ARTISTS TALKING

# 1 [16 September 2009]

Today was offically the first day of the fellowship. I'm one of four fellows and our role is to advise and support the students, give support in our specialism within the options programme and present our own work in a mid-point as well as final show. Today we went along to a meeting to be introduced to the students that didn't already know us. Then this afternoon I went along to the Williamson Art Gallery to continue helping to set up the 'Mapping The West' exhibition. My piece seems much smaller in such a large room and is hung differently to when it was in Utah and I'm still not sure about the way it is able to move. In one way it has the advantage of being seen from all angles but you could also miss the detail of the front if it happens to be spun around so the back is showing.

# 2 [19 September 2009]

The private viewing of the 'Mapping The West' exhibtion was last night. Everything ran smoothly with a good turn out and my work looked fine, nothing to worry about after all that panicking.

I've been thinking what project I am going to do during my fellowship year. Although I didn't enjoy the timescale I had to produce 'Talking landscapes' I did enjoy the project and since then I have been writing down snippets of conversations during my travels. I'm not sure if I'm going to use them yet but I have a vague idea of what I'd like to do with them.

My intention is to screenprint simplified routes I've taken on my travels and then re-create the conversation that took place over the print. Anyway, it's just an idea so far.

The collecting part is enjoyable by itself and I can't stop, I take a pad and pen everywhere, but I'm finding the next step difficult. I'm worried about taking it in case the project doesn't work.

# 3 [22 September 2009]

I went to the third years first options session today. It's good to be back. It was quite strange being on the outside looking in though. Listening to their schedule and deadlines but not having to worry.

# 4 [28 September 2009]

Been very busy since my last post. On Wednesday I decided to spend the whole day working on ideas for my fellowship project but instead worked on bookmaking ideas. I've been thinking of a book I want to make for a long time now, I want a cell image (I'm not sure what) to split in two multiplying on each page. I played round with the idea over the summer but since Wednesday it's really started to develop into something that might work. I'm hoping to have it ready for the Manchester Book Fair, but I don't think it'll be finished realistically.

On Thursday after work I went to the 'Long Night' in Liverpool with some friends. We didn't manage to get around much but what we did see was really interesting. We took a look at the Print facilities at the Bluecoat and watched a demo of monoprinting. I also looked at a textile studio, which was interesting but quite alien to me. I would like to take a course in it in the future though. After visiting the Bluecoat we only had time to visit FACT before it was time to get the train.

On Friday I spent the day making fish polystyrene print plates at work and on Saturday I spent the day with the family visting my Dad. I decided to record the journey using my dictaphone rather than making notes as it was only recording family conversation.  And I spent all day Sunday working on the book idea and taking notes from the dictaphone. As not to disturb everyone else I use my headphones whilst typing it the conversation, but I disturbed them anyway with my almost constant laughing.

# 5 [30 September 2009]

I met the second year print options group today. I was quite nervous because although I met the third years last week I already knew most of them but I haven't really met the second years before. They're a small group which will be great for them when their projects develop because there will be little or no waiting around for equipment.

Michelle gave them a demo in monoprinting and then they were off doing their own printing. I had a go too but they were producing great experimental pieces full of movement and colour were as mine was quite boring, but fun all the same.

Yesterday I went on a trip to the Yorkshire Sculpture Park with the students. Two other fellows went and I spent the day with them, mainly looking at Peter Randel-Page's work. I've seen various pieces previously but the way they were displayed was stunning. I managed to write lots of converstation down so that should make an interesting journey on paper.

# 6 [7 October 2009]

The second year option group were learning about screen printing today. I used my time in the print room working on a project I've just started about cell division. I made lots of little cells out of cereal boxes last week ready to print up as collographs. When I printed them the paper stuck to the cardboard so I spent the rest of the morning varnishing the remaining pieces. I was happy with the image minus the tearing though.

# 7 [8 October 2009]

I was asked in work how college was going today. I said 'fine', but it made me start thinking about the whole experience so far.

It's very strange being there still, not being a student and having no deadlines to work to. It's great too, I get to work as often as I like too, so I can develop my work. The use of colleges facilities in fantastic and of course always having someone at hand to give advice if I need it is so helpful.

I have no problem motivating myself and yet I still feel a little lost. But I'm lucky to have the reasurance of college for another year, and to know I'm not alone.

# 8 [14 October 2009]

Today I continued with the new project I started last week about cell division. I got some simple but effective images printed up, so hopefully next week I can start laying out some ideas on how to make them into a book. I'd also like to try adding colour, so I may try using the plates again with relief inks, maybe in reds, browns and oranges.

# 9 [22 October 2009]

It's been quiet in college this week because most of the students have gone a trip to London. I would have loved to go but I had to work and paint penguins.

The good thing about hardly any students being in was that I got loads of work done. I re-printed the cell division plates on Tuesday with little success. They were printing with gaps where the ink should show and Sarah the print technican suggested I leave the paper soaking a lot longer, but it occured to me that it was the paper I was using that was the problem. I don't know why I hadn't thought of it before. So on Wednesday I re-printed them again and they look much better. I spent all morning playing around printing with different combinations of cells.

I'll pick the up tommorrow after work and then next week when I'm off I'll work on them becoming a book.

# 10 [25 October 2009]

I went to hear Pete Clarke talk about his work at Liverpool University VG&M yesterday. Such a nice guy and so interesting to listen to. I was especially interested to see how he manages to keep his printmaking markings and text within his paintings. His use of language, whether his own or lent from other sources is prominent in many of his works. When I was still painting I tried to add text to my work for some time, but it was never successful, sounding quite pathetic upon reflection and I often wished I hadn't spoilt my work with it. I've never been that good with words and have learnt that it's just not my thing. Petes work is very tactile, (although I obviously didn't touch it) and his paintings where a delight to see.

I finished painting my penguins early today so this evening I have been working on my cell project. I scanned the prints and added colour using photoshop to see what combinations worked best. The subtle colours suited the images more than the bold, strong colours. I think the cells look fragile and the subtle, translucent colours enhance this.