Sharon Gill (Artist and CEO of YVAN)
Introducing YVAN’s Team Artist Spotlights. YVAN is run by a small staff team of three, each working with the organisation one day a week while continuing their own artistic practices. This series offers a glimpse into the varied work they create alongside their roles at YVAN.
Sharon Gill is the CEO of YVAN, an operations manager and a visual artist based in Sheffield. She studied Fine Art at Leeds Polytechnic, and an MA at Manchester Metropolitan University. Sharon has juggled being an artist, earning a living and raising her three children. We ask Sharon more about her practice, networks and current and future exhibitions.
“I love the suspension of time and the mindfulness of making. I love handling different materials, the tactile sensations and using my hands feels so right and natural. It’s like magic to think something up from nothing and then be able to bring that idea to life.”
Can you tell us a bit about your practice as a visual artist?
I work in textile sculpture, taking techniques used in historically domestic situations and applying them to structures that are freer and more playful than practical. I like to explore the tensions between opposites, the tension between mineral and organic materials.
Could you tell us about your role at YVAN and any other work you do, alongside your practice?
I am currently the CEO of YVAN after spending some time on the Board. I also work as the Operations Manager in a community centre, conference centre and Church of England church. Then for fun I occasionally do bar work.
From your time at YVAN, what project stands out for you as a highlight?
I am always amazed by how much we manage to do every year as a small team. The reflective process of our work when preparing our Annual Report is one of my favourite things to do.
Why do you create?
I love the suspension of time and the mindfulness of making. I love handling different materials, the tactile sensations and using my hands feels so right and natural. It’s like magic to think something up from nothing and then be able to bring that idea to life.
Do you consider yourself to be part of an artist network/community, and how does this impact your own practice?
Recently I have joined the Art Through Textiles Group, and attend a monthly meeting. This is commitment to myself to prioritise my creative work and find like minded people. It is supportive and filled with incredible skill and talent.
“I am always amazed by how much we manage to do every year as a small team. The reflective process of our work when preparing our Annual Report is one of my favourite things to do. ”
What changes would you like to see in the wider arts sector?
Remove competition. Lets support each other, work together and create positive change. Affordable and productive studio spaces for creatives who will make time to use them.
What are your future aspirations as a visual artist and have you got anything coming up you’d like to share?
I did quit all my voluntary and paid positions to be a full time artists- its not easy!! The lure of regular income is a big distraction. My intention was and still is to create a body of work that would enable me to have a solo exhibition. I have a piece in the 'Soft Ontology of Things' online exhibition and catalogue from the Take Two Fibre Arts Course, Soft Revolution led by artist Tina Marais. I am also exhibiting in the Art Through Textiles exhibition 'Now and Then' in Rowsley this April 2026.
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