VICTORIA ASHWORTH

The Aspect of Nature

2011-12-10T08:58:00.000-08:00

Thoughts as I sit and drift in my studio...

the aspect of nature in my work.

The drawings are an expression of.....?

Shapes, forms, interfere, disrupt, harsh, strict, quiet colours.

My drawings are rarely seen or spoken about.

My studio

How & where should they be placed, hung, shown, exposed.

Trees - they reference back to my landscape work, they highlight nature in a simple yet evocative way.

Delicacy, surrounded by the unfinished architectural chaos surrounding it.

Is that how it looks, is the messgae clear to the viewer & does it need to be?

The painting does not say enough for me sometimes.

What will my drawings do that my paintings do not?

'All Alone', own work

Trees

2011-11-06T05:58:00.002-08:00

The lonely tree is standing strong in my work. Where is this going? Nature is crawling back into my work and I feel excited about it. I have almost missed it. Finding my uni creative diary it has taken me back to that time...the thoughts, the comments, critiques, pathways.

Port Douglas, Australia

Grand Cayman, Caribbean

'Growing Towards The Light', recent work

'As Nature Crawls Back' New Series

2011-10-10T10:49:00.001-07:00

Two of my most recent paintings. Through thoughts, experiments and travels - the landscape seems to have crawled back into my work. These pieces will be on show in Hale at the end of this month, I am looking forward to getting feedback on this new series of work.

Small studies

2011-09-25T11:29:00.010-07:00

Unknowingly, my recent studies have a striking resemblance to my 3rd year degree work. It seems my work has gone full circle, wrestling with the same thoughts and conflicts as I did in my final year. The focus on my environment, the landscape and the effect we have on it, is a constant route of investigation for me.

Recent study

3rd year degree work

2011-08-29T03:38:00.000-07:00

It has been a strange couple of weeks. Whilst feeling void of art in many ways and desperate to be working on something, my mind has been working overdrive but without me knowing it!!! I have been dreaming about my work...waking up, with vivid ideas entangled in my mind.

My work is strongly fuelled by how we exist and live amongst our environment and how architecture is changing and remoulding our surroundings and experiences. The trees that keep reoccurring in my work is something I am going to focus on. For me, they reference back to my landscape work, highlighting nature in a simple yet evocative way. They have the delicacy surrounded by the unfinished architectural chaos. Is that how it is perceived? Is it clear to the viewer?

Painting - Drawing - Photography

What will/do my drawings say that my paintings do not? My drawings have always been quite private, very rarely seen or displayed yet I now feel keen to be working with pencil and paper to play around with ideas.

'Growing Towards The Light' by Victoria Ashworth

Whilst reading and drifting in my studio I discovered the artist Henrik Saxgren. A series of photographs named 'Unintended Scultpures' is something he has been working on since 2001 and I was taken away by them. Reading the article, it seems that whilst working on other projects
Saxgren discovered that he was also moved by the aesthetic implications of man’s impact on his environment. The book, Unintended Sculptures, is the result of this revelation.

In this series, 'Saxgren has assumed a new role, not as story-teller, but as artist-curator. His trained eye seizes on the details of our landscapes, on the everyday absurdities or our abandoned things and our constructions. His is an everyday Surrealism that delights in the play of light on a man-made structure or an abandoned airplane. With every image Saxgren argues “Why is this remnant of a Icelandic whaling station with its brick smokestack and boiler set against a fjord in the amazing light of the high north not worthy of being as valuable an art work as any painting or sculpture?” That is a fair question, and with it, Saxgren makes us look at what we would otherwise take for granted or outright ignore.'

Henrik Saxgren

Reading through this essay I love the quote by New York Time’s chief art critic, Michael Kimmelman, on the nature of art: The Accidental Masterpiece, On the Art of Life and Vice Versa (2005), in which he persuasively argues that “creating, collecting, and even just appreciating art can make living a daily masterpiece.”

Looking at another article, I was taken by this small snippet...'Tree lined avenues are some of the most visually attractive roads, and abandonment can transform them into some of the most mysterious. Forgotten houses set back from the road, cracked pavements and tangled greenery demonstrate perfectly the battle between man and nature, and emphasise how quickly manmade structures crumble when nature is left to take its course.'

Links -

http://www.saxgren.dk/unintended-sculptures/
http://www.urbanghostsmedia.com/2010/12/road-travelled-abandoned-streets-overgrown-avenues/#ixzz1ZzsN49ma

A recent discovery

2011-07-30T02:50:00.000-07:00

Whilst surfing the internet, when I should have been working ;) I stumbled across a recent project by Chinese artist Jiang Pengyi...

