Meet Chelsea Welch: Animator, curator and filmmaker

Marwen is dedicated to supporting the professional development of our teaching artists, because we believe it directly enhances the quality of instruction to educate our students. Since 2016, Marwen has offered teaching artists and studio facilitators an opportunity to use equipment, studios, and exhibition space through our Teaching Artist and Studio Facilitator Residency program.

The residency is a chance for artists to work on their craft, culminate their passion, and showcase their talent. An array of art mediums are represented, including ceramics, sculpture, digital and darkroom photography, painting, drawing/mixed media, printmaking, collage, sound, and installation.

During the residency — with an iPhone and a handful of questions — we went behind-the-scenes to learn more about each artist’s studio and process.

Chelsea is both a teaching artist and student facilitator at Marwen. And though she’s an animator and filmmaker, she decided to use paper for her residency work.

By creating paper cut-outs of hands and limbs, she is hoping to make a personal piece about her Jamaican family, particularly her grandmother. And although Chelsea said she is distant from her Jamaican culture, she’s finding ways to incorporate herself into that identity.

Chelsea said the residency has helped her carve out time to pursue this project all while continuously becoming inspired by her student’s work.