Projects

The current projects I am working on are discussed below. If you want to read more on a particular project then please check out the related links

Project 01: Tatter Jacket

For this self-initiated project I'm researching clothing especially in relation to defining outsiders, carers, artists etc and unusual materials and traditions which could be used or adapted in order to create items of dress.

Sources of inspiration include: Tree Dressing traditions, items relating to sympathetic magic, traditional costumes from different cultures made with natural materials, including corn husks, palm leaves, seal intestine, dog hair. Many original examples were found at the Pitt Rivers Museum which is a fantastic 'Cabinet of Curiosities' anthropology collection in Oxford.

Tree Dressing

My research on Tatter Jackets and ancient Tree Dressing traditions developed into the 'Wellness Dressings' workshop with the Chinese Carers Group and their translator. I was invited to devise and lead this workshop for the 'Carers' Well-Being Festival' in March, 2017 at the Birmingham Buddhist Centre.

Project 02: The North Suite

'The North Suite' project came about after I was asked to design murals for The Hill House, Ross-on-Wye after a boozy B&B group Birthday celebration in May 2016. Hill House is not your typical B&B and has many rooms with high quality, bespoke murals, as well as funky, Gothic style decor throughout.

I explored Antique map symbols, nautical emblems and terms of 'pathetic fallacy' to design the first large canvas. After going on Retreat at Taraloka, Shropshire I developed an interest in the Buddhist notion of 'Worldly Winds' and designed a second large canvas on this theme.

I expanded on this series of designs when I went on a specialist Solar Plate Polymer Etching course at the The Rodd, Sidney Nolan Trust, Presteigne. The 2 successful prints 'Pleasure' and 'Pain' were then exhibited at the 15th Annual Fine Print and Book Arts Exhibition at The Rodd.

Project 03: Copper Dedication Plaques

As often as possible I like to take part in making sessions; I recently went to Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery for a Copper Embossing workshop as part of their new 'Creative Carers Programme'. I used my 'Worldly Winds' designs but, embossing the copper roll was so satisfying it has inspired me to continue with this technique for the dedication plaques I'm also working on.

In a similar vein to 'Maverick Angels', the plaques are being made for 2 exceptional people who have supported me in my caring roles. Design motifs are the result of me playing with the Birmingham Carers Association emblem as well as Heraldic traditions.

The BMAG workshops for carers are free and have different techniques and topics every month.

Project 04: Documentary Photography Exhibitions

My two recent exhibitions were Family Links: Lost and Bound which was in collaboration with photographer Leslie Stewart at Fircroft Adult Residential College, Selly Oak. Also The House of Curiosities with SomeCities, at The Old Print Works in Balsall Heath.

For my regular "Meet the Artist" evenings at Fircroft College I discussed my research and sources of inspiration for both exhibitions. A summary of my previous Survivor Arts Projects was also discussed. Please view the presentation below.