Artist Statement:
During my Fine Art BA at Newcastle University, completed in June 2015, I formed an experimental vocal group called The Anima Collective, with which to work collaboratively on each others projects. I came to use this collective as my main medium, to explore ideas of folk tradition, story telling and political engagement. My interest in ‘folk’ stems from a questioning of society’s relationship with politics, with identity and with independence. The notion of ‘folk’ goes against our heirachical and materialistic world; it belongs to no one and yet to anyone who claims it, it has no authority or regulation. It represents autonomy and independence because it is for the folk, by the folk. I am interested in how folk traditions such as song, story-telling and craft, often disregarded as a nostalgic throwback to long-lost community spirit or a rose-tinted view of the ancient world, could be used to unite and empower. Along with costume, print and choreography, I use vocal performance to represent stories and characters, both fiction and non-fiction, current and historical, with an aim to engaging both the performers and the viewers in questioning particular ideas. The aspect of working collectively or as part of a community is also important to my process, as it allows multiple perspectives with which to create balanced and dynamic work.
Artist CV:
Education:
BA (Hons) Fine Art / Newcastle University, 1st Class Honours
Foundation Art & Design / University of Sunderland, Distinction
Selected performances:
23.06.15 // NCL Fine Art Degree Show / SCIN Gallery, London
17.06.15 // Ludwig Wittgenstein Grave Restoration Project / Ascension Parish Burial Ground, Cambridge
06.04.15 // TAKE CARE OF THE SENSE AND THE SOUNDS WILL TAKE CARE OF THEMSELVES / NewBridge Annex Space, Newcastle upon Tyne
11.01.15 // The Shelter Project / Lindisfarne Shelter, Northumberland
Relevant experience:
Artist in Residence / Barbara Priestman Academy, Sunderland / September 2015 – ongoing
>This involves facilitating regular workshops within the art department. The school provides designated education for 11-18 year olds with ASD and/or complex learning difficulties.
Workshop Facilitator / Customs House, South Shields / September 2015
>’Sound Drawing’ workshop, commissioned by Sally Madge as part of her drawing exhibition ‘How Can I Tell What I Think Till I See What I Say’
Workshop Facilitator / MILK Gallery, Byker / September 2015
>’Folk Song’ workshop exploring different traditional songs
Assistant Arts Learning Facilitator / The Shelter Project / June – December 2014
> As part of this Arts Council funded project, I was responsible for planning and facilitating workshops, which focused on art making and storytelling, for both a primary and a secondary school. I then helped to curate the work made in these workshops at an exhibition, ‘Return to Sender’, at Berwick Museum.
Teaching and Technical Assistant / University of Sunderland Summer School for Foundation Art & Design / June 2013,
> This post involved leading a group of young people (aged 17-18) in several drawing exercises that explored technique, colour and form.
Self-employed musician / on-going
>This year I released my debut album, which was successfully financed through a crowdfunding campaign in August 2015. It has received airplay on BBC 6Music, BBC Newcastle and Amazing Radio.
