I have been exhibiting for a number of years already but this is the first time I have shown my developing new work outside of the safe environment of the university. I am obviously delighted that my work was selected to appear in four recent events hosted by Green Door Artists, Cumbria Sculptors, Ulverston Arts Society and South Lakes Arts Collective.
Of particular importance to me was the Wind In The Willows exhibition at the Dock Museum. The museum is situated in Barrow In Furness, Cumbria where most of its exhibits concern the history of the town, focusing on the shipbuilding and steelwork industries. As my work is centred around sense of place and incorporates the natural and industrial landscape of the area, the setting of the exhibition is quite symbolic.
On initial entrance to the museum, the ground floor galleries are about the town's history, its rapid expansion, as well as how it was affected by the war. The largest part of the museum is housed in a former dry dock, where three floors contain models of ships and submarines built in Barrow.
The above ship, the Oriana was an important vessel in my families history when employed at Vickers Shipbuilding. I have learnt a lot about presenting my work on plinths and how grouping my work gives presence and impact. Many flattering comments about my new work have been received, in particular about the texture, which has given me a much needed boost.
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