I am delighted that my drawing Traces is included in this publication and exhibition.
It would be great to see you at the Private View . There will be a panel discussion about drawing by Anita Taylor as part of the event.
Current and Forthcoming
My time inside comes to an end /
Cells Residency
May was an exhilarating month for me, dominated by my solo residency/exhibition in the incredible atmospheric Cells, Town Hall Arts, Trowbridge. My exhibition ‘Offenders’ (9-31 May) was the culmination of an art residency there in April. Set in historic holding cells for suspected offenders (the grand magistrates court is on the floor above), the show may have offended some, but alludes to a question ‘are we all offenders given the state of our world?’ The work was a response to the site and to the horrors that we are facing - plastic oceans, factory-farming, animal extinctions. The labour-intensive process of my work - weaving, wrapping, sewing - is a form of suturing, a cathartic attempt to repair in response to world destruction. I created a range of large and small works, installing as I made them. Ironically, it was such a pleasure to be unrestricted in the cells spaces, free to test out new ideas and take risks.
Tongue, 2019, 330cms (l) x 158cms (h) x 135cms (w)
Recycled and found materials: fabric, old clothes died with avocado pits, foam, sponge, copper wire, steel, wax, twine, blankets, duvets, pillows, cushion, towels, wool, leather, plastic, rubber, thread
Photos by Tchad Findlay
My larger works - a body-sized Tongue sculpture (above) and 3 rickety ladders - filled the 3 main cells. Fragile and exposed, Tongue activated the space. Like a wounded body, its vulnerable softness was juxtaposed against the harsh surroundings, repulsive but seductive. The ladders were precariously balanced, with wrapped soft sculptural entrails made from recycled materials weaving through them, and dangling from cell bars.
Photos by Tchad Findlay
Other works became interventions in smaller spaces and in the corridors. The work included a sound piece - a new direction for me. I made a series of Spiderweb drawings - ancient neglected spider webs captured from dusty corners of the Victorian cells. To become acquainted with the space I spent time creating a large graphite rubbing of a decaying section of brick wall, and some imprints on fine handmade paper, which I oiled, transforming them into skin-like parchment. In the loo, large stone spheres that have been incongruously left on the floor inspired an installation of interconnected cellular/planetary forms like a constellation. The stone balls remind me of these ancient ones.
Spiderweb drawings
Cellular/Planetary structures - installed in the cell loo
Photos by Tchad Findlay
As part of the residency, I invited various community groups to engage through debate and collaborative making. I had some great conversations with visitors about the work, which expanded to discussions about human use and abuse of materials and wider issues about the state of our world. I really appreciate all the visits and am grateful to those who supported me. Towards the end, I engaged the community in make a growing artwork for the exterior fencing outside Town Hall Arts. As a finale, I joined forces with artist Katryn Saqui (also exhibiting at Town Hall Arts) on Saturday 25 May, to create a colourful Street Sculpture ‘Bahuli Entrails’. It was a wonderful way for members of the public to engage with art while having a bit of fun. All sorts of people dropped by to contribute to the work as a social activity, it attracted more people to enter inside the formal town hall to see the exhibitions, (several who don’t normally go to art exhibitions). I have grown fond of friendly Trowbridge and was particularly charmed by a man Peter, who spent hours making a long finger knitted woollen piece for the display.
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Workshops
I took part in a spectacular Jack in the Green event organised by The Old Stores Studio, Evercreech. My role was to run a rag cloak-making session, with community help. The event celebrated the release of the spirit of summer. At Bruton School for Girls, 50 students made cellular/planetary structures with me (based on the work I made in the cells) using recycled copper wire, twine, wool, plastic netting, printed handmade paper and oil. The ethereal forms link to the 50 year anniversary of the first landing on the moon. Each piece will eventually interconnect with others to become part of a whole room installation at the school, to be exhibited as part of Somerset Art Weeks Festival 2019. At the Holburne Museum I ran a ‘masterclass’ with 11-16 yr olds creating self-portrait paintings - I was so impressed with their outcomes.
I will be running workshops at Town Hall Arts, Trowbridge in August making carnival headdresses: 13, 20, 27 August, 10am-1pm. Book here.
Current exhibitions
My piece Accretion has been selected to feature in the Bath Open Art Prize at 44AD, part of Fringe Art Bath. The exhibition runs until 9 June, 11 - 6 daily (until 2pm on last Sunday). 4 Abbey Street Bath BA1 1NN.
Forthcoming exhibitions
Re-Formation: a summer exhibition at Bishops Palace, Wells, 22 July - 6 October, organised by Heritage Courtyard Gallery. Private View Saturday 10 August, 6.30-9pm. I am making a large outdoor piece entitled Crown of Thorns, inspired by a mixture of myth and religion, using re-purposed materials. Re-Formation calls for a new vision. With our planet at risk, we need to re-think our belief system.
I am thrilled that Traces has been selected for a book and exhibition: Drawing On Dorset organised by Dorset Visual Arts. The publication features 40 drawings linked to Dorset. The exhibition will be at Fine Foundation Gallery, Durlston, Swanage 5- 17 July. I made Traces in 2017 during my MFA. It is made mainly with copper wire on handmade paper, some elements 3d, inspired by whelk egg sacs found on the Dorset coast. In the work I was interested in blurring the boundaries between drawing and sculpture, so it expands into an out of form.
