Jessica Thornton Artists Statement
Curiosity stimulates my creative process. I am constantly trying to understand as much as I can about the world around me, as well as my role within it. I see my work as an outlet whereby I try to better appreciate what it means to grow up in a modern day society. Identity is a key theme that I investigate and it is through my practice that I have realised that the term ‘identity’ is interpreted in a variety of different ways. My practice is driven by a fascination with the relationship between nature and science. I am currently creating works based on the aesthetics of scientific studies so that I can better investigate the relationship between art and science. Looking particularly at the medical and biological fields of science, I have created a range of 3D artworks looking into the acceptability of human modification. Here anatomy features particularly in relationship to birds. The potential for future investigation into the values already attached to birds, especially with many believing them to signify bad omens, holds great promise. |
Laura Doyle Artist’s Statement
My work is based on the ‘figure’ and details of the human body. I normally use the medium of paint to describe movement in the body and I use both acrylics and oils. I am trying to develop my thinking beyond the recording of an image and work more freely in the painting process. I find that making several drawings helps in this process of translating elements into paint. Having spent some time in hospital I started to look at body parts such as the hands and the feet as very revealing in terms of ‘identity’ and I have used this experience in preliminary work. Recent developments in my work have included clay as an expressive medium and imprinted fragments are suggesting new possibilities. |
Phil Simpson Artists Statement
As an artist I am interested in process and repetition, I like to create wall paintings that not only intrigue the viewer in an abstract sense, but fill them with awe at the way the paintings are presented. The fact that the paintings overlap and are on the wall gives them an installation aspect as they take over the space being used. The repetition part of my practice focuses on the fact that my paintings are square, monochrome and framing in tape. These are subsequently rolled into a ball and as more paintings are added the tape ball increases in size. The framing ball repetition is a reference to Elizabeth Price and her particular ‘tape ball’, but it is only there to create a ‘painting tool’ to create additional texture to the works. I see these paintings as a starting point for a repetitive cycle of randomly produced within these black squares. |
Amy Wood Artist’s Statement
I have based much of my work on my personal experiences and the battles I have faced with my own health problems. This has made an impact on my social and academic life as well as the prejudice and often ignorance I have faced. Within my practice I have reflected on a number of issues related to the human body, first glance perceptions, stereotypical conformity, media pressure, genetic make up etc. and I am keen to apply some of this to the wider community. Artists have the potential to break down prejudices within society and deal with sensitive issues - sympathetically. |