Siân’s Story

The idea for Pistol & Soda began once upon a time when myself Siân, Founder and Director decided to finally establish my idea to start a design and production clothing brand that enabled young creative people to afford and enjoy Art. As an art graduate from UCA, studying BA(Hons) Photography, MFA Photography and gaining a PGCert in Creative Ed, during my time as a student I couldn’t help but ignore the deflating feeling of visiting a wonderful exhibition, and not being able to purchase a piece of work at the end of it.

Not only is Artwork expensive to purchase, but I simply didn’t have a wall, nor an area that any artwork could live. Just like lots of other art students, I was fed up with only being able to afford a postcard in a gift shop at the end of an exhibition that I could pin somewhere in my workspace, and then probably lose it in a few years time once I graduated. I understand that lots of grad shows and other exhibitions offer publications, which is a fabulous archival form of keeping a beautifully printed copy of the show, but at times I would have loved to buy a piece of clothing with the exhibition work printed on, and be able to wear it with pride, and support my love for the artist’s work, even if it did have a shorter life span than a book or publication.

Whilst I mention exhibitions and gift shops, that would stereotypically be found in larger, more established galleries, I would like to re-iterate that I want this brand to always be fully inclusive to all realms of artists, no matter what stage in their career they are. My idea to not only make artwork more accessible to young people, but also to create a realistic way to own art and support artists through financial gain with collaborations, I must stress that I aim to also support young artists and enable them to have some financial return on their hard work, even if they are still at university.

The nature of this brand does not limit itself to post exhibition merchandise. It simply allows opportunity for artists to display their work through an affordable, practical way, for everyone to enjoy without devaluing their practice.

I have lots of ideas to grow Pistol & Soda towards grad show collaborations, and working closely with Students and Artists to help grow their own practice.

I hope you enjoy the work I am creating and please get in touch if you would like to collaborate in any way.

Lots of love, Siân x

Pistol and Soda - The Story

If you would like to have a look at some of Siân’s work please visit www.sianhayden-seymour.co.uk