Many events have happened recently, mainly positive. I visited Downstairs Gallery at Great Brampton House in Herefordshire to see Matt Brown’s exhibition, Force Quit. The work was beautifully produced and quite complex, visually. There were a number of pieces there which I found mesmerising including some handcrafted needlepoints depicting Photoshop pages from early software. The artist had apparently spent many hours, stitching these himself. Much of the work was well made and it was no surprise to learn that Brown is a technician for Gavin Turk. Early work from his RCA graduate show of blossom and radiant flowers were manipulated using Photoshop until they ceased to be authentic. Mounted onto aluminium, the images reminded me of an old card game I had as a child called Flower Pairs where the flower images were ridiculously saturated and thus became slightly unbelievable. At points I did find the work became almost lost to the technical prowess. A video piece was the less successful element, in my opinion, whereas Brown seemed to be best when playing with materials. The show is finished now but it is worth viewing the website for future and past shows. http://downstairsgallery.co.uk/wp/
Plot 39 lays fairly dormant still shrouded in black plastic. We did peel back a small section and sow 2 rows of parsnips. It felt quite significant – our first planting of seeds in the plot. We continue to sow seeds indoors with aubergines, parsley and broad beans being the latest ones to emerge from their seed packets. Something lovely about handling the seeds and to think it is going to generate food.
My studio practice continues to develop in a positive way. I had a fantastic week last week with a studio visit from Deborah Robinson of the New Art Gallery, Walsall and then an interview for a residency at the same gallery in association with Eastside Projects.
The visit went very well. I have more development to do with my work but there is potential there for a collective body of work for a good exhibition. I was introduced to the work of Naiza Khan by Deborah too which has similar sensibilities to my work. I particularly love her drawings. They linger in my subconcious.
I went for an interview for the Group Occupation II residencies at the New Art Gallery, Walsall on Friday. Despite going to the wrong venue and being an hour late for the interview because I had to track over to Walsall from Birmingham, I had a good interview and was successful. I am very excited by the prospect of the residency as I will be with 3 other artists. There are also 2 other residencies filled by 6 other artists so it is going to be incredibly useful to observe and have discussions along the way. It is also supported by regular meetings with the curator Zoe Lippett and ESP staff, Elinor Morgan and Ruth Claxton. I really cannot believe I have been selected. It is just right for me at my present point in my practice. I do feel daunted by it and it will challenge my boundaries; thank goodness!
