CRATE STUDIO, MARGATE

SOLO-SHOW

My solo-show at CRATE Studios in Margate marked a pivotal moment in my artistic journey. It was during this time that my practice was mainly concerned with the question; 

“How does the context that I create work in affect the work itself?” 

Initially, the space felt dark, cold and derelict and the only colours that I wanted to paint with were dark blues and greys. So, throughout my residency I did all sorts of things to make the space feel warmer, much like a Magpie, my nesting ritual consisted of collecting found objects that caught my eye as I walked along the beach or as I sifted through the odd bits and bobs that Bob (the antique shop man up the road) had been collecting over the entirety of his life. 

So, for the exhibition, I wanted to convey all of the circumstantial influences that inspired the process of my paintings. I wanted the audience to catch a glimpse of the ‘Artist's life’ to better understand the work. I transformed the gallery into a multi-layered experience, by presenting a series of sculptural installations, these consisted of small clusters of objects spotted around the room, consisting of paint pallets, aprons, easels, books, lamps and found objects. The dripping candle wax represented how I surrounded myself with candles as I worked, the little flickering lights kept me company. The glow they emit, counterbalanced the deep dark blues on my pallet and on my mind. The opening night was a particular highlight, as it brought together a diverse audience who engaged in meaningful conversations about the work. This dialogue was invaluable, fostering a sense of connection and understanding that extended beyond the exhibition.