Play was a long running arts project that explores the process of collage and assemblage in collaborative and individual ways. Artists Steve Joyce, Emma Johnson, Alex pearl and Marianne Koby Johnson present their current state of play as they respond to found objects of all kinds
Our exhibition is now installed and open to view. We have been documenting the work and installation, so that we can make entries on our blog and to collate resouce to promote the project It has given us a chance to identify areas for further development, and for myself I found that working with different media is now an option for the development of my work. We have been asked to include some of our work in an exhibition that is currently running in Ipswich focusing on bookart. I have some pieces in it already, but the visit from one of the organisers to our play exhibition, inspired thoughts of expanding the Art of the Book exhibition at Christchurch Mansion. We'll see what happens, and if they can organise the space to take the extra work. More images are on the blog: www.play43460.blogspot.com
After a busy time preparing my students for their end of year show I can now get back to my own work. The project has been developing well and our blog has been added to by myself, Alex and Emma. One of benefits from working collaboratively is that it provides an opportunity to engage in new practices. I have often put ideas for using 'new' media, if I can use that term now, to one side, as I do not have the equipment; and for that matter the knowledge myself. But then again perhaps I have just never made the step to find out. Alex will bring in the equipment for me to realise a sound and video piece for our project, and I know that I will benefit from his experience for this. It is good to have encouragement and to pass ideas about for instant feedback. We have now completed the poster and details for an exhibition at KeyArts in Ipswich of our work so far, in August. There is a house in London for artists projects that Alex is talking about as a next step in the development of Play. It sounds like there could be some good potential there. During the next few weeks as we are all more involved in putting the exhibition together we should get time and ideas to plan more for the next step. The trouble at the moment is also that I have just finished the work for two other projects, Tryptich at KeyArts and Art Of The Book at Christchurch Mansion exhibitions. They are both part of the Ip-Art events whichreally enhance the rich activity in the arts in Ipswich. www.ip-art.com
Recent progress with the Play project will be on show at Key Arts, St Mary-at-the-Quay, Ipswich between 16th -18th August (11am-3pm).
website www.play43460.blogspot.com