'Urban Art: Unregistered Cities by Jiang Pengyi'

Though the artist mainly works in photography, this particular project focuses on cities, still objects and massive skyscrapers reduced to miniature sizes communicating his recurrent themes of excessive urbanization, redevelopment and demolition in the Beijing city. I was and am still mesmerized by these series of works. I not only love the concept behind his work but also the way in which he has portrayed his theme. Whilst obviously having a impeccable eye for photography I love that he has also brought in the crafted aspect for this particular series.

Reading the article on urbanghostsmedia.com, 'The Unregistered Cities themselves appear in abandoned buildings but unlike those represented in Jiang Pengyi’s sculptures, their host abandonments are not the crumbling ruins of skyscrapers, road networks and high rise apartments - they are the last remnants of Beijing’s past, abandoned houses swallowed up by the same urban zeal that the artist seeks to counter. Abandoned houses and historic civic buildings are popular venues for urban exploration, but few would expect to find miniature ghost cities artistically represented amid the ruins of real forgotten places. Collectively, Jiang Pengyi’s urban artworks speak to our sense of past and underscore the relentless pace of the present.'

All images are by Jiang Pengyi, via Blindspot Gallery

An Inspiring Bus Ride

2011-06-22T04:32:00.000-07:00

Wow a recent a-n magazine literally blew me away. With an 8 month back log of a-n mags I decided to delve into the most recent release. Daniel Fawcett's view on art & film really got me thinking.

'Today's culture is a tired man - he trudges along overweight and sick, replete with things no longer good for him. He needs a new art. That art is film.'

Reading the magazine also opened my mind to the idea of studying for an MA, I feel like I may have reached the point where I am 'ready'. Reading the magazine, questions were ticking over in my mind, what makes these artists go for it? Is an MA the turning point for artists, where their work really takes a hold of them and their style really sets in? Am I pining for that deep submerging of mind and soul into the depths of study and questioning?

Returning Home

2011-06-19T14:41:00.000-07:00

Returning home...what a weird feeling it was! For the first few days well the first week in fact, I just didn't feel myself at all - I felt like I wasn't really here! Everywhere I went, I felt dazed and distracted but an unexpected afternoon on a boat turned into a refreshing and inspiring cruise through the waterways of Manchester, a great welcome home :)

2011-06-13T15:14:00.000-07:00

There are things in life that cannot be beaten :)

Ashworth BBQ...whatever the weather

The Scenic Way Home - Arriving & Leaving

2011-06-12T03:14:00.000-07:00

Arriving in Washington I was so full of emotions, we had finally reached our last stop...the end of a 32 week working and travelling adventure. I felt ready to cry at any moment. But not out of complete sadness, I also felt happy and overjoyed for what we had achieved, the wonderful places we had seen and the journey we had gone through together.

A beautiful row of houses, just over the road
from the White House!

With four nights in this city we were going to make the most out of these last few days :) From start to end this short stay was intense, I think that is one of the best ways to describe it. The Government, the military and the endless war history all seem to dominate this city in quite an intimidating and aggressive way but beneath this there is a clean, impressive city to be explored. Dodging the uniformed figures and security checks we found some great drinking holes and eateries and even managed to squeeze in a day out to Baltimore :)

Sketching in absolute peace :)

Many hours were spent exploring the vast museums, soaking up the artwork and artefacts. My favourite moment was when I discovered the quiet courtyard set in the middle of the Arthur M. Sackler gallery. It was so peaceful and a great escape from the over admitted museums along the Mall. In this moment I sat and thought and sketched and it was wonderful.

With our flight date fast approaching it was hard to imagine that within a few days we would be back on English soil! But that day did arrive...and wow it was an amazing feeling. Seeing England for the first day after 8 months was unbelievable.

Peering out to the land below, I was crying tears of joy, relief, excitement to see my family and friends and anticipation of what will come next.

Things to be surely missed - all those delightfully blue skies, the laid back lifestyle of Australia, New Zealand and Big Island, the delicious flavours of Fiji, the longboards of Waikiki, the humid wall of heat that hits you leaving bars at 3am, running along the beach at sunset, sitting on the rocks at Coolangatta watching the world go by...

Things to look forward to - ahhhh home sweet home, hills - big rolling green ones :), living without the fear of snakes or sharks, woolly winter coats, my studio den and most importantly this next chapter in my life.....

