Stepping Sprightly to Semester end!!

Hello - the tempo continues to increase - thought we would have a lull after Lightworks, but no it is still all go - with lots to do.  I found myself making lists!!!  How sad am I?   The Lightworks event went terrifically well - no doubt about it - sensational show.  If you missed it - TOUGH - make sure you dont next time and get those film bids in early!
The `Brainstorm` lecture on Friday 23rd with Chris went really well - some great suggestions came out of that and it was good to hear other opinions re work and sculpture for next year - we want more sculpture - more space and lots more people and things for them  to get involved with.  Also ideas re refreshments were chewed over. 

On the 24th - Saturday myself and Irene had volunteered to help at Abbey Walk Gallery, so we arrived at nearly 10am and made ourselves familiar with the works on show - lots to discuss and deliberate over - some beautiful work, and no wonder Picasso was such a womaniser - he was a bit of a hunk - dark and sultry!  Yes, the exhibition is well worth the look.  Of course the portrait of the very edgy looking Van Gogh (supposedly) was in prime position, but my favourite was the Degas` who was quite handsome also.  The painted self portrait of Picasso was a little difficult to photograph because of the protective frame - so a bit of reflection, and a bit me too.

We had a really good day with lots of visitors, and also a bonus for us was the chance to talk to resident artists about their work.  I would really recommend this gallery to anyone - its not snobbish or anything like it - so comfortable - and Gill and Elaine make everyone welcome.

My personal work this week has been centred around my installation for assessment at semester end, and tutorials, which were very encouraging - I feel so positive about the way in which this piece is taking me.  Third year students are buzzing - then puffing - sighing - then laughing!!  All though are looking good with their work and getting last minute tasks attended to.   My door is filling up now and maybe it will get even more so,as I still am getting promised more handles and knobs!  I will hope to come in next week at least twice as I want to ask Mike for some help with some of the difficult handles, and also discuss the hanging of my door.  Yesterday was exciting as on Tuesday I had a mould of my right hand made and then plaster poured into the mould, so it had to be revealed! - It was amazing, and I was so surprised that nearly all my hand is clear but there are some bits that need filing and tidying up - but I`ll work on them.  As there was some alginate left I thought it would be good to do some of the keys and try to integrate them into the door piece, we`ll see.

The pic shows but a few:   Keys are a very important piece of kit, especially in connection with a door, and can be quite symbolic in art, with regard to connotation, and inference.

Tomorrow, we have lectures in the morning then in the afternoon I have booked F01 to film my performance piece.  I`m hoping to be able to get it right in the first session of recording, with a little help from my friend Barrie.  I have a sound piece ready to play at the same time as the filming - just the rehearsals to do now!

So until next week - Buona Pasque tutti!

                              

Post `Lightworks` ponderings!

Ciao - Is it the weather? It is raining, but its the terra firma feeling now - LIGHTWORKS  2012  was a sensational night all round.  Tiring though - but that could be other relative things.  Yes - it was buzzing - all day - all night - what a spectacle for Grimsby - Who enjoyed it?  let me know please.    Sitting with Caroline for a little break gave us the opportunity to meet a couple of the exhibiting artists - really appreciate you travelling to be with us.  One artist Margaret Sharrow came from Wales!  Margaret is a specialist in photographic processes and was really interesting to talk to - did you see her performance during `Lightworks` The Lady with the BIG hat and the little black dress trailing red ribbons behind her? Her exhibit was a short film.  You can catch up with her at :
margaretsharrowgreenland.blogspot.com to view her blog. and at www.wix.com/sharrowsrt/margaretsharrow

A group of us were involved with the childrens activity table - always a winner.  We had very simple cutting edge design lanterns this year and cookies and colouring in on printed sheets which were scanned by Sam and animated on a film, and also a growing paper streamer sculpture - which became very interesting with pieces from all ages making their mark for Lightworks.

I displayed my `Codex` piece outside of the Lady Chapel window - The vicar apprehended me placing it and said "Ahh thats who that belongs to!"  I had a real and very normal conversation with him regard my piece and my thoughts on religion.  I was so surprised with his reaction, as he actually agreed with my concept, and but for the dog-collar you wouldnt have been surprised to hear him swear mildly!!! (B......ks)  was the word he used. Unfortunately, because of `health and safety` issues I could not complete the piece with the barbed wire - but managed to include more tied books and an extra piece of wood that secured to the window mesh nicely.  It was a pity that the lighting outside wasnt too good - I should have had it lit but could not be with it all night so decided to let it be.

This week also brought group crits, which came and went as they do and in particular I appreciate Jeff`s way of implementing these.  The definite comments and concerns from all of the group and lastly from him allowed you to see another perspective on your own work.  Apparently it seems I have three strong pieces - lets hope I can prevail and  display them adequately to keep them strong, and thoughtful, to show the depth of feeling I`m trying to express through the objects and their configuration.  I feel I have all the necessary parts, I just need to address the rapprochement to bring to fruition.

The subject for my dissertation plan is changeable - confusing, I keep returning to my original idea of researching Arte Povera.  It may have modified in some ways, but still continues to give us pieces to aspire to.  Some great artists also: Guilio Paolini, Michaelangelo Pistoletto and the great Kounellis.  I think I may need some guidance on this.

