As part of Somerset Reacquainted, I was invited to contribute a page-spread for a collaborative artist book reflecting the project.
Meadow Inside
All of the bio-resin casting tests I did over the winter are finally coming into play with a new piece I recently completed for our traveling group exhibition Inch by IN:CH
Work in progress: PaperCuts
2020: A Year of Silver Linings
During a year when everything changed and every day has felt the same, in no way did I see silver linings emerging from this moment. And yet, it's been one of those tough-love growth periods that seem to happen when real challenge is at hand.
With high expectations for a year to ride the momentum of my MFA degree, the screeching halt to all external markers of progress felt that much more impactful.
The Evolution of Paper Sculptures in a Wildflower Meadow
Be a Better Human
As an artist, I have a platform to catalyze conversation and change. With the world on fire, I don’t feel that I have the luxury of isolating in the studio. These enormous challenges need all of us to get in the ring to make this world a better place.
On Loss and Resilience for Artists
Stitch Studies
Closing Out 2019
Testing My First Residency of Repair
Build Your Own Precarious Sculpture Workshop
Journey to MY MFA Degree Show
Interview with BATH SPA MAFA
Detail of "A Cover for Some Secret Fragility", a wall installation of three small sculptures. Kelly M O’Brien ©2019
The grading deadlines for my masters degree in fine art have passed, which means I can focus all my energy on our Final Degree Show. Follow me on Instagram for sneak peeks of my work.
In preparation for the show, I sat down with my MFA colleague Esther Tyler-Ward to discuss my exploration into new-to-me materials, including the challenge of using hand blown glass in my art. You can listen to our chat here:
Now that you’ve heard about my process, come see the culmination of master's degree research by over 30 students in fine art, ceramics, textiles, visual communications, and curatorial practice.
If you're in the region, you are cordially invited to join me for our MA Degree Show.
Please note that this is a venue change to the Sion Hill Campus. We're hosting an Opening Night that's free to the public, a Closing Night with live music, and events (artist talks, panel discussions, workshops) in between facilitated by the Curatorial Practice students. The main details are below and you can get fresh updates here.
August Studio Update: Final Stretch
July Studio Update: Hot Times
June Studio Update
May Studio Update
Stitch No. 2
April Studio Update
March Studio Update
March roared in with a heavy workload and travel-wrecking winds, but that didn't thwart efforts to finish and ship eighteen pieces of original artwork, introduce a new series, and participate in a one-week residency in Germany. Read on for all the details. "Out like a lamb" feels elusive but I'm optimistic!