In the Studio
I’m currently exploring layers, patchwork, pattern and tie dye for a new sculptural installation of multiple suspended pieces based on pangolins and their tragic plight. Strange forms are progressing in the studio. I went to Chichester Cathedral for a site visit and to meet curator Jacquline Creswell recently, and now have a beautiful space allocated for my installation. Really excited about the venue and the work we are making for our RSS group sculpture exhibition next summer - ‘Together We Rise’. Our RSS SW artist group has become quite a tight online community. We discuss practices, ideas, offer advice and support, share exhibition news and talk about our concerns in these strange Covid days..
Using recycled, donated and found materials, I’m making a series of bodily forms and hangings in various states: skeletal, bound, unravelled, sutured, ornamentalised…. I’ve been looking at a range of art from The Ghent Altarpiece and Michelangelo to Arshille Gorky and Annette Messager, aiming for a painting in space.
Pangolins are the most trafficked mammals on earth, now endangered, and nearing extinction; they need all the help they can get for survival. I will be donating 10% of all shop sales (physical products) in December towards Save Pangolins. And an extra 10% on orders until tomorrow towards David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation’s The Big Give Christmas Challenge. Take a look now!
Ingram Prize 2021
Last month it was exciting to be part of the Ingram Prize exhibition in London. I felt honoured to be selected for the prestigious exhibition. It all hung together so beautifully.
Ingram Prize 2021. Photography by Paul Tucker. Courtesy of The Ingram Collection & Unit 1 Gallery | Workshop
Jo Baring, Director of The Ingram Collection said ‘The Ingram Prize is a barometer of artistic excellence in contemporary British art. 29 exceptional finalists whose bold and startling work encapsulates contemporary themes and issues..’
Glut is a labour of love, and takes a few hours to instal and de-instal. Made in 2018 from found and recycled materials, it’s a wailing in response to environmental issues: waste, consumerism, factory farming, plastic oceans, animal extinctions… And the death of our dog. The materials speak of past lives, loss, textiles, craft; the forms reflect a duality of horror and tenderness.
The Private View was packed and buzzing, it was great to meet the curators, host, artists and catch up with friends and family, who I stayed with during set up and take down.
As part of the award we attended professional development talks - all helpful info.
You can listen to our artist audios here:
While in London I visited the Tate Modern with my cousin. Loved Anicka Yi’s kinetic floating aerobes and the Phyllida Barlow Artist Rooms. Also saw the diverse RA Summer exhibition - all such a treat.
For me, it’s increasingly vital to repurpose, recycle, utilise to-hand materials and found objects; I like to connect with meaningful ancient modes of making like stitching, weaving and wrapping - the ‘visceral nature of art-making’ (Yinka Shonibare).
Exhibition in Taiwan
‘Pyre’ is showing at the 2021/22 Biennal International: Transfiguration, NTCRI, Nantou, Taiwan. It runs until 10th April 2022. There will be a film of the exhibition, which I’ll share asap. I’d love to visit, but it’s unlikely!
Online Sculpture Course
I’m running my 3rd online Sculpture Course: 10/1/22 - 13/2/22. If interested please email me: fionacampbell-art@sky.com or enrol via my shop, where you can find further details.
Online shop
I’ve finally created an e-commerce facility on my website shop, with updated products. There is currently a Bulrush sale - prices of these will go up in January, so order soon! They are presents that last, made mainly of recycled materials, helping towards a circular economy to avoid waste. Click here to see what else is on offer.
Thanks to Somerset’s VESP business initiative, I was given helpful advice by Melanie Sensicle and Graham Soult.
Free Workshop
I have a FREE Workshop coming up at The Art Bank, Shepton Mallet on 10th December, 1-3pm. We’ll be making eco Christmas decorations using recycled and found materials including copper wire. To book email me: fionacampbell-art@sky.com (limited spaces so book soon)
One of my website updates includes this Chameleon film. Take a tour of my website to see more.
For regular updates visit my instagram page and consider following.
Wishing you a Happy Christmas!