Do Something....

As you start to piece your research together, just remember that starting simply to work with your materials will lead to something else. I'm reminded of this by watching an interview with Malcolm Morley (click on Post Title above picture), where he says something which I always find true when I'm working on a painting...do something, do something else. Jasper Johns (picture) said exactly the same thing, and it's so simple but truely effective: 'Do something, do something to that, and then do something to that,' to quote him directly. Always keep this in mind. Ideas, materials and the visual outcomes reveal things as you work with them, not by 'overthinking' things.

Why Didn't Dexter Win?

Click on title above for interview with painter Dexter Dalwood. The last painter to win the Turner Prize was Tomma Abts in 2006. Look at both of these painters in the context of the other artists who were shortlisted alongside them. Is there a reason that one should win one year, and the other not? Look for the other painters that have been shortlisted in previous years. Peter Doig is a big name just now in Painting- he was shortlisted in 1994 and didn't win, but it didn't do him any harm in the long run. How effective does each painters' work look in the context of the other artists shortlisted each year? Try working it out.....

Tomma Abts

Dexter Dalwood

Peter Doig

PATHWAY STAGE

There will be some changes to the blog now that you are moving on to your Pathway subjects. It will now become more directed towards the different subject areas, so look out for posts that relate to your subject choices. In time the Top Ten Forest Artists will be changed, and replaced by contemporary artists and designers who staff feel are important for you to look at.
We are keeping the blog open to all Foundation students; although you are now moving in to specialisms, it will be a valuable for you to see what other students are looking at across the different subject areas. So keep checking-in regularly!

Show Opens at F.E. McWilliam Gallery

Foundation sculpture, with an F.E. McWilliam piece in foreground

'A Strange Fruit'

by students of the Foundation Diploma course at Newry

'A Strange Fruit'

Oak, Pine, Acrylic, MDF and Perspex

'The Holding Tree'

Wire drawing/ sculpture by Jamie Hodgett

'Elements'

Welded steel sculpture by Cathal Gorman

Students of the Foundation Diploma in Art and Design course feature strongly in the 'Forest' exhibition at the F.E. McWilliam Gallery in Banbridge, which has just opened. The show runs through to Saturday 15th January 2011.

Finishing Touches

Students and tutor Agnes Murnin getting ready to send the group's sculpture off to the F.E. McWilliam Gallery in Banbridge. The exhibition opens tonight at 7pm, and runs through to 15th January. Be sure to visit the show!

Success!

Well done! the group submission has been selected for the exhibition, along with individual works by Jamie Hodgett and Cathal Gorman. It is very important that everyone attends Agnes's class on Tuesday, to put finishing touches to the piece. Works will then be moved to gallery the following week. Get ready for the opening!

Awaiting Selectors' Decision

The group submission has been made, we should know outcome by start of next week. It has been   proposed that the final work can be sited indoors or outdoors. It might look something like this......click on the highlighted text to see it bigger.