`B` Looming assessments!!

Week commencing: 12th Dec. 2011.

This is a little belated as I possibly tempted fate last week with the mention of health and stuff! After having a forced contact with the ground on the way to college on Monday morning, I developed bruising and pain down left of body but mainly my hand, during that night and was advised to visit A & E. which meant leaving early to gain a chance of being seen in the day-light of that Wednesday p.m. It was soon diagnosed as bad bruising and swelling causing pressure on the nerves causing the pain. A splint and sling and painkillers were administered - that will teach me to mention health issues! I did start to de-clutter my studio space this week and managed to get a degree of  

tidiness suitable to bring two plinths in to display the work for assessment. These were painted together with any patches on walls, then the paint was passed around to other studio tidiers.  Since my display of books at Utterby, I have completed a hanging paper sculptural piece, which I particularly like.  The quality of the paper is the crux of the

work, as the spaces and shaping is essential to achieve the sculptural complexity.  The black piece has lights inserted, to enhance the negative and positive qualities.

I believe this type of work would be fantastic constructed of paper-clay.  A stoneware clay can be used for this.  It is a matter of combining paper pulp or mache into the clay and shaping to the required form, then as the piece/s are fired the paper burns away and leaves spaces within  the shapes formed.  Alan, a tutor, has knowledge of this method, and I would love to get the go-ahead to try it, under his direction.  It is often the simplistic forms that make the best sculptures, as shows here with the paper.   The work with the religious books - bound and otherwise contained or shaped has been quite satisfying, and I do have one or two ideas to take this further.  My essay is still awaiting completion for the 13th February, which is not that far away.  There are also some professional practice assignments to complete, and Lightworks to look forward to!
Until maybe the New Year I will say - Buon Natale!

  

                                                           

Winding up - then winding down!!

It was a full-on first two days of this week - then ..............Semester Reviews:- CANCELLED. was posted on e-mails etc and on studio doors!  Was it a relief?

Sculpture `Density` 

Obstacle.

Well, in a way, but it did compound some activity and some people work better under pressure - Dont know why, its crazy.  I may be one of those people as I completed three new works, and was actually considering another piece.  I will be calling in on my studio, tomorrow( Saturday) when I clear my work from Utterby, and will take stock of quality of work and how it will be presented for assessment.  My work will now be easier to handle as there are a few pieces that are hung, and the studio is already equiped for it, and so the  transfer to gallery trauma won`t be necessary.   The 3rd year students will be putting together some of their major work now and certainly the spaces are filling up with diverse objects and constructions.  It is unfortunate though that there is also quite a bit of sickness around the college and its a question of trying to keep healthy and well enough to cope with this last couple of weeks.  I have been lucky so far, so I hope to be okay to finish and for Christmas!!!!  I have enjoyed this semester of work, although I have to admit to a slow start, and I suppose the transition from part-time to full-time could be the reason for that.

Moulded paper work.

I will be helping at the Christmas Fair at the Grimsby Minster tomorrow in the afternoon, and hoping to pop in to Abbey Walk Gallery before that to wish seasons greetings and also look at the exhibition there, which I believe is really good this year.  I would also like to purchase a couple of gifts from both of the events.  Why don`t you mosey on down to Grimsby tomorrow and see what a great selection of wares there are to be had, you will most likely be surprised.  The `Grim` in Grimsby is not as sinister as it sounds!  Look forward to seeing and possibly meeting you tomorrow - you know my name, come and see us all at the Minster. Until then - a presto! 

Frantic antics!

This week brought another quick shuffle for three of us to exhibit our works at Utterby
Church for their Tree Festival - on from 3rd December to 9th December.  Firstly, we had some finishing to do to the Candle and get the stand made for it.  It was necessary to varnish it and stabilise the childrens paint-work and we would then add the gold trim at the top and the inner gold flame relief.

Both Barrie and myself went to Utterby on Wednesday to place our work - an atmospheric piece for Baz and I had the books to place on the pulpit together with the two new pieces I had completed, also religious books. The Log wasnt suitable to be placed in the pulpit as at Wooton, but the Window ledge was definitely beckoning for use.

Baz had been making reflective boxes to use in the room off the altar, and together with his prints and pot he had quite a substantial show.  Chris and Kirk were to provide a

projection show set for the side of the altar.  I was advised by Chris that my work needed a `tweek` and could I go and do this before Saturday - Baz and I went from

college on Friday and it appeared that my work had been displaced but it wasnt possible to move the pulpit to do a total readjustment so I made right what had been moved and left a note to advise that the books were delicate and Penny said she would check it.  So I left things and trust it will be ok.

