Wednesday 12 December 2012

12 12 12adayoftwohalfs


the morning was spent working on an application that required a new artist’s statement –

I have a history of working with the book form and its associated processes, including printing, paper construction, typesetting, design, image and text, binding and book structures. The more conceptual issues of narrative, editing, publishing, production and display are also a large part of my work
These very practical issues are underlined by how my work and ideas in general are conceived and developed, which is through the exploration and utilisation of ideas at the root of book; sequence, control, communication, and revelation.
Navigating a practice where physical outcomes and practical issues are dependent on the opportunities available with each individual context enables flexibility and a huge range of outcomes to be defined as my practice from permanent sculptural installations to ephemeral giveaways and presentations. At the core the investigative values are focused, which is simultaneously liberating and supportive.
The book, a symbol of power and knowledge is seen as a vehicle to communicate directly; it is a form that is understood in these terms. My practice often repositions its context and by redirecting its purpose the work challenges these very notions. The art becomes a question rather than an answer, a collaboration in the mind and hand between maker and reader/viewer/audience.
The practical aspects of the book form, of disseminating information; of making things clearer are also questioned. The bookworks I make explore the idea of form as content and their manipulation enables multiple narratives creating a space for the reflective experience, taking time to connect, look, listen, and consider.
Recent work has seen my practice move away from large scale consultative, structural public art interventions and returning to physical making, using and developing practical skills to make objects/things. Supported by a GFA Arts Council Grant I have been exploring the role of the fold within historical and contemporary textiles and printed matter held in heritage collections within the Eastern Region. I am creating a body of work in response to the material I am encountering within the archives and collections. This will be exhibited in 6 exhibitions and support a number of workshops and talks. The second strand of the project is mapping possible entry points to the collections and looking at developing new ways in which the material could be accessed by the public.

The afternoon was spent in a care home in Ipswich where I ran a workshop as part of creative carers. The session centred on objects, touch and memory.  It was a really good time, Christmas was in the air and everybody seemed up for it – even residents who came just to watch joined in and we ended up with a card/bookwork/decoration/folding event