Join us for a behind the scenes tour of Spike Island where two artists will open their studio doors to the public. This is a chance to explore the building’s unique architectural features and meet some of the artists based at Spike Island, learn about their practice and view works in progress.

On this visit, we meet artists Iris Thorsteinsdottir and Jo Lathwood. Thorsteinsdottir is a photographer, who captures, not just moments frozen in time, but the intricate tapestry of emotions woven between landscapes and their inhabitants. Lathwood’s practice straddles drawing, sculptural works and large installations in both galleries and the public realm.

Tour schedule:
10:45: Meet at reception

11:00: Tour of Floor 1
11:15: Studio visit with Iris Thorsteinsdottir

11:45: Tour of Ground Floor

12:00: Studio visit with Jo Lathwood
12:30: End

IRIS THORSTEINSDOTTIR

Iris Thorsteinsdottir is an Icelandic artist based in Bristol, UK. She holds a Master’s degree in photography from the Academy of Art University in San Francisco. Inspired by Iceland’s captivating landscapes and rich folklore, her work explores the interplay between absence and presence, humanity and nature, and past and present. Recent projects focus on landscapes shaped by human presence and abandoned structures, inviting viewers to reflect on the delicate balance between human activity and the natural world.

JO LATHWOOD

Jo Lathwood is a queer artist who’s practice straddles drawing, sculptural works and large installations in both galleries and the public realm. The starting point for much of these works is a response to a particular site, event, material or process.

Working with recycled timber, she has built a meandering staircase that travelled across three stories to facilitate the audience to touch the roof of a church. Experimenting with foundry technologies, she developed a way of casting lava into contemporary forms and though researching traditional techniques she has made inks from Oak Galls. These ideas have grown from a focus around making and an examination of our impact and relationship with the natural and built environment. Themes such as transitions, viewpoints, illusions, aspiration, environmentalism and anti-capitalism are woven throughout her practice.

Lathwood is the Chair of the Board of Trustees for BRICKS Bristol. She was part of the EARTHart council at the University of Bristol (2017–2024). She was also the co-director of Ore and Ingot, an artist-led fine art bronze foundry in Bristol (2012–2018).