My Portfolio
This academic year I have had three major projects. My first project was centered around the topic of 'Deep Forest'. This topic was based on research into how the forest has influenced art forms over the years from fairy tales to major cinema films. From this research I was encouraged to illustrate my own story which resulted in the artwork shown below. I have used alcohol inks to tell my story using their rich and vibrant colours they produce.
Deep Forest
My second two-dimensional outcome was in the form of a jigsaw-puzzle. My idea was that a jigsaw could be passed on to friends and family and as the jigsaw was pieced together it would reveal the image, which could then be dedicated onto other friends and family to enjoy. After designing the image I sent it to a professional company to be manufactured into a wooden jigsaw puzzle. The bag was made from a supplied paper bag and a design I created from Lino print and embellished with three-dimensional paint pen.
My three-dimensional outcomes were also inspired by research into the mummers. The first outcome I designed as a centerpiece table decoration, which could dress the Christmas dinner table. I used airdry clay and Modroc and a wireframe to construct the hat section. I took reference from a photograph of one of the characters from a mummers’ play.
The second decoration was titled ‘burning house’ inspired from one of the mummers’ traditions of dancing round a burning house on New Years Eve. I used Super Sculpy oven baked clay and used a slab method to construct the house. I added some embellishments to neaten edges and hide the glue and covered the house in moss to represent the fire. I also added LED lights so that it could be used as a lamp.
The Psammead
Another of my projects was entitled ‘The Psammead’. This was a character devised by E Nesbit for a series of books she authored. The character is a thousand-year-old mythical ‘sand fairy’. I likened this character to a turtle because of it lays its eggs in the sand and is prehistoric in origin. For this project I had to create one two-dimensional and one three-dimensional outcome.
My two-dimensional outcome was a mixed media piece. I created a Lino print for the turtles and another different lino print, which I added some copper gilding to for the Psammead. I cut these out and added them to an underwater cave scene I had created in watercolours and watercolour pencil and inks, to create a pleasing composition.
My three-dimensional outcome was created by making a wire frame and then attaching metal coffee-jar lids by winding them onto the frame with metal wire, I added bubble wrap to give the fins a little texture and added more wrap to the face and created two wire wound eyes to complete the sculpture.
Prologue & Epilogue
Another project I undertook was a drawing and painting task including a Prologue and Epilogue. This was intended to create the beginning and ending of a story.
My Prologue was the story of a fat ugly caterpillar who feared everything, living in a dark and dangerous world where he would just hide from the crows who were always seeking him out to eat him. He longed to be safe, beautiful and to be able to fly.
My Prologue was the story of a fat ugly caterpillar who feared everything, living in a dark and dangerous world where he would just hide from the crows who were always seeking him out to eat him. He longed to be safe, beautiful and to be able to fly.
My Epilogue sees that the caterpillar has indeed turned into a beautiful butterfly now living in a bright and beautiful land. The crows have been replaced by friendly bees and you can just see the two crows flying away. I based my story loosely on the ‘Ugly Duckling’ tale. Both illustrations I based on the style of a child’s story book
Collaborative Project
The class also undertook a collaborative project. This was to produce a zine with artwork contributed by all the class members. We decided to come up with a theme based on people and places that had an East Anglian connection. I chose to research Harry Bensley, known locally as the’ Thetford Man in The Iron Mask’. As a collaboration we decided to keep our images monotone and I chose to use a black and white theme.
My first image is based on pathways of the journey that Harry Bensley undertook on his anonymous voyage around the world encased in an iron mask.
My first image is based on pathways of the journey that Harry Bensley undertook on his anonymous voyage around the world encased in an iron mask.
The second image is inspired by the trust bestowed upon him to keep his part of the wager to win his £21000, signified by the handshake.
Sketchbook, Workshop and Experimental Artwork
Below is a selection of work I have completed in my sketchbooks throughout my two years.
Showcase Exhibition
Here are some photographs from the Art Practice Level 4 exhibition held in Leonardo House at West Suffolk College Bury St Edmunds.
My exhibition artwork was titled 'Into The Blue' and the work was inspired by my Psammead project with each piece of artwork on my exhibition board having connections to the sea.
It was quite a long day - I have included some preparation photos as well as the artwork that was displayed on my section. I hope you enjoy looking at my first showcase work. Hopefully many more exhibitions in the pipeline.
My exhibition artwork was titled 'Into The Blue' and the work was inspired by my Psammead project with each piece of artwork on my exhibition board having connections to the sea.
It was quite a long day - I have included some preparation photos as well as the artwork that was displayed on my section. I hope you enjoy looking at my first showcase work. Hopefully many more exhibitions in the pipeline.
Personal Projects
.Below is a sample of selected personal projects I have previously worked on.