View of the altar with Barries prints and Carolines window work, above.              

Two of my new book pieces, displayed on old wooden panels.  I hope they will withstand the footfall of the visitors.  I have a smaller piece to complete for assessments on the 16th, and also a paper sculpture or two.  It is the Christmas Fair at the Minster next Saturday 10th December, and I will be attending and helping where necessary. I hopefully will be able to purchase a couple of pressies also.   It is a little hectic towards the end of the semester, and a little sad also as the buzz of camaraderie comes to a decline until the new term begins, which takes us to another episode, in the life of a degree student!  So until next weeks news, ciao!                                                               

London week.

This trip is always good!  First, Tate Modern and Tacita Deans huge film exhibit
in the Turbine - but for me the Highlight was Gerhard Richter!!  Absolutely wonderful.
I didnt realise how varied his work is - its so difficult to say how great this exhibition
is - that my suggestion is GO AND SEE IT!  I believe its still on until 8th January 2012.
There are 13 rooms full of Richters work - loads of beautiful art.  I also purchased some
special paper I wanted in the shop so I`m hoping to complete my paper works next week.
Assessment is looming and I must complete my work for this semester, to enable me to
continue with confidence.
Tuesday morning was the Saatchi Gallery and most of the work was from Germany.  It was very eclectic and there were some I liked very much.  Unfortunately, I dropped my
trusty camera outside whilst trying to post the Lightworks postcard - it did actually take
the picture - but it is giving a bit of trouble in downloading to computer.   I`m sure there
is a way!  We were really lucky with the weather in London and I`m sure the walking
did us the power of good.  The West End Galleries were great and the variations of
works with light and movements amazing. Paul McCarthy is worth a research if you
are looking for really up to the minute art.  Explicit some were, but thats art.
On Wednesday morning as a threesome we decided to trawl the National Gallery, but
we had no chance of seeing the Da Vinci as the queue was around the building - still
The Portrait Gallery was beckoning one of us and as one of the two left we went into
the Photographic Competition exhibition - and that again was good and busy.  We had
refreshment then went on to the Kings Place which is just around the corner of Kings
Cross, where the Portrait Competition was being shown (In which our friend and

Leaving the Tate.

local artist, Linda Ingham had been selected) in a vast contemporary space which appears to be used for conferences and meetings in amongst the art-work.  The
competition had already been judged but being selected is an  honour in itself. A great deal of the work was self-portrait as was Linda`s work.  I think by this time we were all
running on gas!  It was now time to depart London for Home.
Thursday brought another rush to bear as I| made my way to meet Barrie and Caroline

`Graffitti`  by Wooton Children.

at Wooton School to procede on with our promise to help the children to make a
candle to present to the local church. It is in honour of the 200th year of the Church of
England Schools in the diocese. It has some finishing to be done by us and a plaque
to be put in place, which has yet to be inscribed on brass.
Onward with hope for reasonable marks - ciao!

 LIGHTWORKS LOGO EVERYWHERE!

EVEN AT THE SAATCHI!

Monday made the pace!!

Yes - Monday started with a dash to Wooton from arrival at college on bus! into Baz`s

bus. We met Caroline in Wooton, and the three of us arrived for a  very amiable meeting with Mrs. Zaitschenko, the Head at Wooton Primary, and we took note of necessary points - had a look round the school, surprisingly spacious and light, and very modern.  The discussion was re our work with the children to compose a gift for the C of E Church in lieu of the celebration this year of 200 years of the diocese, and also it happens to be the 400 year of the King James Bible.... our suggestion was a substantial wood piece - to hand over to the church on the 2nd December, at the Christingle service. It will entail going back to the school on 24th November to spend a day with the children in groups to make their marks on the large wooden candle we have spent this week preparing. Pics shown.  It measures 6ft tall by

3ft wide, and has had many coats of primer and then gold, and it is ready masked off for the artwork to be applied by the children.  It is intended to overlap some of the works and make it very colourful and lively whilst the masking and the relief will still give it the tidiness for the professional touch. We will then coat with varnish and attach the stand to stabilise it.  In between coats of paint etc, in 3D  we all tried to carry on with studio work - as we also have Utterby Festival to plan and attend.  Essay is coming along nicely!  My work with paper is progressing and the plaster head is in the next stage.  I had some suggestions re research at the crit and have been looking at that. John Latham - Artist and film maker, is really very interesting, especially his work with books. I am looking at Karla Black also - who has been nominated for the Turner Prize.