The Scenic Way Home - The Last Stretch Of Road

2011-06-02T18:07:00.000-07:00

Driving from Charleston up to Washington was an interesting experience, an insight into the weird and wonderful ways of America. A short stop in Myrtle beach was cut even shorter when we realised how uninteresting it was. The most 'beautiful' thing I could find was the bird illustration on the motel sign! But for me, the most enjoyable part of this drive was not the stops we made but the sitting, drifting, looking out of the car window looking at the little towns and villages that we were moving through. I was fascinated by the homes I saw, the green lush grass surrounding the houses. The lack of fences and pavements, instead just endless green :)

And then when the land opened up you would get a glimpse of these ramshackle sheds and buildings. Beautiful pastels; pale turquoise and soft peach. When finally arriving at our motel for the night, we could feel a change in temperature, the humidity had gone and we knew we were getting closer to home.

Charleston, South Carolina

2011-06-02T13:00:00.000-07:00

The next place we arrived at was Charleston and it turned out to be one of my favourite places. I loved this little city for its wonderful architecture and undeniable charm. Like Savannah, here in Charleston there was a real sense of history and culture. The food was hearty and delicious and the people were so friendly.

Walking around the streets, the sun was shining bright creating the most wonderful shadows on the ground and I couldn't help but stare at the fabulous homes that we walked past. I was so taken by the beautiful colours of the stone, the letter boxes, the blossoming flowers...I was mesmerised! And by night it became an enchanting place..a mixture of relaxed dining, casual drinking and even rooftop swimming...you choose :)

Rooftop pool bar :)

Inspiration in Savannah

2011-06-01T08:24:00.000-07:00

Walking along the streets of Savannah, with only the glow from shop windows and a few street lights, I couldn't help but notice this special little gallery. I loved this particular piece. A beautiful culmination of painting, sculpture and light.

Up Through Florida and Into Georgia :)

2011-05-31T12:49:00.001-07:00

Leaving South Florida, we set off early to arrive in Orlando for a few nights stay in Disney. Not your usual backpackers stop but a welcome treat for a few nights :) Having visited Disney with family it holds a special place in our hearts, as a reminder of the many memories created here. Visiting with a slightly different outlook, I started to notice the wonderful architecture of the hotels especially the Contemporary (pictured below). Though we were sad to leave our luxury pad we headed north onto Savannah and arrived early evening in time to enjoy to an evening explore of this new city. Arriving here we were hit by a wave of culture and history that we had not yet seen in America.

The Contemporary

Savannah, Georgia

Miami to Washington D.C - The Road Trip Begins

2011-05-28T11:42:00.000-07:00

After leaving the boat, we began our 1000 mile drive up to Washington D.C, but not before a cruise around the beautiful South Beach, it was such an inspiring drive...an architectural feast :) Art Deco buildings everywhere! The sun was beaming down, the restaurants and cafes were full with families celebrating Mother's day and the streets were bustling with rollerskaters and convertibles. It was fabulous!

South Beach, Miami

North bound our drive will take us through Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Virginia and even a sneak into Maryland! Cannot wait! :)

A Night of Salvador & Walt

2011-05-26T08:48:00.000-07:00

Cadaques, where Dali spent many years of his life
(painting by Victoria Ashworth)

Whilst on the ship, there was a preview of Dali & Disney's joint animation 'Destino'. I wasn't quite sure what to expect but it turned out to be quite an inspiring evening :) The short animation is an unexpected collaboration between two geniuses of creativity and I loved it!

The Scenic Way Home - Seven Days Of Luxury

2011-05-25T02:25:00.000-07:00

Months ago, whilst still in Australia, we booked ourselves onto a seven day cruise travelling through the Western Caribbean and down to Mexico and the day had finally arrived to board the ship :) It was so great knowing we were on the ship for seven days and we could unpack! It was luxury!

Seven Mile Beach, Grand Cayman

Over the seven days we travelled to four different places including Mexico, Belize, Roatan and Grand Cayman. Grand Cayman was our first stop and it was a beautiful and inspiring little island. It was the first time I had been to the West Indies and I was not disappointed. The town, which is where you arrive first off the boat, has an initimate village feel to it. I loved pottering round the streets, discovering the street artwork and learning about the Islands history. The people we met on this island seemed to have a real sense of pride for their history and were so kind and welcoming. Walking onto Seven Mile Beach was breathtaking...I was sad to leave Grand Cayman.

Grand Cayman & it's varied architecture...see the thatched
beach hut compared to the modern building behind!

After a night of eating, dancing and the odd flutter at the black jack table, we arrived in Roatan the next day. This was the most inactive day for us, spending a few hours reading, bathing and sipping cocktails! :) Roatan was a weird and wonderful little beach haven but not much for culture vultures like us.

Roatan

Our next stop, Belize was just what we needed after a quiet day the day before. Stepping off the boat you were bombarded with locals trying to sell you a trip around the city and their country. After a little haggling, we agreed on a day tour including a drive out to Altun Ha, the Mayan Ruins and a walk through the rainforest.

