Final Day of Sailing wrapped up for the Winter

I had great fun yesterday filming the boat sailing out on the water. It was a perfect day so calm and lovely and bright. Delighted we got the last few shots for the film. Thanks to the lads for such an enjoyable time.

New Stuff

I can't believe it is two years since I set up my original blog. Wow! time has gone fast!over that time I have achieved so much. Very strange to be finished my degree and moving onto pastures new. It was a great time in my life and I can say it was a rollcoaster ride most of the time.

This year I entered the world of film making, I continued my collaboration with the FRC Southend and the Men's Shed. We continued the making of our documentary film based on four local men building a sailing cot. I was thrown into editing and learnt lots of things, learning from my mistakes as I went along. But it was fun and we have produced a really good film. Documenting the process, interviews and footage of the area.

I also worked on an experimental film 'Honey combed wedge sole, route 66, no upper'. I worked on this film as a solo project, that evolved from shoes that have been washed up on the South East Coastline. The narrative was based on who did these shoes belong too? I walked along the sea wearing the shoes. These works were a steady progression to producing work for our Degree show that was held on the 24th May in the Wexford arts centre.

'More Diverse then Universal'

 

Our degree show began on the 24th May 2012 in the Art Centre, Wexford Town. Very exciting indeed, prior to the show our work was assessed by the internal and external examiners and all our hard work over the four years came together for the final pieces. The show had an exciting mix of media and was a great celebration. We were very privelaged to be able to exhibit our work in the Art Centre a great venue.

The show title took a dynamic approach to culture, society in our contemporary world. The works included subjects of the natural environment, the use of urban space, mass media in everyday life and recent dark histories. 

I showcased a large scale narrative painting jigsaw installation based on the Fairytales of Hans Christian Andersen. 

The Men's Shed community video Traditional Boat building 'An Cruidin' and I would like to say a special 'Thank You' to the men for being so willing to teach us the skills of traditional boat building and allowing us to document the process. 'Thank You' to Colm and Murt and all at the FRC for allowing us into this unique and homely community.  I will continue to collaborate with the community hopefully for many years to come. Over my younger years I was involved in community and unfortuantely this had fallen by the wayside due to family commitments, being involved in this project reignited that for me. 

'Virtual World' 166 x 122cm, Acrylic on board



'Honey combed wedge sole, route 66, no upper' Video Still



 

'An Cruidin' Film

Youth Fim Project

 

My son had a great opportunity to be part of a Youth Film Project at the Cowhouse Studios at the end of the Summer holidays. He had a great time working with the artist Michael Fortune and a group of young teenagers. He was involved in comic strip writing, animation and acting and really enjoyed the experience. It topped the holidays as there wasn't really a lot happening for this age group that didn't cost too much. This week long workshop was free as it was sponsored by many groups Wexford County Council etc. 

With the recession firmly kicking in it was a time to become creative in finding things to do. We did a few car boot sales which was a lot of fun. You won't become a millionaire but it's amazing what people want, that you don't want. Interacting with people was funny as bartering is a big feature of a car booty or should I say haggling. A long tradition that was lost when the many stores invaded! I remember the days going to Spain on holidays and haggling the price, but with the introduction of the Euro that all stopped. Everyone likes to feel they get a bargain.

It was exciting having the Olympics to watch on the rainy days and there were lots of them.
I'm beginning to rattle my brain again in terms of the next body of art works, as I gave myself a nice long break after a very busy year in college.