Foam Flex

Experimenting with more materials in the workshop allowed me to see the difference in context when the material was altered. Layering with a glue gun different colours of foam flex, was a fun way for me to sculpturally explore the form. I used this to also experiment with scale. Even though I feel this may not need lead to a final piece it definitely helped me in exploring the appropriate avenues for my practice.

I am beginning to experiment with drawing after seeing Rachel Goodyears exhibition at the Bothy Gallery. After a quick view around the humble gallery, the depth of Rachels observation was truly evident, I was drawn to her delicate handling of materials, not only pencil, but porcelain and animation had been moulded into her questioning of the material and subject matter. 

Her portrayal of animal and human characteristics leads the viewer to question the vulnerability of our existence. Her drawings in process appear very physical describing the existence of the animal whilst addressing the boundaries of the paper, she carefully creates constructed coincidences that express a delicate and intriguing nature.

 In particular, there seems to have been a huge amount of interest in the mythology of certain animals, such as wolves, bears and crows. Her mixed media approach has encouraged me to keep using different materials in order to keep avenues open. I believe that this source of curiosity in medium and context will create strong work for myself.

Trips week

Ceramics Biennial

The delicate use of porcelain is a material I would love to work with and I will suggest it in our next set of workshop options. Its translucent and strong properties sculpturally give a lot to a piece containing emotional context. 

Viewing this work at the ceramics biennial helped me to see that it is possible, getting to talk to people on residencies breathed a breath of fresh life on the disused factory in which the show was set. 

Sculpture-Clay & Fine Bone China.

From a visit to Ainsley China I wanted to experience the same making process that my Father and thousands of now redundant workers used to make in my hometown of Stoke-on-Trent. 

Not only was I humbled to meet the people who created the skillful fine bone flowers I also got to have a go myself...using a little bit of oil,  a wooden board and the fine bone china clay, a number of 8 petals were rolled, pinched and moulded to create a beautiful rose with a little help from gravity and your own hands. 

I have also continued to use these techniques in the workshop, using just the original clay had differing effects in terms of malleability and softness, it was considerably harder and I did not experience the same theraputic effects from the fine bone china. I do however love the fact that I have picked up the skills in ceramics, recoverd hometown skills and has allowed me to find innate connections with my Families casting skills.

I am awaiting to see the two flowers I have made in the workshop after they have been fired in the kiln, I am intuitively interested in the object and its change of state once it has been put through a new process... A key word seems to be Transformation.

Rubber Mould Casting-Wax & Plaster.

I found I received some very exciting results from the Rubber mould casting session. After learning the basics, I found i became hooked and my curiosity led me down to the workshop for the next couple of weeks or so.

Previously working with silk material i wanted to experiment with the use of casting, I had a little bit of knowledge but i wanted to extend my idea into the preserved notions of the object. Using wax and plaster I began to enjoy manipulating and experimenting with narrative. I believe it will allow me to explore symbolism in a much more wider context and allow me to achieve more exciting results. 

A little bit of Drama.

Over the late October period, The Reperatory Theatre (Stoke-on-Trent) and Newcastle Players opened its door to a hub of theatre goers...

One of the main things that I love about the set is its power to transform the viewer to a completely different environment, narrative and atmosphere. Becoming curious about the function of design I have learnt basic skills that created the set of Newcastle Players newest release 'Caught in the Net'.


Engaging in these materials has helped me to view the active role that Fine Art takes in the Theatrical industry. It has allowed me to gain knowledge about entering the industry and building to set briefs. How problems are overcome and the overall sense of Team spirit that is carried from set up to the execution of the play.