Additional Research
Additional Research
Last but not least
Notes and Sketches
3D Scan to Ceramic
This took me a while. I started by 3D scanning a little vase I had, then 3D printed it at a larger scale, cast it in plaster, and finally made it into ceramic. It was fun, but I definitely spent too much time on it. Sidetracking and procrastination are my kryptonite. I need to be more aware of that. Still, I got a nice pot out of it.
Short Videos
Trying my best to be famous, not working, at all
Millbank
Millbank was great, but I was a bit disappointed that the tutors assigned the spots instead of letting us figure it out ourselves. I know the tight schedule did not allow for that, but still. My artwork was quite straightforward, and with all the restrictions on exhibiting in Millbank, it ended up just being placed on a plinth. It looked good, but I think it would have been better on the wall.
None the less, I had a great time talking to other people about their work. Everyone is so different. I had a blast running around and exploring. I also went to Tate Britain for the photography exhibition. It made me think this would be such a good life, if I could do this every day.
Belkis Ayón Sikán Illuminations modern art oxford
Belkis's style is recognisable. Consistent and huge, a recipe for success. She also uses collagraph exclusively, which is such a lovely method to work in. It is cheap, and the textures come through instantly. As Jo said, the conservation of the artworks is terrible. I could see the paper peeling and yellowing. It is a shame, but it was still a great space to display her massive works.
I also love the decorative shapes she cut for each piece. It adds a sense of heaviness to every artwork. When you look at them, you feel like you are entering a church, with a sermon to tell through image.
Österreichische Galerie Belvedere museum
Gustav and Egon will forever be the top artists I look up to. The flow and sadness in their images are unbeatable. I finally had the chance to see a few of their artworks in person. The brushstrokes, the scale, the color, how is that even possible? How can they add so much to human skin tone and make it come alive? The despair and helplessness in their eyes. I could never.
That is why I started the oil painting. I want to mimic what they can do and, through that, create something of my own.
Paradise Lost. The Salzburg Cathedral tapestries
This tapestry reminds me of creating a language. All these religious drawings feel like morse code. There are hidden meanings everywhere, and I am sure the peasants at the time had no idea what they were looking at. What are these meanings for? Why are they there? What is this obsession with detail in the human form?
Do I need to explain all the details in my work for it to mean something? Or can a creature just be a creature?
Also, wild encounter with a Bosch painting. I doubt his mad self knew what he was painting half the time.
Anne Desmet | A London Kaleidoscope
Ann Desmet is a well known wood engraver. When I first started, the first YouTube video that taught me was hers. I love how she tries to push wood engraving as a medium by using collage and displaying work on different surfaces. One piece I remember clearly is where she wove two images together by cutting them into thin strips and alternating them. It created a beautiful collage. The flared up edges looked like bony hands trying to grab onto whatever they could. There is a certain despair in them. The image was also elevated by using two engravings of the same place. It was a great way to show the reduction print method, a before and after.
I also saw her in person, but she was talking to people, so I was too shy to interrupt. I should have been more confident when approaching her. I did have a chance later at the wood engraving private view at Bankside. We had some awkward small talk, but at least she might remember me.
The 80s: Photographing Britain
Photographs are a great way to capture moments. As standalone artworks, I am not a big fan. Still, it is great to look at these pieces of history. I am not very fluent in UK history, so seeing some of these for the first time was quite eye opening. The layout on the wall was amazing. It felt chaotic, but there was still a kind of order that linked everything back together.
Tirzah Garwood: Beyond Ravilious
It is a shame that gender was such a big factor in life back in that era. She would have had the chance to develop so much more. I make Christmas cards too, but hers are far more beautiful than mine. They feel complete and joyful. The last room showed work from the final two years before she passed. You can see the sadness seeping through those happy paintings. She was truly talented and amazing. I only wish she had been able to produce more.