A stroll through the varied rainforest
of Belize was a delight, mud free and containing
a croc infested pond - great fun!

What a day we had!! It was great fun, even if a little off the wall! Picture this...a scruffy looking minibus packed with 13 people including 3 kids, 2 prams, a slightly crazy Belize man driving and us two squeezed in! Unforgettable!

The Waterway Through Belize

The most delicious beer
ever...not biased at all :)

Our final port was Cozumel. We were sad that it was our last stop but very excited to be visiting Mexico!! A gentle walk along the coastal road took us into Cozumel's heart. Our day was spent passing in and out of the pastel coloured buildings, drinking beer and wandering through the spotless streets. I really loved Cozumel for it's colour, fresh food and laid back atmosphere. I will definitely be back!

Cozumel, Mexico

Arriving back in Miami after a day at sea, it was hard leaving our little cabin but we were excited about where we were heading next...

The Scenic Way Home - Over To The East Coast of America

2011-05-18T13:00:00.000-07:00

Long Beach

Leaving Los Angeles from Long Beach airport, we made an afternoon of it and managed to stumble on a food and wine festival on the Long Beach harbour front and also a look at the Queen Mary. Trusting public transport to be reliable, we had quite a nerve racking experience nearly missing our flight...it was such relief when we arrived at check-in to find out the flight was delayed and check-in closes 1/2 hour before, not the usual 1 hour!!!!!!!

The Everglades

Arriving in Fort Lauderdale we were hit by the warm Florida humidity and a familiar friendly face who was also our tour guide for the next few days! :)

Waking up the next day, we went to the Everglades and managed to catch a glimpse of an alligator! Even though everyone was pleased to see it, there was a sigh of relief as the boat took us back to safety!

The Scenic Way Home - Los Angeles

2011-05-15T21:04:00.001-07:00

Hollywood, Los Angeles wow! What a place! Walking along the Walk of Fame you are faced with so many animated characters, such a small area that is surrounded by a beautiful landscape and everywhere seems to smell like flowers! Strange I know but only in Hollywood:) With only a few days in Los Angeles, I think we made the most of our time. Newport Beach was beautiful...what a setting!! Beverley Hills, Rodeo Drive...the sun was beaming down as we cruised around :) Griffith Observatory...arrived just as the sun was setting!

I finished my L.A visit with an arty explore at the Getty Center, an architectural masterpiece with views over Bel Air. It was so tranquil...the perfect end to my visit to the West coast.

The Scenic Way Home - We're going to San Franciscooo

2011-05-07T20:36:00.000-07:00

San Francisco...what a great city and so much bigger than I thought it would be. Great architecture, endless streets that you are desperate to explore but your feet are worn out from all the walking you have been doing!! You can't help being temped by all the delicious smells drifting out from the endless eateries. I found the place just fascinating. There are insanely steep hills at every corner, a city like no other!!

All these words come to mind when thinking of San Francisco...rustic and intriguing, contemporary and quirky, traditional and beautifully ornate...I hope to go back there one day :)

The Scenic Way Home - Crossing The International Date Line

2011-05-01T20:20:00.000-07:00

Hawaii...full of surprises! Over seven days our time was split between two islands Oahu and Big Island. One being well developed but full of charm, the other was the Hawaii I had imagined...relaxed and bursting with natural beauty . It was on the latter island where we hired kayaks for the day and paddled over to Kealakekua bay, where Captain Cook spent his last days. It was the most amazing thing we have both experienced on this trip..as we paddled over to the bay Spinner dolphins swam and jumped up around us! It was the best moment.

The Scenic Way Home - A Short Stop In Fiji

2011-04-25T06:28:00.000-07:00

Beautiful setting, friendly people, yummy food...just go away mosquitos!!!!

The Scenic Way Home - NZ, On The North Island

2011-04-17T21:23:00.000-07:00

Arriving in Wellington, it was a beautiful evening and a great opportunity to walk around and explore. It isn't a massive city but I really loved the harbour front, car-free for you to walk, run or just sit and watch the passers by. Exploring further into the city there were some fantastic places to relax, eat and drink, it was like a bigger version of Manchester's Northern Quarter and so I couldn't resist it. The combination of the beautiful harbour, positive vibe and rugged charm makes Wellington a city where life is waiting to be enjoyed :)

Leaving Wellington we set off on our drive up to Auckland, making a few stops on the way. Rotorua was a half way point for us, where I adjusted to the Sulphur fumes to enjoy a few nights there. With a lakeside setting, it is a beautiful spot oozing with history and the weird and wonderful hot mud pools!

