Visiting artist Paddy Hartley came in to college today to speak to us about his work (originally with ceramics) and how his interest in the human form and how it is changed by choice or circumstance which led him to study body building and the extremes body builders go to, to strengthen the human body which actually weakens it. He then became involved with maxillofacial surgery and began to make face corsets which change the appearance of the face without facial surgery much as we do with body corsets. His research led him to The Gilles archives at  and the pioneering facial reconstruction of injured soldiers in the 1st World war resulting in him making work from 1st world war uniforms  http://www.projectfacade.com/

                                     

As you will see Paddy made sculptural responses to patients records and the incredible work of Sir Harold Gillies which is quite detailed and makes fascinating reading. It is quite easy to see how Paddy became so involved with his work, it must have taken its toll emotionally and mentally. As you read through the case  notes it makes you realise some of the incredible sacrifices these guys made for Our country and the ground breaking experimental efforts the surgeons went to in order for them to try and recover from the brutal effects of the war. The sculptures are made from original 1st World war uniforms the very fabric of the men.

Paddy face corsets were then used in a a fashion shoot by British fashion photographer Nick Knight which has led them to be used in more fashion magazines worn by Lady Gaga and currently on the cover of China Vogue .

 http://paddyhartley.squarespace.co 

I was really impressed by his unassuming attitude, his attention to research the detail and the diversity of his work.

I found the topic quite inspiring and it gave me food for thought regarding my own work considering persona our identity and the mask we wear in everyday life also by choice or circumstance.

I am one of the students approached to produce a piece of work for the Tree festival at Utterby church organised by the Heritage group.http://community.lincolnshire.gov.uk/utterbychurchheritagegroup/index.asp . They would like some projections on to the ceiling and perhaps in theVestry which is more suited to Barrie who likes to use film and light to change the atmosphere http://bazzahughes.blogspot.com/, Sue http://sueriemer.blogspot.com  is exhibiting her Faith sculpture which is quite a thought provoking piece and I have opted to place my exhibit in the Altar window just need to design something now! There are some great medieval pieces of stained glass in the windows as well as other interesting architectural features in the building so plenty of inspiration around. No excuses there then. I shall reflect on reflection ideas to make best use of the daylight.

Next project! 

CHRISTMAS TREE FESTIVAL

AT

ST ANDREWS CHURCH, UTTERBY

Saturday December 3^rd – Sunday 11^th December 2011

 Carborundum prints using fine and course powder...very experimental.

 I used an iconic shape carved into the chair at St Andrew`s church to make a plate

 The plate was really effective as it was and I was reluctant to use it for printing.

 This is the first print where it became obvious I had used too much ink the result is quite eerie and interesting though.

It was inspiring to see the recently graduated students work at the 2021 gallery too the works looked spectacular in a gallery space as opposed to the studio spaces I have been used to seeing them in. It was interesting to note the manner in which they had been curated to display them at their best.I particularly thought Heather Pickwell`s rope sculptures were complemented by the juxtaposition next to the large pebbles in the gallery, they echoed the natural colour tones, textures, form and lines in the ropes.

Had a busy few weeks, visited the 2021 Gallery in Scunthorpe to see Martin Griffiths Light sculpture exhibition which was interesting but I felt they would have had a better response to the light if they had been outside to fully capture natural light which fluctuates. The sculptures are intended to "help us actively feel our connection with nature to give us experiences of up lift and well being and to show how light can transform the space around us and ourselves in a deeply positive way". Martin gave an interesting talk about his progress as an artist highlighting the changes made to his work since experiencing meditation and living in a relaxed Zero point state of mind. http://www.martingriffiths.net/Main%20pages/FirstLightProject.html  I think the works would have been more responsive to light changes in the more open Cloisters at Lincoln cathedral but it is good that the sculptures are being displayed in different locations.