My wrapped books will be going to Utterby together with the screen prints to support the pulpit sculpture.  Work this semester has been so far quite hectic but definitely exciting.  I thrive on the buzz, and hope it continues.  Our partnership of three is so electric!!  Until next week - London trip - then Wooton - then work;  Ciao.

Tidy and ready!!

Crits started on Monday, and I must say they appeared to be quite relaxed and some of the feedback was relevant and positive for the artists I witnessed.  I am prepared I think, for tomorrow, and hope for some useful comments from my peers and tutor.  There was an induction planned and listed for Tuesday in Print room for Acid etching.  The mention of acid of course means we take care with things, and that is why we have inductions!  Sara, went through all procedures and we got to etch our plates in the acid.  I have not printed with it yet, so will report of the outcome when done. 
I got to make some metal brackets this week in 3D and was surprised at how easy it is to cut metal - with the right gear of course.  The brackets were to hang my wrapped books, and they are now in place in studio.  I continue to `play` with paper in a sculptural manner and maybe something will emerge from that.  I delivered some bulky items to college today - and asked Security to save any cardboard they may get as I intend to extend my `play` into the building of a carboard sculpture - quite what shape yet I do not know.  It may take the form of a head or an abstract piece.  Whatever comes, I am looking forward to starting it.  Got to check my sketchbooks now for the crit tomorrow - so,  ciao mi amici! a presto.

It`s good to be busy!

The first week in November and the progress in most art spaces is starting to reveal the simmering pot of ability amongst us. A lot of memory related work together with decay and re-birth or exorcising of past personal defunct baggage are in development stages. Barrie, Caroline and myself had an appointment this week(Tuesday) with Penny Would, a committee member of St. Andrews, Utterby with the possibility of putting some art work in place at the church to coincide with their Christmas Tree Festival, in three weeks time.

Discussion was long at the first meeting, (two hours), but of course we had to feedback to Chris, as the original request from Penny had gone through him.  Penny, mentioned that she would like some projection images/film on the ceiling of the church, in a similar vein to Lightworks!  We discussed this with Chris and we hope to be able to put some lights etc in, together with an atmospheric installation by Barrie, a sculptural piece by myself in or around the pulpit area, together with some murmuring parabels of sympathetic nature, and Caroline will create in the large window behind the altar - which is, although 14th century, very plain so will lend itself to possible use of lights and reflective qualities, which Caroline will work with.  There is also a small niche at the side of the entrance to the church in which an installation could be placed - watch this space for news of that, and subsequent actions and finalities.

On a  personal note, I have been making some chicken wire heads with a view to hang or attach some text to them.  I made a large one out of 50mm wire which didnt have the same finesse as the previous two so I decided to use that one to experiment with.  It didnt go as well as I would have liked but out of failure comes a glimmer of hope!  I will form another head out of some smaller wire just purchased and use another idea I have to complete the pieces.  String, is a great medium to wrap things up with.  The books collected will inevitably become secured in it soon.  I have done a few and they are quite aesthetic to view so when we had a workshop with two guest artists yesterday, I took them along as they requested that we bring a piece of work to collaborate with each other to form a typical gallery space and therefore curate together under guidance and input from the artists, an eclectic mix of works.  It went very well - so we all came away in a positive mood. 

The pics show some of the exhibits in our `White Cube` collaborative.

Next week we will be concentrating on crits.  It is two years since my last crit with April, so I`m hoping that it won`t be too daunting and as 3rd and 2nd year students are grouped together for crits, as in the collaborative curation, hopefully it will all turn out to be positive.  I have already started to compile notes towards my essay, so will read through and continue to extend it this weekend.  I indicated to Chris what I would like to do regarding `Lightworks` duties, and as I have interactive experience, both in my art work and previous professional work, I chose the children`s activity table, or explainer duties or perhaps an interchange during the evening with another student may be possible. I am happy to be placed anywhere to help the smooth running of the `Lightworks` spectacle. Tonight many people will be having a mini lightworks of their own, together with friends and family.  Whatever you`re doing - keep safe. Arrivederci!

Ideas abound!