On the Western side of North Island, a stop off at Waitomo Caves was an unforgettable experience! Even though the North Island does not have the awe-inspiring scenery of the South Island I found this area to be a wonderful Shire-like setting! Rolling green hills and glowing trees all cover up a fabulous network of caves! Black water rafting is a way of getting beneath the green surface and thats what we did! Unforgettable!!

Now to Auckland! On the first night we stayed just outside in Ponsonby and without knowing it stumbled upon a lively suburb that had an amazing view of the city.

Being our last stop money was running low so our stay in

Auckland was centred on 'free'! I got lucky and found a 'free' day tour of the city and somehow ended up catch-free and even included a harbour bridge walk! That great day combined with New Zealand brewed beer, beautiful weather, friendly people and Korean Pancakes ($2.50) the stay was a very happy one - a fun-filled end to our stay in New Zealand :)

The Scenic Way Home - NZ: Making Our Way Up To Auckland

2011-04-07T18:29:00.000-07:00

Arrowtown

Leaving Queenstown to continue our drive around the South Island, we stopped in Arrowtown to hunt for gold and after a good hour of panning and no luck we gave up and drove to our next stop, Wanaka. Wanaka is a beautiful little town and for our evening entertainment we went to the well recommended Cinema Paradiso - what a place!! They have the most delicious cookies I have ever tasted and what is great they are served fresh out of the oven at the interval! The cinema has so much character, the chairs are not like the usual kind - instead there is a haphazard selection of sofas for you to choose from!! Watching 127 hours was an intense experience but I was blissfully happy slouched in my unbelievably comfy seat and munching on melt-in-the-mouth cookies! :)

Lake Wanaka

Leaving Wanaka the next morning, we drove for the West Coast heading for the glaciers. After learning about Glaciers in Geography and spending many hours testing my sister for her exams it was strange to be finally visiting one for the first time! The scale of them is incredible!! After spending time exploring the two glaciers (Fox & Franz Josef) we decided to make our way up the coast and take a chunk out of the long drive up to Picton.

Franz Josef Glacier

With very little to see on the West Coast and a grey landscape (it's actually called the Grey District!) we finally found civilisation in Greymouth. The hostel (Duke Backpackers) we had chosen happened to be one of the best places we have stayed at and that was mainly down to the welcome we received from the host - fantastic service from beginning to end.

Duke Backpackers

Waking up the next day feeling refreshed, we set off along the highly spoke of coastal drive (Greymouth to Nelson) - it was so rugged and beautiful. The Pancake Rocks, the beautiful coastlines and the rich green landscape made this drive unforgettable - I was happy to be in the passenger seat!! :)

Picton

Finally reaching Picton, we stepped out of our car, sighed a breath of relief that we had made it this far and took a few moments to reflect on the past week. Picton is a very beautiful place, reflecting the whole of the island and it is here where we leave the South Island behind and head through the Queen Charlotte Sound to the North Island...

The Scenic Way Home - Leaving Australia for New Zealand

2011-03-30T01:26:00.001-07:00

Having left Australia after living there for 6 months, it felt sad to know we are flying out of there not knowing when we will return. Australia is great country, one thing that really stood out to me was the quality of life. It is a country that really gives its inhabitants a chance to enjoy their free time and get the most out of their surroundings. People over there work to live, not the other way round and it is so refreshing to see that. People young and old are out in the fresh air enjoying themselves even after the sun has gone down. I will never forget one night after sunset, I was running along the beach path and a bell rung behind me and turning round a group of ladies rode past me on their bicycles. It was such a great sight that really did put a smile on my face :) Instead of sitting on the sofa watching t.v they were out with friends and keeping fit.

A run along the beach path, Gold Coast

Arriving in Christchurch yesterday, we were obviously, after the recent earthquake, not quite sure what to expect. We did think about staying one night on the edge of the city but after driving around and seeing the damage which had affected even accommodation out of town we decided to start the long journey down to Queenstown. After driving for 4 hours we finally stopped at our place of rest, Lake Tekapo. The Lakeside Backpackers Lodge was our bed for the night and waking up the next morning we were greeted with glorious sunshine, blue skies and an incredible view of the lake.

Lake Tekapo

Setting off at 10am, we were well on our way to Queenstown and after a few stops including a traumatic bungy jump we were there before 5pm! Queenstown instantly WOWed us! Dropping down the hill with the town on view in front of us, it was beautiful to see. There is such an optimistic feel to the town, positive activity is happening all around you at any time of the day and as the lights go down at night the wood fires are started and the delightful little drinking holes start to come alive. Next stop...Wanaka :)

By the lake in Queenstown

The Scenic Way Home - The Beginning

2011-03-27T00:19:00.000-07:00

Arriving in Cairns at 11.30pm at night, I was expecting a cooler air but no it was unbelievably humid!! I have never felt humidity like that ever! Waking up the next day and seeing our surroundings you could understand – it is so tropical up here. So much greenery, lush trees and lots of wildlife to go with it!! Cairns is a beautiful place, obviously very focused on the Reef and the tourism associated with that but it does have a little charm of its own.

