As part of Somerset Reacquainted, I was invited to contribute a page-spread for a collaborative artist book reflecting the project.
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
When I get an idea for new work that might be suitable for PaperJoy Studio, the first stage is to experiment.
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.
I decided to remove work from my inventory that no longer fits my practice. These four pieces are now in our wildflower meadow, left to deteriorate naturally, which I am documenting throughout the year.
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.
Last week I was supposed to be in Lisbon starting a PADA Residency, my first significant post-MFA international opportunity. I was beyond excited to be accepted and anticipating the month-long experience, embedded with five other amazing artists, with a mix of excitement, anxiety, and sheer joy.
I've had my head down in the studio, testing ideas and making smaller works as possible prototypes for larger pieces and an installation later this year.
When I'm in the thick of it all, I don't always look at the big picture. Every year I make a point to reflect on the year as a whole, and 2019 is no different.
I was very pleased to test my first Residency of Repair (pictured above), something I hope to investigate further next year.
Earlier this month, I had the opportunity to lead a student workshop for incoming BathSpa BFA freshman.
Our MFA degree show closed last night. The culmination of my 2-year fine art degree is bittersweet.
As this Update goes out, it is mere days from the end of the academic portion of work for my master's degree in fine art (happy dance ensues). Once the grading deadlines pass next week, the fun part begins in preparation for our final Degree Show at the end of September.
Who says it doesn't get hot here in England? We are currently wilting our way through a record-breaking heatwave. That hasn't stopped me from all manner of making that involves heat: paper burning, hot blown glass, and welding.
While summer weather may not actually arrive here in England this year, there's plenty of daylight for long hours in the studio this time of year. Good thing, since there are lots of exciting things underway.
I have been out of the studio for much of May, taking a breather before the summer push to prepare for my MFA degree show in September. Nonetheless, I managed to slip a few projects into the mix this month.
Introducing Stitch No. 2. As with nearly all of my new work, the materials lead me to what the final piece would be.
The easterly winds from Siberia have finally stopped blowing here and sweet Spring is for real, it seems. All the more reason to embrace good things happening in the studio, including new work and a minor studio accident!
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!
We recently completed a new commission for a project in my hometown of Washington, DC! The commission consisted of 9 new originals, including three diptychs of a DC map-inspired piece.
Introducing Stitch, a new series that celebrates the beauty of stitching into paper. As with my Playing With Fire series, this work will explore form, line, texture, and pattern using simple materials that transform in surprising ways.
If you can believe it, the light is already rising here in the UK with afternoons growing a tiny bit longer each day before it gets dark. I am always heartened by this, even in gloomy February. It reminds me that Spring is coming with the darkest days behind us.
Which was the theme for my installation at last month'sBlue Monday exhibition at 44AD Gallery in Bath, shown above.
In the meantime, things are humming in the studio where we're working on 15 pieces for three separate projects that all will be finished before it's officially Spring next month. For a peek behind the scenes and more, read on!
How is your New Year going so far? I hope it is off to a positive start. Mine began with a nice holiday break and choosing a Word of the Year, a practice I have done for several years now.
Where did the year go? Blink and it's over. That's how this year felt to me at least. My Word of the Year has been abundance in all its forms: time, ideas, opportunities, success, well-being, friendship, and love.
It's been a packed October with lots happening with on all fronts, including two exhibitions, new art sales and rentals, a new term at school, and Affordable Art Fair Battersea London. Plus I managed to squeeze in a quick trip to the US to see loved ones!
It's been a month of school-focused commitments, an exhibition to mark the half-way point in my MFA, plus a bit of jail cell magic sprinkled into the mix (no, I didn't commit a crime).
This month I have been collaborating with artist Angel Greenham at Trowbridge Arts Center as part of her summer residency in The Cells. We spent last week immersed in this fascinating space, creating unexpected interventions with found objects, juxtaposed materials, motion, and light.
Last week we marked the official end of our first year as MFA students with an exhibition. Our normally well-used studios were whipped into shape for a respectable space in which to install our work.