Lovin’ the Lock-In

Last night, probably the largest, most hard-core organized creative concoction to take place in St Andrews – ever – was an explosive success. The Art Society’s Lock-In, however, did not in fact have a fastened door; the organisers referred to the LOCK-IN concept as “a trance-like artistic/spiritual state of absolute commitment to your medium”. Creative-folk from across the board were welcomed into the Barron, made highly atmospheric by projections, silhouettes, easels, a tree, beanbags, arting-materials, hot beverages and the flood of creative buzz brought by excited crowds. That was about as much organisation as went on, the rest was up to us.

Jazzworks formed a collective of musicians and played an uninterrupted over-six-hour set. They added incredible energy to the space, undulating from wild, squawking free jazz to mellow, bluesy rambling – wherever the mood took them. The music permeated the partition into the life-drawing area, which picked up the model’s silhouette, made by the projection of visually rich films such as Wong Kar-Wai’s In The Mood For Love and Godfrey Reggio’s, “Koyaanisqatsi: Life Out of Balance”. The effect was very dramatic and created, some said, a ‘sensual’ air.

There was an inspiring culture of initiative in the room. People just got on with their own projects; painting, drawing, knitting, dancing, sculpting, making music, stencils, taking photographs and creative writing (and for some all-nighter essay troops, apparently the atmosphere was more inspiring than Butts Wynd). And just when we thought there was not a square inch of space left, with around a hundred people coming through the door, swing dancers turned up looking for a stage; we reshuffled.

Hot soup was a welcome boost for the still healthy-numbered group remaining at 5am in the booze-free Barron. We ran on adrenaline (and caffeinated hot stuff). President Miranda Stuart reflected through blurry morning eyes and a grin: “I boiled four pumpkins for soup but I like to think that a greater soup was made.” It was an opportunity for people to push themselves out their comfort zones, physically and creatively, and the effects were quite something: “I played jazz like I’ve never played Jazz before!” said one; “unleashed”, said another.

“Before tonight my art was a puny Chihuahua. Tonight the Rottweiler was unleashed. It needed no treats.”

Well, nobody actually said that but I’m sure many were thinking it… As an artist in my 4th year, I have at times found St Andrews quite a difficult place to get motivated/ find the time/space to make stuff, that’s why I find events like this so brilliant. In my time here I have witnessed great improvements in the culture and creativity of the town, with arts related societies mushrooming all over the place. We should encourage the changes making their way into the prospectus – I would have been in more of a rush to come here if I had known there were so many creative possibilities.

So, hats off to the heroic stamina of the attendees, particularly the unflagging musicians. Works from this event, along with other submissions will be exhibited at the Art society’s winter exhibition on the 1st December in a Market Street flat. It promises to be along similar lines of the fun, creative and bizarre.