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