Working round the non-half term!  The travelling issue is the diffficulty, as the college buses do have a half term and therefore reliance on lifts and transport availability means I havent been able to attend every day and so have had to re-arrange tutorials listed.  On a plus note, I have been productive and a clear plan is emerging as to my direction, and near future work, which is a relief personally.  The relativity of text and how we relate to others seems to take up a large part of my thinking and therefore my art work is bound to show this.  The realisation of mortality has its effects also.  Analysis of personal thoughts gives me the idea that I take situations in a solemn manner although I know I am not a doleful person as I believe life is too short for that.   I have been experimenting with making my own text-works to hopefully produce a handmade book, with a difference.  My collection of religious books will be used to make this or these!  Tuesday came and Paul`s tutorials.  I have this year seen some large-scale  works at the YSP , namely Jaume Plensa and Aeneas Wilder, which were awesome, and so I can only think that my idea to go with `Implications of Scale` for my essay came from them.  What I dont want to do is appear biased towards large works as the very intricacy of some small art pieces is superb.  Wednesday saw me re-arranging my studio and am now happy with that.  Yesterday (Friday) we had an induction on the vacuum former - which could be useful for future moulding of letters and text for me.

I also became accustomed with some other machinery in 3D.  The wire heads (in studio) are what I am working on   - there will be three hopefully although the large netting is harder to form and may take a little longer to shape. The macquette fashioned with black card was quite interesting enough to bring into studio, of course it would be good to go bigger with this:

Time to concentrate on research and essay so for now, ciao!

6 weeks already!

I can`t believe we are already 6 weeks into semestre - tutorials next week with regard to our essay for Context and Research with Paul.  I may go with the Implications of Scale as my subject, although I havent seen any Christo, De Maria, or Smithson work in person the work is inspirational to read about, and try to contemplate.  I will of course take on board the outcome of tutorial and work with that.  This week was very much a thoughful one - and the books I have accrued are meant to be a further piece of art, but not as they are.
It became obvious that I wasnt happy with the format of them, indeed not happy with any of them at all.  The only way is to make my own!  All will be revealed as I think this through.  The talk at 20/21 Visual Arts Centre in Scunthorpe, yesterday, was very enlightening, very thought provoking and most of all very reassuring.   Martin Griffiths is a very humble man and his sculptural pieces take a spiritual line, that give out energy vibes as you walk and stand amongst them, and although disconcerting is quite pleasant.  He has asked for feed back on the kind of feelings his work evoked from us and I`m sure he will get plenty of good comments.  Also to see there were works from the graduation of this year, and the gallery did them proud, showing to full potential. I would love to be included one day.    Take a look at 20/21 visual arts centre - they are on line and you`ll be surprised how people friendly they are.   Now, I will continue my research and put some thoughts on paper.  Fino a settimana prossima (until next week).

Research continues:

Our work for assignments continue mainly with research in to artists we think we may have a common ground with or into a subject that we may be passionate about.  The first lecture re the emergence of installation started with Franz Marc and his contemporaries then proceeded through to llya Kabakov and his room installation - The man who flew into space from his apartment.  Installation work is a particular favourite of mine but I have made no firm decision where to explore for my essay yet, and continue to  research. I have been busy writing up the work already completed for part of my Professional Practice - Wooton, St. Andrews - together with photographs for inclusion in sketchbook.  The installation work that impressed me immensely this year was the exhibitons of works by Jaume Plensa and Aeneas Wilder at YSP.  Awesome.  I joined Axis to pose a question to Aeneas Wilder re relevance of volume to space and was surprised to receive a personal reply from Aeneas.  I include an image from his profile on Axis. 

There are some ideas buzzing around in head re another sculptural work with part of the work used in Wooton, which may emerge triumphant or change as thoughts can.  I have some definitive ideas for the religious books and hope to start on these soon.  We have a visit to 20/21 in Scunthorpe to look forward to, so on that note I say, a presto.

Exhibition week.

