultimately I think this is what drives my creative work and Heart School, and I do believe that our wounds or struggles are the things we then seek to soothe or alleviate through our life’s work. It certainly gives purpose and a deeper meaning to what can be a scary and isolating experience. I think it’s important to acknowledge struggle, fear, and vulnerability. Doing so permits others to do the same, and destigmatises failure or suffering from being something to hide or be ashamed of – but rather a common and vital aspect of being human.