Week 1 and 2, Studio allocation and intro modules.

 

I've moved into the MA-CAP studio space and have a preliminary work for an exhibition on the go.

This is a side project from my usual practice context - it's still based around the complexities of family but it's for an exhibition by Out Loud Art around addiction.  The text refers to the object as much as it does to my dad and references alcoholism through this tabbaco tin that belonged to him.

This is canvas paper - I wanted to take a gestural approach trying to avoid any set ideas of what I would make - keeping it easy - but I'm not enjoying the paper....and may go back and use a canvas. 

I need to stick to the strategy that works for me when making work but this was intended as an easy to achieve (see the irony of moving away from established methods of working )

Over the summer I got into audio books which has been a game changer, listening to Braiding Sweetgrass, In defence of witches, Caliban and the Witch and What about Men? 

I have 2 exhibitions lined up; Outloud in Great Bear Tattoo in Tunstall and an exhibition at Acava Studios in late October. 

I managed to take in some of the BCB during welcome week, whilst working to support Level 4's with a sketch booking session and walk to All Saints church on Leek Road.

Howe much do I love these!

 

This work is based on the beaching of whales caused by drilling - the vibrations in the ocean cause a reaction in the whales; scared, they rush to the surface too fast and essentially get the bends which proves fatal. The cast shapes incorporate ground whale bone and the ropes transfer vibrations which emulate the impact of the drilling. You can feel the vibrations in the rope when you hold them - they act as a subtle but effective way to understand the gravity of the impact. You can't see, but you can literally feel the impact through the rope.

The curation, set in the church set on industrial plinths which nod to the industrial roots of Stoke on Trent is complex.

shards of collected ceramic installed alongside fired ware designed to collect and fill with rain water whilst slowly breaking down. This is an engagement project that changes over time. The audience is encouraged to take remnants after the installation. 

I've not come across anything as delicate as this before in ceramic- Anna Francis mentioned paper which burns away in the firing process leaving this something really delicate 

Noticed some really interesting books in the engagement space that I may take another look at. 

 

 

 The BCB led to a chat with Mick the Vic around the history of churches as community spaces.  Historically, churches were painted and colourful until the puritans removed these features, and they were standing spaces which facilitated markets and community activities until the victorians added pews.  A really interesting chat - Mick has a contemporary approach to his faith and is supportive of people and which ever belief system they hold,  and was actually really receptive of my description of my practice and its links to religion and the societal evolution of the female role. 

Connected Practices Session 2.10.23

Mind mapped my practice and explained where I'm at currently and what I want to do going forward. Rebecca suggested looking at the "bad mum" but I feel all mums are portrayed,  or are pressured by society in a way that makes them feel like they're failing (bad). I want to look at the privitisation of women as property and 'breeders' and societal deviants if they didn't conform. 

Look at Ann Shelton

Dimensions of Contemporary Practice Session 3.10.23

 Introduced to Research Aims and Objectives Form - Typed copy. 

Again, I've focused on the witch as an anchor point to my practice - Ian suggested that it may be too specific and I could consider looking at the female overview; exploring the construction of the individual but the treatment of women specifically during the period that they were persecuted in this way, and how that has translated into contemporary life as a Holliday pastiche is what interests me. This translation feels like a driver for what I am curious about and is what has led me to where I am so I feel I'm happy pursuing it. 

Look at Kiki's Delivery Service and writing around this.

Registered for a mentor........not sure what to expect..

Tagged some artworks on ArtUK and am slowly curating a collection of paintings that feature witches.