Monday we went on the Great Barrier Reef...what a day!!! It was surreal swimming down there and a little nerve racking! I nearly drowned in my excitement of spotting a turtle!!

Lisa Cahill's glass piece

Visited Cairns Art Gallery the next day, which is housed in a beautiful Government building and with amazing air-conditioning! I saw a glass exhibition that really opened my mind to glass work and showed me a really exciting side to it. One piece by Lisa Cahill was a beautiful snowy scene inspired by her travels to Iceland.It was a beautiful piece and reminded me of my friend's work, Jo Bramley. Her work uses different materials, such as paint but they both had this similarity of exploring these snowy untrodden landscapes. Lisa Cahill creates a multi-layered piece using glass, like Jo, building up the image and it is also something I can relate to in my own working style.

Artwork by Jo Bramley

For the next couple of days we hired a car, giving us some freedom to explore. Driving up to Kuranda on the first morning through the rich dense rainforest was a great drive and winding through those towering trees I couldn't help but think of Rosie Snell's work. In anticipation of seeing the elusive railway or skytrain, I was reminded of her intricate landscapes and striking industrial machinery that she so carefully places within this.

Kuranda

Reaching Cape Tribulation later that day was an unforgettable drive. Driving along the Captain Cook Highway was just incredible. Being up in the north of Queensland really did feel like we had landed on a tropical island paradise. The greenery, beautiful beaches, lush rainforest, endless encounters with nature is all so overwhelming - ahhh Australia :)

2011-03-19T19:21:00.000-07:00

The start of our journey hasn't gone quite as planned but I think we have made the best out of the situation. Instead of taking a relocation car up to Cairns, after serious thought we are flying up to Cairns to get the most out of the next week. With a week forecast of rain, and an already precarious drive ahead of us we decided to remove the risk of not getting up to Cairns and head straight there. We hope that by having a few extra days up there we will get to see some parts we never thought we would reach, including Cape Tribulation and Kurunda.

2011-03-19T04:43:00.000-07:00

Leaving the Gold Coast today left a heavy weight in my stomach and an ache in my heart but I think we are leaving at a good time as friends we have met are starting to head their seperate ways. As the summer months are behind us now hours available at work have dropped dramatically and Australia is an expensive place to be in without money coming in!!

2011-03-04T06:20:00.000-08:00

Since moving away and not having my studio as a work space I have begun to view my work and the process of making it in a different way. I love the organic nature of drawing, from observation and from memory and I enjoy using these sketches combined with another medium. Making work that is so changeable and impermanent really excites me.

Found a new artist whose work I like today. Nicola Williams. Came across her whilst on www.a-n.co.uk.

2011-03-01T04:57:00.000-08:00

During my visit to Melbourne in January I took myself on a self-guided tour of the city and I came across a backstreet covered in graffiti, where earlier in the year there was an original piece by Banksy.

I asked a complete stranger to take my photo and it was exhilarating jumping up into the air!! There are a couple of, what I assume, homages to Banksy's piece just above me in the photo which I think is great - the piece lives on!!

Have a look at 'Jumping In Art Museums' blog where you will find my photo and many others from all over the world. It is a great blog, really puts a smile on your face. Visiting art galleries is not something you usually photograph yourself doing and so I think it is a great idea, as it creates a memory of this normally unrecorded experience and also adds fun to it! :)

Check out this article, it explains what happened to the Banksy piece!!

http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/04/28/2884476.htm.

2011-02-24T06:18:00.000-08:00

Two days off, one hour drive apart, two entirely different landscapes.. both magical :)

2011-01-23T05:05:00.000-08:00

Ah Melbourne, what a place. Full of surprises. St Kilda, the Pier with the penguins, Federation Square, Centre Pl, Street Art, live music on the streets, the weather! ...Loved the place.

Exploring the city on the first day I came across a great unused space that I would love to take over for a show. Small delicate pieces placed amidst this industrial space.

A great exhibition space :)

St Kilda Pier watching the penguins arrive!

After briefly exploring the city on the first day, we got the tram back to St Kilda where we were staying to watch the penguins arrive at the end of the pier. It was a memorable experience.

Sat in Federation Square at night

On one of the days, I went on a walking tour of the city where I discovered some of the wonderful back streets of Melbourne (pictured below).

