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)

Imaginary Landscape

Monument Valley - March/April 2012

Click image to enlarge. g

Surface Tension

Latest process pieces.  Shan't say much about them, scale, material etc...not important.  I'm quite compelled to make more forms like this.  Unfortunately, I'm also, strangely, repelled by the results. 
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Paper and Ceramic Works

I have reached the first assessment point on my M.A.  It went okay, I passed.  What I think I have learned from the whole stressful process is that I need to focus; I need to focus on one or two key themes.  I have begun to do this and have concentrated on the forms you see below.

Time to calm down.  Time to concentrate and time to be serious about what I do, maybe then, other people might take me seriously too.

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Recent Inspiration

Here's a few images that have greatly inspired me over the past six months of my M.A.  All, but the aerial view of Fuji, were taken by me over the past seven years.  Things have moved on somewhat, in terms of inspiration and concept...but Japan, (and my experiences there), will remain at the very centre of my creative process.

Suizenji-Jojuen, Kumamoto, Japan

Kyoto Zen Garden

Flooring Studs Kumamoto, Japan

Exterior Wall Tiles Fukuoka, Japan

Mount Fuji, Japan, Aerial View, (Google Maps)