Visiting Artists - Alex Brady & Leila Houston.

(November 4th) Today we had two artists come to visit the university and speak about their practice and how they are experiencing the artist world. 

The first to speak was the print maker and illustrator Alex Brady. Currently she is the co owner of Two Queens gallery and studio space in Leicester. Her and a few other ex students also set up Vanilla Galleries in Loughborough, converting an old record shop into a gallery space. After her studies she won the opportunity to work as a colourist for a company in Italy. Brady was there for 18 months gaining good experience in the commercial art industry. She also worked in London for 2 years. However at this stage in her life her personal art had pretty much come to a stop as she was working/ producing art for others as opposed to her own ideas. Brady began to listen to music to deal with her stress and came across the song Desolation Row by Bob Dylan. This became a very inspired song for Brady so in response to this she produced 28 lino cuts each one relating to the lyrics within the song. Due to expenses of Bob Dylan's record company she and a friends decided to re write the song into a poem. Brady then self published the lino cuts into a book called 'Ordinary Street'.

(Work from 'Ordinary Street' #5 & #2)

During this more positive point in her career Brady got into art fairs in order to meet other and show other her own work. She then came across a company called Conjunction who set themes each month for artists to work from. Through this Brady produced ' Ex Libris, A Collection of Unusual Historical Deaths'. To continue her career she wants to continue to develop on her print making skills, in particular she wants to bring back techniques she has left behind like screen printing as lino cuts can become very tedious as they take a great deal of time to produce to a high standard. Brady also wants to add more depth, texture and spontaneous mark making to her work and develop on her story telling skills especially in terms of narrative.  She is now currently working on a series of short stories called 'Water Stories'

(Work from 'Ex Libris' book plate #2)

(Work from 'Water Stories' Mal de Mer)

The second visiting artist was Leila Houston. She works with video, photography and sound installations. As well as exhibiting across the Midlands Houston has also exhibited in France. Throughout her career she has built up her experience working in galleries, curating group shows and also working in a school holding workshops and evening classes for adults. Houston thoroughly enjoyed her time in the school and loves to teach others art. She has also found it very hard getting rejected from certain exhibitions however she has had a lot of success locally creating large scale installations. She spoke about how to carry on as an artist and what you need to do so; balance, creativity, risks and to accept that it will be tough and that you will get a lot of rejection but to never give up. Also she commented on the fact that you should volunteer at local galleries to gain experience for the future as it will help a lot when you are looking for full time work in the art world and will look great on your CV. 

(One of her installations showing elements of nature in the form of videos with sound)

Drawing - Life Drawing.

During our drawing lessons we produce life drawings each week learning different drawing techniques throughout. Our first lesson consisted of line drawings; one simple in lines, the second using only straight lines and the third using the continuous line technique. After three quick sketches to get us back into the swing of life drawing, we then had the remainder of the lesson to create one or more large scale drawings using one of the line techniques we had just learnt. I produced two large scale drawings one using straight lines and the other using continuous lines. 

(Untitled, all three techniques, graphite pencil on A1)

(Untitled, continuous Line, graphite on A1)

(Untitled, straight Lines, graphite on A1)

The one I most enjoyed was continuous line. In my opinion think that this allows you to create a more expressive drawing giving the image energy as you are applying a more gestural drawing technique. 

Print - Mono-print.

The set theme for term 1 print project is 'Accumulate and Disperse'. Our task consists of looking at contrasting ways in which things are accumulated and dispersed or an idea that expresses this, whether it be things in the home or outdoors. Our first task was to produce a range of prints produced outside and inside without using the printing studio but exploring different techniques.

In the print lesson we are taken to the print workshop and are shown demonstrations of different printing techniques. I did do the foundation course at De Montfort last year and extremely enjoyed print but it was nice to be reminded of the techniques after such a long summer. The first process we were shown was the process of mono-printing. We used the roller machines for this and also our own hands to create prints direct from the pallet on the work surface. Mono-printing in its basic description is transferring a plate of ink onto paper. The ink cannot be too thick or runny otherwise when sent through the press it would smudge under the pressure of the roller. I would say mono-print is a very quick technique as you do not need to prepare the plate with a drawing or textured surface before hand. 

(Untitled, printing ink on paper, A5)

Above is a print produced using a plate of ink and sending it through the roller. I created this by layering up the ink, beginning with one colour, printing with that and then layering the plate with a range of other colours that would contrast one another. To create the marks I simply use the roller as I wished only rolling it in a certain way on the plate to create lines of colour as opposed to blocks of colour. What I like about this technique is the idea of layering the colours together to give it an almost 'painting' like appearance. 

(Untitled, printing ink on newsprint, A3)

This print was produced in a slightly different way. Instead of inking up a plate, I simply used the work surface as my pallet. I rolled out the ink to the point where I could run the paper across it without it sticking to it. I then placed the paper down lightly onto the rolled out ink and using the end of a paint brush I drew in my idea. This then allows me to draw out an image bringing up the ink only where I have applied pressure. This is a quick and easy process to do without using the roller. 