On my walking tour

As you can see I've decided to use more photos than words as it is all too difficult to describe! I had a great time in Melbourne amidst the art, varied architecture and relaxed atmosphere.

2011-01-16T04:56:00.000-08:00

Having gone past the halfway point of our stay on the Gold Coast, everything around me has started to be alot more precious and sacred. My walk to work, the things I see every day, the beautiful tranquility of sitting at Budds Beach looking out to the water. Everything. I am making sure I appreciate each day here and enjoy every minute!! :)

2011-01-09T03:40:00.000-08:00

Been thinking a lot about my work recently and about myself as an artist. I have had this strong desire to create work and tonight was the perfect night where I sat at my desk and busied away on some new small studies. It was so quiet and I had no interruptions :) I'm visiting Melbourne a week tomorrow and I am so excited about visiting a new city. I have heard great things and I am looking forward to walking round seeing a totally new place.

Working on my new pieces I have had many thoughts whirling around my head. The colours of this different landscape, the difference in nature – the trees, the flowers, the amount of wildlife around me, the architecture – everything I see! I hope to work with some of these thoughts when creating these new pieces. I am hoping to create a juxtaposition in each little study. A double image to create that feeling of confusion. The new (here) and the old (home).

2010-12-30T05:00:00.000-08:00

A day off finally arrived after working for the last six days and I was determined that I was going to head out for the day to explore, relax and drift. I got on the bus to Coolangatta, a nearby seaside town 15 miles away. It was a place that I hadn't yet explored and it was great to be seeing somewhere new on my own. It is a beautiful little town, with some lovely beaches to explore and it was great to be on foot as I investigated! I walked up to Point Danger and watched out to sea at the surfers cruising over the waves.

While I was up there I stumbled upon a fabulous little gallery showing work by local artists. The building that housed the gallery was a delight in itself! I then wandered back down to the main beach, Greenmount beach and sat for a while drawing. Arriving home about 8pm, I felt relaxed and content! A good day was had :)

2010-12-26T20:12:00.000-08:00

Ah what a week! It's been a busy seven days and it has continued to rain relentlessly!! I had a good time over Christmas, even though it was non stop and away from home. Been working on a couple of collages today, one is below. I've combined images of Manchester with drawings I have done over here. I really enjoyed the process of removing parts of my drawing from the composition, using a digital eraser instead of a real one! It feels good to have no inhibitions and no worries about destroying a piece. Photography and drawing are really important aspects in my work but I have never combined them like this before. I like that this small study has suggestions of the cellulose thinners effect, where images are transferred and scratched at.

2010-12-19T01:12:00.000-08:00

I have made a pact to myself that I am going to write on this once a week. I constantly have thoughts running through my mind and I find it very theraputic to scribble it down somwhere and here is an ideal place! Visting Brisbane last week was really great, I felt so refreshed and inspired walking amongst the new unknown bulidings. It was good to be in a city again and it made me realise that I may actually miss Manchester!! Whilst in the city I visited South Bank which is a fantastic area, full of little cafes and bars and I also had a wander round Brisbane Art Gallery. Ahhh...it felt so peaceful walking round on my own where it was so tranquil and quiet. Bliss!

South Bank, Brisbane

I saw an exhibition in there that had interesting aspects to it. I loved the phrase 'Abstract Expressionist gone surfing' that was said to describe a series of paintings in the gallery. I love this loose, reckless way of working and the paintings had a lot of enegy to them. Whilst in the gallery I came across some inspiring quotes by other artists. I love this one, I can really relate to this idea and way of working and I feel I carry this thought in my own working style.

Brisbane at night

'I did not paint these works as a visitor to the landscape, but as one who lived in it and experienced it every day.' William Robinson, Australian artist.

2010-12-01T04:58:00.000-08:00

Out on the balcony :)

I haven't wrote on here for a few weeks, but in that time I have had some valued thinking time and some quiet moments to get my pencils and paints out. It has taken me a few weeks to gather thoughts, settle here and feel confident to start working and I think I am just about ready to start playing with ideas. Being away from home, out of my studio has been quite daunting but it is also quite refreshing not knowing what form my work will take and what materials will be used. Being in a more relaxed and less hectic frame of mind has given me a chance to think about my work and the work I hope to create. Meeting up with a fellow artist last week was a great chance to talk about arty things, ideas I have got and also my feelings about my new environment. I have found, particularly since being here that my surroundings have a significant impact on my emotions and creative thoughts. I seem to look at everything around me with intrigue, with an investagive eye – thoughts like 'how could I use that piece of text?', 'could I recreate those colours myself?'