Wednesday 5th, was assigned for placing of works at Wooton, St. Andrews, so we met early morning and carried our art into the display areas and began the transformation of the church.  My main piece was in the pulpit, leaning up from the shelf of the lecturn to the back wall, with various additives and it was important that all parts were safe and secure with health and safety very much in the forefront of our minds.  All the cables and connections to sound effects were made safe and blocked off to avoid any possible misfortune for our visitors and of course all the artists.  The children had arranged to meet on Thursday at the church to fill their spaces and to give to Caroline the self-portraits they had made to be put on the old cd`s.  These were hung in the trees to be viewed both on the approach to the church and on leaving. The older children from the Primary School had collaged pictures after the style of Acrimboldo which were very colourful. We had all distributed leaflets to advertise the event which co-incided with Harvest Festival. Friday was the local Flower clubs turn to brighten St. Andrews with floral beauty. Barry and myself met Caroline on Friday afternoon to help with last minute preparations for the refreshments and the atmospherics, which played a huge part in the transformation. An opportune find led to an installation in the vicars room, off the altar area where Barry set up a sound spectacle with wonderful results and was a real success, with everyone impressed.   We had 18 donated raffle prizes, and together with the auction and saleable home-mades we were hopeful for a good return for the fund. `Treasures in the Midst`, the first of our collaborated exhibitions was a big learning curve for us, but all in all it was certainly worthwhile.  Sunday evening saw St.
Andrews returned to its normality when oddly it seemed the church echoed our feelings of inevitable culmination.  My personal reflection to end with this week is that ` Art in its many forms is one of the finest ways of communication, it has no restrictions of age, race, or creed.

Cordiali saluti, Suemuse.

settimana tre (third week)

Time moves on - the phenomenon intrigues me - we can and we must keep up with it.  I have been busy planning the piece for Wooton church, St. Andrews.  Barrie and I have also been making lots of saleable items to make some money for the church fund, which incidently is for the installing of toilet facilities for the congregation.  I have been assigned the pulpit area for my main piece and I wanted to include some sound to appear to be coming from the pulpit.  Hopefully the recordings I have taken I will be able to transfer to a disc to enable this to happen.  Caroline, has been distributing leaflets and postcards to the children of the Wooton Primary school who will also be taking part, putting their work in the grounds of the church, and also speaking to the School Head, which is essential.  The trio group (Caroline, Barrie and myself) have invited other artists to display their work this weekend also.  The c.v`s were completed for the professional practice work.  I feel my explanation about what I intended to carry on doing after my graduation - which is a positive feeling - didnt go too well, but I intend to carry on producing art in my own way and I`m glad to be part of the art scene of the moment here in Grimsby! I have made some wonderful friends and I`m thoroughly grateful. Positivity reigns within the power of three.  Fino a settimana prossimo, Suemuse. 

Week 2 continuance:

Monday came quickly! (Insight was quiet but nevertheless enjoyable and the days didn`t drag. My interactive table was popular especially with the younger age-group, and I had no refusals to participate from adults, so the tower is growing slowly).  Tutorials were happening around me all day so I found it difficult to concentrate.  Tuesday, I made a little progress with some collographs made to relate to the subject of life/time. Wednesday was hopeful for a screen-printing induction but we could not get the poster advert for our exhibition at Wooton done in time for the Technician and so another class induction went ahead. Next Tuesday is promised now.  Context and Research lecture was over too soon.  This week we were covering Space/Light/Reflection art-work (a particular favourite of mine).  Monet and Turner were included in this section, as they used light for their work to full advantage.  I researched at home on Thursday to collect more information on several artists of interest to me, but I haven`t made any firm decisions for my essay until we complete the lecture programme.  The lecture on Friday morning on C.V`s, both general and artistic, was interesting and was certainly very different in format to the last C.V. many (many) years ago.  The mini presentations in this Friday`s lecture should be quite enjoyable.  Saturday `Insight` went very well as far interactivity at my table of paper!  Although few, the visitors were certainly enthusiastic about all the work exhibited.  The big plus for participation in `Insight` is the friendship between us artists now.  Sunday was quiet again, but undeterred we stayed until the end and departed to conquer another day......fino a settimana prossimo. Suemuse,

B.A. Journal blog.

1st week done and proceeding:-  The initial meetings were a little scary but gave us the chance ot iron out any queries on both sides and get re-acquainted with each other. My studio space is quite big and was painted forthwith with a little help from my friends.  We had the chance to meet Jeff who was very personable.  Media development with Paul was interesting and seems straightforward with the expectations.  Friday came and Chris talked about Professional practice/Powerpoint Presentations which although complicated, I was pleased that the Lightworks efforts will be included in marking and also that the collaboration formed by three of us exhibiting at St. Andrew`s, Wooton on 7th 8th and 9th of October can be used as part of this work.  The other matter of `Insight` was a little disappointing as I think it was busier last year, but my interactive piece is growing and therefore I must be happy with that.  That is where this blog ends - until next week then folks........