(Untitled, printing ink on newsprint, A3)

Like the print above this was also produced using the pallet of colour made directly onto the worktop. However instead of using a fine pointed object to draw my idea I applied pressure using my hands. I rubbed on the paper in different ways to create contrasting textures and tones within the ink. Again this technique is very quick and direct allowing you to create an image without using machinery.  

Paint - Initial Research.

My chosen theme for term 1 of paint is 'The Urban Environment' and to begin my work for this I started with collecting together research from around Leicester looking at contrasting areas and different subject matter like city structures and crowds of people. I recorded my research in a sketchbook using different media; charcoal, pencil, photographs, ink and paint. As well as using different subject matter/ media I also paid attention to composition when producing my research ideas. To begin with I explored one of the the derelict areas of Leicester known as Frog Island looking at the ruined buildings and textures found within the damaged brick work. 

(Untitled, Pencil on paper, A5)

(Untitled, Ink on paper, A5)

(Untitled, Acrylic using pallet knife on paper, A5)

As well as looking at structures within the urban environment I have also looked at people. To record these ideas I used pencil in order to quickly draw the shapes and movement of the people as they walked through the town center.

(Untitled, Pencil on paper, A5)

(Untitled, Pencil on paper, A5)

I really enjoyed drawing the crowds of people, I like the movement created in my sketches due to my quick drawing technique used in order to capture the life of the people as they walk through the city. Within my sketches of people I have noticed that I seem to avoid facial features. However looking at the drawings I think this adds an interesting atmosphere to them as it makes the people appear anonymous, they are all strangers to one another but are all the equal as they go about their business in the city. 

(Untitled, Painting study on mdf, approx 10cm x 10cm)

 (Untitled, Collage using photograph and pencil, A5)

(Untitled, Quick continuous line drawing in pencil, A5)

After collecting together initial research I will continue on this, looking a contrasting elements within an urban environment. I will look to use different techniques and introduce more detailed paint techniques within my work relating to found artists that have particularly inspired me maybe due to their colour pallet, technique or even choice in subject matter. Plus I think I will consider developing on the concept of movement and life within my ideas because looking through my beginning research I think that the ideas that express some form of movement create a stronger atmosphere that is more appealing and engaging for the viewer compared to the ideas consisting of  a still structure. 

Visiting Artists - Stuart Cumberland.

Across the three years of the Fine Art Degree artists come in each term to present their work and life experiences in the industry to the students. These are a great part of the course as they show students what life is like after degree and how different artists work/ present their pieces. 

(November 1st) The first one of the year was the contemporary painter, Stuart Cumberland. He is greatly interested in Manhattan Art which is rather aggressive and mechanical. Cumberland uses block colours to express a lack of emotion and depth, making them appear extremely shallow. He based his pallet choice for his art work on the basic colours found across the internet. His paintings are always large in scale often using stencils and oil paint. His most recent exhibition was, at The Approach in London in 2011, in which he presented four pieces; '4 Circle Paintings'. As well as exhibiting his work in the UK he was also involved in an exhibition in Belgium. It was during this period that Cumberland was having a lot of success with his art selling a great deal of work. 

(Some paintings from the '4 Circle Paintings' exhibition)

(Andy Irons, 2011, Oil on linen, 195x160cm)

(Leslie Nielsen, 2011, Oil on linen, 195x160cm)

(Ingrid Pitt, 2011, Oil on linen, 195x160cm)

However his success came to a sudden stop in 2012 leading Cumberland to have a breakdown. So during this tough time he applied to a school in Rome in the hope to escape the troubles at home. After a successful application Cumberland went to Rome in the early moths of 2013. It was a new opportunity for him to become sociable once again after such a solitary career over the last few years. During this time he also raised the question 'What can a painting do that other things can't?'. 

(BW240, 2011, Oil on linen, 240x190cm)

Cumberland sees the studio as a  place to release his energy that he keeps stored inside of him. During his early works he was greatly interested in the Fort/Da theory; this explores the erasing of something, translated to English it means there and gone. His current influences are; Jasper Johns, Christopher Wool, Christopher Williams. He also commented on the fact that he finds it easy to make large paintings due to his large bodily gestures, he finds working on small paintings too difficult and confined. 

London Trip 23rd - 25th Oct.

As well as a trip to Frieze Art Fair, first years also go on a three day visit to London, during which you are required to visit galleries gaining primary artist research. 

On the first day of our visit we visited the Tate Modern, Bankside Gallery and also the Jerwood Gallery Drawing Prize Exhibition. As well as this we also saw a few sites on our way through the city and I took many pictures to help me with my projects. Each gallery had different artists to look at all of contrasting styles and specialisms, giving me a wide range of names to note down and research. At the Tate Modern I had the chance to see work by Monet, Picasso, Giacometti but also I got to see art work that I have researched previously on other projects like work by Gerhard Richter and Jackson Pollock. I loved seeing their work in the flesh, it gave me a real sense of the scale these artists work to and also the mark makings an textures used that you cannot quite appreciate in a photograph.

