The Base with Camilla Dingee

What are you most looking forward to about The Base opening?

There is so much to look forward to with the opening of this long awaited and exciting project! It will be exciting to see a venue opening that will be a creative hub, combining a gallery with craft workshops and resident artists as a destination that we hope everyone will enjoy. I am especially looking forward to seeing how visitors respond to the gallery space, and particularly the opening exhibition, Wildlife Photographer of the Year. It’s fantastic for The Base to open with such a prestigious exhibition from the Natural History Museum and to have many other exciting exhibitions to follow. I really hope everyone will enjoy the exhibitions and gallery space as much as I do!

What is your role at The Base?

I will be one of the key members of the team at The Base, but primarily I will be the friendly face that will welcome visitors to the gallery. I am passionate about the arts and looking forward to sharing both my enthusiasm and knowledge with visitors. I will be on hand to answer any questions and to support the many activities, workshops and events on offer. Along with my colleagues, I will oversee the effective running of The Base, helping the venue to evolve and develop into a dynamic arts centre.

What is your favourite style of art / craft activities?

Art and craft has featured strongly in my life from an early age, from practising art and an array of crafts both taught and self-taught to studying art history as an undergraduate and postgraduate student. Expressing myself through drawing was my first love, but creating often large and ambitious paintings became what I most enjoyed as I studied art in school and college years. Turning my hand to making jewellery using a variety materials and techniques has been a favourite pastime in more recent years. I have a broad appreciation of artistic styles, however if I had to name a favourite artist, which is in itself a challenge, I would say Georgia O’Keeffe. I am often attracted to strong female artists and the period of American Modernism, early to mid-20th century, is an era I particularly enjoy.

Describe The Base in 3 words.

Creative. Dynamic. Welcoming.

Where can people find out more information about The Base?

Visiting the website is a great and easy way to find out more about our upcoming programme at The Base. There is so much to get involved in, whether it’s visiting the exhibitions, joining in with associated workshops and talks or signing up to a variety of craft courses. Picking up a brochure is another good way to keep track of what exciting workshops and events are happening at The Base. And don’t forget to follow The Base on Facebook and Twitter to keep up to date with all the latest news and find something that interests you!