A photograph I took of the alley way behind my house in Cardiff. I thought the tones of the neglected washed out paint were interesting. Through neglect and constant reliable wet welsh weather they have become a complimenting pallet.
Just started studying MA Ceramics and we have been asked to think about our creative strategies. I begun by looking through my most recent sketchbooks and figuring out the re-occurring themes. This resulted with the words, composition, femininity, groupings, objects/tools and rituals. Another thing I noticed was the use of pastel and washed out tones crated by watered down inks. My drawings are not direct copy’s from my subject. They are an impression and a re-imaging of objects and I think the same can be said for my ceramics work. I am now looking at creating some new drawings and immediately getting into making.
Although looking into the key words of my practice was useful and I now know why I am attracted to certain ‘things’ or artworks I feel I am at my most creative when making. But with this I need a new place to start. In order to make something new I am starting with a new beginning. I feel I am at risk of re-creating the same things as I know I am always drawn into making the same way, with thin slabs constructing objects. I originally planned to start with using my make up bag as my object to feed from but even from the start I am struggling to draw something new from it.
This led me to look at Monet’s Water Lillies. Although I have always thought this painting was great I had never seen it in the flesh until May this year. When I saw it in the flesh I was blown away by the massive scale of the piece. It commanded the room. Also the tones and colours are amazing. With the tones Monet has created the rule of three, which is method of creating a pleasing composition. I also wanted to mention the obvious point of the painting being an impression. We know what it is but representing it through another material, in this case paint, has given us a different experience.
Got a bit of work in Milkwood Gallery in Cardiff as part if Made in Roath and Cardiff Design Festival.
Just been sent these great pictures of my artwork in someone’s home.
If you are interested in any of my pieces please email me at chelsea_cooney@live.co.uk
Here are some photos of my work currently being shown at Llantarnam Grange Arts Centre in Cwmbran. It is a showcase of graduate work selected from New Designers. Pop down if your in the area it will be running for a few weeks.
Click here for more info.
LGAC have travelled the UK to select the cream of this year’s graduates in the applied arts. We have been searching for those who are pushing the boundaries of applied art whilst maintaining and developing the traditions of their craft. This year’s ‘Portal’ is a collaborative project with Oriel Davies and will present, at both venues. the makers and designers destined to lead and shape the next generation of applied artists.
It’s been a very busy few months…
Firstly we had the degree show at Howard Gardens (Cardiff)which went down very well. Take a look at the blog where you can see everyone’s work CLICK HERE
Straight after the degree show was New Designers. About 15 people were chosen from our year group to exhibit here and I was lucky enough to be one of them.This was a great opportunity and it was great to get out of the Cardiff Met bubble and see what other courses had been up to. It was great to gather a little more interest.
At the same time as New Designers I also exhibited some work at The Gate (arts and community centre) in Cardiff. This was a group exhibition along with other fellow art students using mixed media.
This then brings me to Hatfield Art in Clay. Even though the weather was awful it still managed to be a great weekend with Jo Barlow winning the Student Award. A very successful weekend for Cardiff Metropolitan Ceramics. I managed to gather up quite a lot of interest of my own also.
Then finally, I graduated with First Class Honours on July 10th. It was the best finale to a great three years on a fantastic course.
For now I’m looking to do a few more exhibitions and getting my self ready for studying for my Masters. Which is again in Ceramics at Cardiff Metropolitan University (UWIC).
Been making a new piece which involves splitting the larger board into three equal sections. The three separate boards make one composition.
chelseacooney 