So, once again mi amici - ciao; sono non continuare a parlare di qualcose - I will leave a quote from Aristotle (I have The Beatles in the background):-
           We give up leisure in order that we may have leisure,
            just as we go to war in order that we may have peace.

Buzzin Beautiful!! - AGLOW for LIGHTWORKS!

Ciao- Where did it go - this week has been quite hyper for all things but of course Lightworks is Prime position!   Jackie and Gina and I had a quick meeting (well several actually) to go over the children`s activity table, and we are confident that the things planned will be `cutting edge`.  The Minster layout is planned and ready to be installed with all sorts of great work from local and guest artists.  ( You must go see the wonderful films clips - my fav: Shamar Markus - Sleek! )

I tell you, we have all been working on neon - drive this week.  Especially Chris!  My ears can`t keep up with his vocals!  Of course I get the jist anyway. I`m not surprised,  with whats going on, the posters have fantastic designs and have now started to integrate Grimsby Town - Look up everyone! This year is having some fantastic coverage from our tweeters - It will be `A Sight for a Night` Miss it at your peril.

The frame I have made and aged is now waiting to be adorned by the many handles and knobs I have collected as part of my installation plan for the end of semester.  There are new and old but that`s okay as I wanted the thought process of the viewer to follow this time phenomenon, and be slightly perplexed by it.  The plan is to make this piece an enigma, and hopefully interesting, by the placement of these handles and perhaps some concealment also.   I have been sourcing some work I think is necessary to include with my second installation piece - with the same topic theme - and have been successful with that so at the moment I am happy!!!

How many people have touched these - tried to open them - closed them - lingered by them - pushed them and pulled them - used and abused them - stuttered by them - dared to  turn them - assumed they worked?                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   

                                                                                                                                                                             

 I am really grateful for all the help I have had in accumulating all these handles and thank everyone who has contributed their stored door furniture.  It is amazing how much people in general do store away in the hope that one day it will `come in` and that it isn`t wasted, or someone like me with a particular quirk with regard to this type of door accessory will need it, and by that time (Months/Years?) they are happy to donate it, to possibly, anyone!

Well, I think that is it, for now.  Some studios have been painted, as has mine, but unfortunately, my walls are not great and it is still somewhat patchy.  I have to add some work to my `Codex` piece which will make another appearance at `LIGHTWORKS` on FRIDAY l6TH MARCH - THATS NEXT FRIDAY!!
It will need to be in 3D by next Thursday to be ready for dispatch to placement on the special day of the l6th!!  The actual location of my piece is not quite clear to me at least, as I wanted to hang it and if it is to go outside, then the only way to hang it is from a strong branch of a Minster tree.  It will all be alright on the night. BIG night, ONE NIGHT ONLY - BE THERE.
A presto mi amici!!

Berlin and back!

Wow! it was tiring, but worth it.  Age is telling and with related conditions makes life a little trying - but trying is the motto to live by.  Celebrations for Richter`s 80th birthday was very evident in Berlin. and so we had lots to remind us of our London trip! There were two retrospectives running in Berlin, and it was a treat to see both.  The Nationalgalerie showing of `Richter` was phenominal and showed us all just where we should be heading - I think!!  It was a very popular affair, and the diversity of age range and Richters art was astounding.  His compositions are amazing.  In particular I was taken by his work with photographs - almost dream-like, or maybe thats just how I felt!  It was difficult to imagine how two places could run simultaneously - and be successful, but they are doing it and it works.  His diversity of field is I believe, unsurpassable.  I certainly could not do justice to try and describe this though. Any how I will include a couple of pics from the galleries exhibits.

Reflections on` Richter the Great`.

Good connections though - yes!    What about the Richter below ?

                                                                          

This image of Richter`s glass screens are fascinating to look at and at every move the image
changes - thats Richter, fascinating.

My work this semester is quite emotional and the project is proving difficult to express, but I feel
I am getting there now.  The piece I started in studio has been dismantled  twice - but lets
hope it will be third time lucky.  I have been in touch with Canterbury cathedral for supplies and
will hopefully get that well on the way when I receive my candles.

This Kerze 11 (Candle 11), was my particular favourite, on this trip, and had my attention for what seemed a long time.  It is difficult to choose just one and I have to mention Richter`s screen print with 41 colours!! Can you imagine trying to better or even compare with that? The idea is mind-blowing.  This man could turn a pin into a work of art.  His illusions become realistic and visual. 

Berlin is full of beautiful art - ageless. 

Every corner of this city was welcoming and wonderful, and the evening in the Bierkeller at Alexanderplatz was memorable:  Loud, Lederhosen, Litres of beer and the like.  We took a taxi
home to the Hostel of which I have no complaints as it was clean with pleasant staff and plenty of
food and beverage.

To add a couple of pics of interest I must - this is project based and maybe I will use them this year or next.

What do handles say or do for you - I have a fear of doors and handles!!  I find them intimidating and the red door above stood out and shouted to me, so I started to record the diverse amount of door handles that existed in a relatively short space within this city.  Old doors with ornate and I suppose one could say beautifully made handles displayed to perfection on their surface, and new doors, some with new steel coloured ornamentation or with no ornamentation at all - automated - thats the door for me.  A door without a handle is `bliss`.  

Feeling a little more tired now - I will take some time to consider my dissertation plan, although not set in stone, it must reflect something of a connection to my work and what inspires me.......................................................................................
................I thought I would explore the concept of space in installation art.

A presto mi amici - ciao!