(Weeping Woman, 1937, oil on canvas, Pablo Picasso)

(Yellow Islands, 1952, oil on canvas, Jackson Pollock)

(The Cage painting no.2, 2006, oil on canvas, Gerhard Richter)

The next day was a busy day leaving early and getting back late to make sure we visited everywhere we wanted to. We visited three galleries I have never been to before; the Saatchi Gallery, the Serpentine Gallery and also the Haywood Gallery. Obviously, these galleries were very different compared to the galleries we looked in yesterday, no gallery is the same. But what really stood out to me was that the artwork within them felt a lot more contemporary and also it was extremely interesting to see how different work is curated and presented. I found the Saatchi Gallery particularly interesting to go around as it was full of modern art from sculpture to instillation. The current exhibition on at the Saatchi consisted of contemporary Ukrainian artists. I particularly liked the work by Oleksander Klymenko and Anatoliy Kryvolap. Both painters, I found there use of colour and choice in composition very interesting and eye catching. However they are completely different from one another as Klymenko uses a great deal of colour and textures where as Kryvolap uses simple colour and minimal texture. 

(Glorification of the divine presence, 2013 acrylic on canvas, Oleksandre Klymenko)

(Moon. Night, 2012-2013, oil on canvas, Anatoliy Kryvolap)

On the final day we visited Trafalgar Square and explored what that area had to offer. We visited the National Gallery which contains old art that is very iconic to its era, like the renaissance period for example. But whilst there we took the opportunity to look at the Michael Landy 'Saints Alive' exhibition. It was very odd, consisting of mechanical sculptures that expressed religious acts. This exhibition was not to my taste but it was interesting to see something different I wouldn't normally chose to go and see. As well as going to the world famous National Gallery, we also visited some smaller scale private galleries in The Royal Opera Arcade. We went inside La Galleria Pall Mall and The Stephen Wiltshire Gallery. These were interesting as they were a lot smaller compared to the galleries visited over the previous two days. I particularly liked the work by Stephen Wiltlshire his intricate drawings of the city of London were beautiful to look at expressing an excellent skill. I also liked the work by Alaide Tobini and Isa Levy; I found there use of brush marks and shapes particularly inspiring as I love to use eye catching strokes of colour in my work. Finally walking towards Buckingham Palace we quickly went inside the ICA which is located along the Mall. The art work in here consisted of large installations and floor artwork. Not to my liking but again was very contrasting to other galleries I have visited. 

(Autumn, mixed media with encaustic on canvas, Alaide Tobini)

(Blue Door, oil and vinyle on canvas, Isa Levy)

Over the three days I explored many galleries seeing a huge variety of different art some that I loved and some that I did not fully understand but then everyone views art differently each piece raising different questions and answers for everyone. 

The Studio.

In CPS we were asked to get into groups of 4 or 5 and do some research into what a studio is and how it is used/ how we think it should be used and why they are important. 

This Oxford Dictionary definition for 'studio' is - a room where an artist, photographer, sculptor etc works - a place where films are produced, where musical or sound recordings are made, room where TV programs are broadcast/ recorded, a place where performers especially dancers practice etc, film or TV production company, studio flat.

Origin - it derives from the early 19th century Italian word studio and the Latin word studium/ studere meaning to study.

Why do artists need studio spaces - I think it important for an artist, sculptor, film maker etc to have some form of studio as a way of escapism from their normal surroundings and also as creative environment to produce their work in. Some people may need a lot of space for machinery, camera equipment or space in general to perform in like a dancer, they would not be able to practice well in a small confined space.

How a studio should be used during studies - I believe a studio space should be used to put up project work, to produce work/ put work together. When working in a shared studio space I think it is also very important that you consider those working around you and you should not make a mess to the extent that it would impact on other students. 

What is the role of peers? - Personally I see peers as very important when working in a shared studio space. You can feed off each others ideas, thoughts and inspirations. You can also access each others work constructively and positively saying what is working well and what isn't. The only negative sides to sharing a studio are that some people may not respect those around them and they may also 'steel' ideas. They may also accidentally damage others work if they are a messy artist which can be very frustrating even it wasn't intended. However overall I think sharing a studio with peers is important especially for evaluating each others work and giving each other encouragement. 

Organisations both local and national that offer studio space - 2 Queens Leicester; they offer a full space 2.5 x 5 for £65 per month, half a space 2.5 x 2.5 for £35 per month. Design Factory Leicester; newest studio spaces for professional artists and designers are offering spaces at £9 per sq ft. 

Wasp Studios Glasgow; 200 sq ft space at an average cost of £100-£150 per month

Wedo Space London; offer a huge space, 935 sq ft at £2,130

Acme Studios London; offer 300 sq ft space at  £256 per month. 

What are the benefits of working in a studio organisation with other -

Pros; feed off ideas, new friends/ connections, opportunity to do joint exhibitions, lively atmosphere.

Cons; some people may not be considerate to others, 'stealing' of ideas, may be too crowded/ noisy for some people. 

                                 (My studio space)