Klimt02 link

Florentine Portraits by Federico Cavicchioli

http://www.klimt02.net/exhibitions/index.php?item_id=20142

Some striking portraits of worn jewellery, dedicated to the city of Florence.

New East Neuk Range

I have been working on a new range of pieces based on East Neuk fishing cottages. The work is currently in the Jerdan Gallery (www.thejerdangallery.com ) in Crail. I plan to extend the range over the next few weeks, adding to the photo etched detailing.

Strandbeest

After doing a bit of link following, I came across Theo Jansen's Strandbeest. These absolutely amazing walking structures are designed to be propelled by the wind.

'Over time, these skeletons have become increasingly better at surviving the elements such as storm and water and eventually I want to put these animals out in herds on beaches, so they will live their own lives'

I really hope this happens.

http://www.strandbeest.com/index.php

Animaris Umerus walking - June '09 from Strandbeest on Vimeo.

Causing Chaos Symposium

Yesterday a group of people attended the Causing Chaos Symposium run by Fife Contemporary Art and Crafts. Accompanying the current exhibition of the same name at St Andrews museum, the day consisted of a pewter casting workshop run by Roddy Mathieson and his 'Alchemy' mobile foundry ( http://www.roddymatheison.net/ ), talks from Ceramicist Richard Slee and Sculptor Jane Simpson and a panel discussion with all the artists taking part in the exhibition.
The day was fun and informative, and thankfully the rain stayed off for the outdoor casting workshop!
There was much discussion of the interplay between the terms 'Art' and 'Crafts' and the need for makers to label their work or their practice. It was interesting to hear practicing 'artists' debate the preoccupation in this country with defininng art/craft practice. Jewellery and metalwork designer Shari Pierce commented on her own surprise at the level of importance the arguments around definition hold in the UK.
Richard Slee's talk gave an interesting introduction to his career. His decision in 2004 that he would not longer make a functioning pot has led him to create work which challenges the viewer to enjoy the 'futility' in his objects. He 'gentrifies' everyday objects, rendering them useless. The humour injected into his presentation has definitely made him an artist I'll be rtesearching a little bit more.
Jane Simpson's ice 'scupltures' were a point of much discussion. By using refrigeration units connected to existing structures, she creates disarming pieces of work which encourage the viewer to consider surfaces and textures outside their normal context. She showed images of a balustrade in an exhibition in Mexico that she had effectively frozen. It would be really fascinating to see some of her work live, to experience the 'moments of joy' she likes to produce.

The whole day was really enjoyable and I'm glad it was so well attended. Its great for Fife to be able to host events and exhibitions like these so people can have access to excellent international artists and art objects.
http://http://www.richardslee.com/richardslee_15.html
http://www.fcac.co.uk/
http://www.geringlopez.com/artists/jane-simpson/images/