Plates and studio update...

I have just finished the last few plates of my current series referencing taxidermy collections in Canada. Should be getting some more photos done soon, in the meantime here's a preview just out of the kiln! That's the last of making work for now, so I can concentrate on my written article and on getting ready for moving.

The lease for the new studio is signed, so while the remaining work is done on the space I can start work on a new website. The studio will be within a larger studio complex at Beaverhall Rd, just off Broughton Road, Edinburgh. Once the name etc. is finalised I'll post up more details. Looking forward to getting settled in, and having my own kiln (currently stored) back in action! Unusually for a ceramic workshop, the space has central heating (!) and plenty of natural light. 


To help towards funding the project, I'm applying for Fund 101 from Enterprise Nation. In order to get the money I would really appreciate your vote...
How this works is: go to the link for my page on their site, register with Enterprise Nation (only takes a minute and they won't send you lots of spam), and then go back to my page and click on the 'vote' button. If you get the page with no image on - just text, double click my name and that will get you to the voting page. If I get enough votes, I get the funding!


http://www.enterprisenation.com/funding-applications/fiona-thompson/

Many thanks for your support :)


More studio updates to follow. 

Various things...

Details below of the forthcoming open weekend at my studio; the last one I'll be taking part in before moving. I'll have a variety of work for sale, including lots of older pieces reduced!

The search for a suitable building is underway...hoping to view some later today! Was reminded of all the previous assorted studios and locations I've worked in, amazing how adaptable artists are when it comes to workspace. 

So come along to the Pottery during the next couple of months if you can't make it to the open weekend, and you'll be able to pick up a very affordable piece of my work...going to be having a big clear out before moving!

Plates

New enclosed plates just out of the kiln after their third firing. 
These will be included in a couple of different exhibitions later in the year, including at Just Art, Fochabers. Details of this show to come later. 

I'll make a few more plates to complete this series before getting ready to move studio. Starting to view buildings this month now that I have an idea of what will be needed. 

Plans for 2012!

A quick update to say that my plans for this year include setting up a new studio. Scary venture, but exciting...! This is still at the planning stage; but will include workspace, teaching space and an open access area for a variety of projects. At the moment I'm working out plans for the classes/workshops, amongst other things. 
As the project develops I'll add updates on the blog, my facebook page and twitter... 

@FionaT_ceramics

Watch this space!

Plates

New images of my current enclosed plate project (photos John McKenzie). 


Working on a series of these, alongside writing about the work and the source material which will be developed into a chapter during the year. This will be in an edited book exploring tourism, travel and art. 


Now just over two years since finishing my M.Phil, I find the combined processes of writing and making suit my practice and way of working. And really, the two aren't that different...

Older work

As a slight diversion I've been scanning in slides of my early work, made since setting up my first studio in 1995. An interesting (if slightly time consuming!) process going through boxes of slides revisiting older work; and remembering what my motivations and thought processes were. It's also good to see how things have progressed; although there are still a few similarities with my current pieces. 
It has reminded me that its a good idea from time to time to reflect on early pieces as well as the most current; to get a sense of how the creative journey has evolved! (And to be thankful for the invention of digital photography...)

Vessel 1995 

Exhibition in Cambridge 1997

Vessel 1999

Porcelain plate 2001

Work in progress and forthcoming project

Current work in the studio, focused on enclosed plates, is evolving gradually. The imagery used as source material explores the numerous stuffed animal displays in Alberta, Canada. I'm exploring ways of approaching the ubiquitous plate form as an appropriate format for portraying and 'commemorating' the animals. These vary between being completely enclosed, with a convex curve or slightly raised area on the front, to cut out silhouettes of animals on a flat surface. Many of the plates appear back to front; inspiration coming from an antique 'tongue' plate in my collection with a raised area in the centre. Another plate I'm interested in just now is from Royal Doulton's Series Ware, and shows a photographic image of Lake Louise, Canada. The romanticised vista portrayed is from the region I'm referencing with this work, in which I am also making reference to the landscape. 


This week I will be starting on a piece of written work; I've been selected to write a chapter (co-authored with Kevin Hannam) of an edited book focusing on differing approaches to art, travel and tourism. My contribution will focus on this current project, and will offer a creative individual interpretation of taxidermic collections in Alberta through ceramic artwork. Its an exciting opportunity to be involved with this prestigious project, and a change to revisit earlier research into tourism. I'm looking forward to working on this chapter in conjunction with the artwork itself. More to follow!




A photography session is planned; new images coming soon!