Little Interview Mazie Smallidge
Every month we ask the same set of cultural questions to one of our artistic, academic or civic collaborators.
Over the last number of years, we have interviewed diverse members of the Glucksman community - artists, academics, staff members, guests, audiences and workshop participants. The responses are funny, inspiring, revealing and always a great read.
This month, we hear from Mazie Smallidge, the Curatorial Assistant here at the Glucksman Gallery.
What are you reading?
At the moment I’m reading The Hearing Trumpet by Leonora Carrington and I’m listening to The Empusium by Olga Tokarczuk while I knit.
Favourite museum?
I don’t know if I have a favourite museum to be honest, there are just so many. Some favourites I’ve been to recently have been MOMA San Francisco, TATE Modern, and the Medieval Museum in Waterford. I am also a big fan of The Butter Museum here in Cork.
Best performance?
When I first moved to Cork in 2024 I saw I Dreamed I Dream at Cyprus and it was such an amazing show and introduction into the Cork music scene. Little did I know that I’d later become friends with the drummer, Julie Landers, who was the Curatorial Assistant here at the Glucksman before me.
Most treasured possession?
I have a little book my friend made out of tea packaging which tells a story we made up together when we were kids, it’s got her own little illustrations and everything. She passed away a few years ago so it's the only time I get to see her handwriting now.
Work(s) of art that inspire you?
Currently, I’m feeling inspired by Anne Carson’s translation of Hekabe by Euripides and Crystal Bennes’ woven piece When Computers Were Women. When I’m in need of inspiration I love rereading the fibre arts publication Needlebound; really any knit piece by the artist Dazy Chains who puts that magazine together is a source of inspiration for me.
A lightbulb moment?
When I realised Internet Archive has loads of vintage knitting patterns and charts you can access for free.
Guilty pleasure?
I have a Star Trek Next Gen spreadsheet that I love filling out as I rewatch it so I can keep track of which episodes I like and why. It also helps me actually actively watch instead of being on my phone while I’m watching.
What would you like to be doing right now?
I would love to be knitting or at the climbing gym with my friends.