Just as I write this I am organising myself a little arty space, in the corner of my bedroom. I really wanted to have my own table and wall space where I can stick things up and have a desk to do some drawing. Since arriving here and also during my short stay in Singapore I have been gathering bits of things to work on and work from. Being on a budget and determined to make use of found materials I have been keeping pieces of newspapers, leftover cardboard and also used envelopes. I really want to create work that is placed in that particular moment in time, giving my work a memory and a connection to that time in my life.

Every day, when I sit looking out from the balcony I still feel baffled and almost amused that I am sat looking out onto a beautiful waterway and surrounded by palm tress. The phrase 'A New Landscape' keeps going through my mind, a striking contrast to my home where I was 8 weeks ago! I still wake up everyday and wonder where I am! The colours around me are different – more vivid and crisp, the light streams into the room every morning, the sound of birds singing outside wakes you up...it definitely helps you rise in a morning :)

2010-11-29T02:31:00.000-08:00

A quiet morning sketching :)

19 Karen Gallery - Exhibition Opening

2010-10-25T05:04:00.000-07:00

On Saturday, I went to 19 Karen gallery for an exhibition opening. I have been reading about the gallery and their artists for a few months, before I had even arrived in Australia so I was quite excited about finally going to the gallery. Getting the bus, I had a hand written map to find the gallery and thankfully a man & his daughter got off the bus and unknowingly led me to the gallery! Mermaid Beach, where the gallery is located is an interesting little area. Getting off the bus at 6pm, the sun had almost set and so the light had an illuminating glow. Every neon light and sign seemed to glow around me, it felt artificial but magical too.

Mermaid Beach

Entering the gallery I was welcomed and offered a delightful glass of champagne! I met Katy Mitchell, a fellow artist who works at the gallery and also displays some of her ceramic pieces in the gallery. Being on my own I was able to explore the space and the artist's work at my own pace, whilst enjoying my first glass of wine on the Gold Coast! The atmosphere in the space was fantastic, live music, friendly people and great art work. I particularly liked the work by Dan O'Tool and also Jeremy Piert for his loose unfinished style. It was great to be amongst other creative people, enjoying the work and listening to each artist talk about their own work. I felt so relaxed, I didn't have a train to catch or no car to drive home – it felt great :)

Jeremy Piert & Ryan Preece

It was a really great night, I felt extremely welcome and the gallery totally exceeded my expectations.

2010-10-15T02:23:00.000-07:00

Singapore at night! :)

Well..I've been here for only three days and it is like I have been here for weeks! I have got myself organised and I feel like I have done a lot! A 3-day stopover in Singapore really made the journey over here. Singapore – what a fascinating city and sooo hot!! Arriving at Brisbane airport was slightly alarming as the sky was very grey and gloomy, it felt like we had landed back in the U.K! And the journey down the Gold Coast was even more disturbing as at the side of the rail tracks roads were flooded and cars were underwater! But since arriving, the weather has continued to improve and it has been quite a relief to be able to gradually adjust to the warmer weather. The area around where I live is fantastic, there is so much to see and appreciate. I feel like I am living in a permanent zoo, there is so much wildlife around here! Lizards are everywhere! Being next to Budds Beach is great as you only have to step out of the apartment and you are walking alongside a beautiful waterway with moored up yachts along it. The town (Surfers Paradise) is quite intense but is great as it is has everything you need and isn't too busy. I am looking forward to the 19 Karen gallery opening on Saturday, excited about meeting some other artists and experiencing some new art work. I feel that things are starting to settle down here now and my mind feels more open to creative thoughts. Each day is much more simpler and I feel quite relaxed. I am looking forward to the coming weeks as I get to know the area a little better and who knows what I will see scurrying across my front lawn!

2010-10-01T06:01:00.000-07:00

My portable studio :)

Only 5 days to go until I leave Manchester and head to Australia. Over the past few days I have been getting myself organised and speaking to my close friends about the exciting few months ahead of me!! Up at my studio I have been gathering my materials together that I intend to take with me and have also been attempting to tidy my space!!
I'm feeling quite nervous about leaving but also very excited about seeing new places and making work in entirely new surroundings. I have been making work at Woodend Mill since I graduated and it is a refreshing thought that for the next six to eight months I will be creating work whenever and wherever I can!

2010-09-09T09:11:00.000-07:00

On October 6^th 2010 I am leaving the U.K to live in Australia for six months. I am hoping through this theraputic pouring of my thoughts that I will document a journey that happens physcially and also in my artistic practice. I also hope to create connections with other artists that can help and guide me on this artistic quest, a self-directed residency that I hope will be an amazing adventure. I intend to regularly update this blog as the weeks and months unfold, sharing my experiences and my thoughts. Wish me luck! :)