GOOD LUCK CHRIS BOURKE!!

Wish I could be there.  Knock em' dead Chris!
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And so to Work!!

First experiments with Mino Washi paper.  I cannot believe this material, it feels so high tech, but it's produced in the most traditional way you can imagine, (see video link on a previous post).  It glistens in the light and is so incredibly strong, it really resists all efforts to damage it.  I initially, used my own forms to shape it; the results were fairly predictable.  I began to degrade the surface and even put it out under the warm Japanese rain.  Things started to happen, I have been enamoured by the results, photographing the paper in front of an electric lamp really helped bring out the inner qualities.  We are all entering an 'Akari' lamp competition in October, the pressure is on to make a good piece of work, (over 500 people will be displaying their work in the streets of Mino).
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Japan - Where to begin?

Sorry it's taken so long to write.  I am just about getting over the time difference and my feet haven't touched ground since arriving last Thursday.  Myself and the other artists have been treated to a welcome party and various civic functions, including meeting the Mino City Mayor.  He was a well presented, tall man with a twinkle in the eyes behind his designer glasses and brushed back grey hair.  He appreciated my gift of a bottle of Worcester Sauce and various Worcestershire guide books:-)  It seems he is a bit of a cycling fan, which is great, because the Tour of Japan passes through the city, sometime in October.  I do hope I'll get to see some Keirn Racing too, in the nearby city of Gifu. We were photographed and interviewed, and yesterday, it was all published in the local newspaper - the photograph is sweet and I'll try and forward a copy.

I found out yesterday that the four of us were picked from 130 applications!  It was great to meet the main judge - a man called, Takeshi Shinohara.  God, he was nice bloke, a talented, (and apparently well respected artist in his own right, judging by Noriyo, my fellow Japanese artist's response).  We were taken to a beautifully minimal concrete gallery/house in Gifu City to see Mr Shinoharas work and discussed, over a coffee and macaroon our worthiness in the project.  I am still blown away that this man chose me over other applicant, I can't tell you what it means to have another human being, from another culture, on the other side of the planet select me.  We will visit him again, only next time at his studio in Kyoto....

Let me introduce my fellow Artists in Residence, Kata, Noriyo and Klara, receiving the robot bags I'd made for them, (Oh and that's 'MoMo Jan' the Corgi leaving the room!

Shinohara San, Kata, Klara Me, (In case you didn't recognize the big oaf in blue) and Noriyo

I will write more posts, as I am beginning to feel less tired; there is so much I want to tell you all, there are so many dream - like moments on this trip, you just won't believe some the things I've already seen and tasted!!

Love to you all, for now,
xgx

MA Show Shots

The Post-Graduate art courses at Birmingham City University are currently having their end of year shows at the Margaret Street building.  As it's the end of my first year, I get to exhibit too.  It's the Interim Stage show and serves as a good test bed for showing the world your latest ideas.  There is a good standard of work this year, across the board, we have to work hard to ensure next years final show is equally as impressive.  I have included images of the beautiful building, (which never ceases to impress me) and some of my most recent piece work, 'Performance Shell'.  

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'Performance Shell'

Detail

MA End of Year Show

Hard to believe I'm at the end of my first year of the Fine Art MA at Birmingham.  The 'Interim Exhibition' is up and ready, (and currently being assessed).  There is lots of good work on display, and of course there's the Margaret Street building to marvel at.  The Private View is this Friday, feel free to turn up and have a drink! 

I'll post some pictures at some point soon.

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Me, an Artist in Residence? Yes, and in JAPAN!!

Well, it's been a while, but as far as my practice goes, things are hotting up for me ...I've been given the most wonderful opportunity.  I will be joining three other artists, (two from Hungary and another from Japan), in being an Artist in Residence at the Prestigious Mino paper-making village in Gifu, Central Honshu, Japan.  I feel so honoured, especially as I get to stay with a host family for the entire three month stay - I can't wait!!  I will endeavour to keep you posted of all that goes on.  The whole project leads to a final exhibition, held in December, and I get to utilise 'Mino Washi' - hand-made paper in my final works...I'm simply blown away by the prospect of it all.  

Please take a look at a previous residency attendees blog; Emma Bell is a, really startling, english fashion designer/consultant, she kept a wonderful Blog of her journey in Mino.  It really gives you a taste of what's in store for me.  I've already been in touch with Emma and she's been SO positive about the whole experience....compounding my excitement! 
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Here is the official letter on beautiful, hand-made paper

The Artists 'Mug Shots'

MASTERS AT WORK! - Latest Images

My MA is still providing me with so much motivation. Here, you see my latest work, set up in the tutorial space at the Margaret Street Building, where the Fine Art courses are based.  I essentially, had to put up my work and listen whilst the other members of my course, discussed what they saw.  I wasn't allowed to say anything until three quarters of an hour had passed...It was pretty gruelling, but the response to my work was so positive and in some cases very accurate.  I feel like I'm on the right track.  I also feel privileged to have gone through the process.

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'White Out' - Pulped paper & PVA glue

'White Out' - (Detail) 

'Panoramic' Photographs

"Better than sex" - Snowdonia
Ordnance Survey map, vinyl.

"Better than sex" - (Detail)