Connecting the dots of art and business | Artist in Residence Nela Fletcher
We had the incredible opportunity to welcome Nela as our Artist in Residence at COIN South for a transformative twelve-week programme, made possible with over one hundred hours of in kind time from Nela, the support of COIN South and funding from Creative Communities Invercargill. Nela's decision to pursue the Artist in Residence programme at COIN South was driven by the desire to get inspired, explore her art, and the potential intersection of art and business. It was a challenge she eagerly embraced, seeking to discover art in unconventional places and break free from the confines of traditional art exhibition cycles.
The journey began with Nela dedicating the first weeks to observing and absorbing the physical environment of COIN South, taking note of the key elements that held significance. This initial phase set the stage for Nela's deep dive into the Activator Sessions, collaborating with Fran and meeting with new founders who were embarking on their entrepreneurial journeys. She also had the opportunity to work closely with Cathy, our General Manager, forging connections with strategic partners and corporate entities that collaborate with COIN South to drive innovation and excellence in Southland's startup ecosystem.
Exploring the concept of organisational structures, Nela stumbled upon a remarkable 1855 organisational diagram that played with the interrelated nature of structures, networks, and organic systems. This discovery led her down a fascinating path of investigating mycelium, the intricate underground network of fungal threads. Mycelium functions as an ecological connective tissue, growing and adapting to connect different organisms, finding its way through labyrinths, and serving as a conduit for nutrients. The themes of connection, development, adaptation, and problem-solving that resonated within mycelium mirrored the essence of COIN South's mission and operations.
Inspired by mycelium, Nela embarked on a series of trials using different mediums to visually express the organic network. Eventually, she found her artistic voice through digital creation, resulting in a series of meticulously constructed drawings. Dot by dot, Nela captured the ever-changing quality of mycelium, showcasing its ability to adjust, grow, and connect.
The drawing series stands as a testament to Nela's Artist in Residence programme at COIN South. Throughout her twelve-week immersion in the COIN South office, Nela engaged in deep observation, active listening, and continuous creation, fostering an environment of shared experiences and insights. Her research and exploration culminated in these digital drawings, each showcasing the intricate networks and movements that symbolize the dynamic nature of COIN South and its constant pursuit of growth, connection, and adaptation.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Nela for her invaluable time, exceptional skills, and insightful observations that have not only provided a snapshot of our current state but have also expanded our horizons. The presence of an artist in residence at COIN South has been an eye-opening experience for our staff, encouraging us to be more observant, open-minded, and receptive to fresh perspectives. The seamless integration of art and business has revealed the positive impact art can have on an organisation, allowing us to step beyond our routine tasks and gain a reflective overview of our operations. Witnessing Nela's methodical approach has been enlightening, underscoring the focused and intentional nature of artistic endeavors. Moreover, we have realized the mutual benefits of embracing art and business, as art serves as a powerful visual medium that effectively communicates our work and resonates with visual learners. We firmly believe that any corporate organisation would greatly benefit from exploring alternative perspectives and embracing the fun and creativity that art brings into the workplace.
We strongly recommend that employing an artist in residence can benefit corporate businesses by bringing fresh perspectives, fostering creativity and innovation, and enhancing communication strategies. Artists challenge conventional thinking, inspire new ideas, and encourage collaboration. By integrating art, businesses can cultivate a vibrant ecosystem and tap into the power of creativity for organisational success.
If you are interested in how your business can work with Nela you can contact her here.