Sculpture at Marks Hall 2019: outdoor exhibition of sculpture throughout the landscape of Marks Hall, Coggeshall, Essex, CO6 1TG, 20 July - 31 August.
B-Wing
B-Wing is an arts project I’m co-curating with Luminara Star in Shepton Mallet Prison, for Somerset Art Weeks Festival 2019.
It’s so great to have the support of several sponsors including Hauser & Wirth Somerset, Chrisi & Simon Kennedy, MJW Architects, Kelly O’Brien, Cameron & Daniella Scott, Cranmore Parish Council and 2 anonymous donors. Many thanks to all! We are waiting on news back from our main funding applications. Meanwhile, we are still fundraising, so if you can contribute to our project that would be wonderful! Sponsors will be mentioned on social media and our website. Thanks to Mark Adler (Mendip Times) and Giles Adams (Whats On Somerset) for fab features.
Talks
I’m taking part in a Pecha Kucha at Hauser & Wirth Somerset on June 11, part of a professional development day for Artist/Educators. Hauser and Wirth’s current exhibition ‘Unconscious Landscape’ is such a joy, with so many of my favourite women artists featured, including Louise Bourgeois and Eva Hesse.
Farewell to Spring, Hello Summer!
Looking back and forward /
Looking back
For me, this past year has been exceptional - hugely important to my creative development, and personally. High and low life-changing events have caused great shifts in my practice.
Focusing on the highs, I was delighted to have gained a distinction in my Masters in Fine Art, and thrilled to have recently been selected for a Royal Society of Sculptors Gilbert Bayes Award. I am greatly looking forward to the mentoring sessions and other development opportunities, and very happy to be a part of the RSS.
In the last few weeks I have been re-calibrating. This has included sorting my studio space, planning new projects, running workshops, invigilating at Hauser & Wirth, starting a commission, visiting exhibitions in London, and making a giant octopus sculpture to lead the Shepton lantern parade (22 Dec) in collaboration with the Rubbish Art Project and local community, using colourful recycled plastic and wire.
Looking forward
I have some exciting exhibitions and projects lined up for next year:
Coming soon: my large piece ‘Glut’ will be shown at ‘Incendiary’, Landsdown Gallery/SVA, Stroud, 4-10 February 2019
I’ll also be working towards creating a site-specific body of work for a Residency and Solo Exhibition in the Cells, Town Hall Arts, Trowbridge, April – May 2019. The cells will provide an interesting test space in which to explore new ideas and processes. Alongside this, I’ll be running workshops. The work will potentially lead to another project later in the year in Shepton Mallet prison – more info on this and other exhibitions later.
My website is currently having a major facelift - the new face should be ready in January. Meanwhile, if you’d like to keep in touch, do join me on Instagram, Twitter and/or Facebook (links below):
Instagram fionacampbellartist
Twitter @fionasculpture
Facebook Fiona Campbell Art
All the best for a happy, peaceful, fulfilling Christmas and New Year!
Current and Forthcoming Exhibitions and Projects 2018 /
I am excited to be involved in the following exhibitions and projects this year: MA Walcot Chapel Residency, Bath; 12-18 February
The Cotswold Sculpture Park, The Paddock, Somerford Keynes, Cirencester GL7 6FE; 1 April – 30thSeptember, 10.30am-5pm (closed Tues and Wed), admission £5. http://www.elementalsculpturepark.com/
Sound Bites Talks on Beatrix Potter's 'Absidia' drawing, Hauser & Wirth Somerset, Bruton, 10 March & 27 April, 2pm; part of 'The Land We Live in - The Land We Left Behind' exhibition.
Talk 'Art from Scrap' at The Ocean Matters, Bristol Aquarium, Bristol (organised by Bath Spa university); 4.30pm, 26 May. Event: 26-27 May. Exhibition will be extended for longer. A1 mounted photographic prints of various artworks displayed to highlight the plight of our oceans. https://oceanmatters.weebly.com #oceanmatterstoartanddesign
'ABC Bath’ (Art Breeds Conscience), Walcot St and surrounds, Bath; 11 – 31 May. Initiated by MA Curatorial Practice student Beatriz Nogueira, the project aims to bring environmentally friendly art onto the streets and parks of Bath, in the hope that it will encourage its audience to question current issues – waste, factory farming, pollution of our air, land and seas. Instagram - @abcbath; Twitter - @AbcBath; Website - bathabc.wordpress.com
Continuum, FAB Festival (Fringe Arts Bath), 6 New Bond Street Place, Bath; 25 May (opening night)- 10 June;11am - 6pm daily. Artwork by MA students from Bath Spa University. Varied practices including sculpture, painting, installation and performance. The exhibition addresses the issue of change. I will be working on a piece, which will grow throughout the festival period.
WE ARE ALL ... FOUR WORDS MEETS PARIS 1968, Media Wall, The Commons Building, Bath Spa University, Newton Park, Bath. 1-17 May. 500 submitted/selected slogans animated into a one-hour sequence with programmed screenings and talks http://alandunn67.co.uk/weareall.html @MediaWallBSU
The Rubbish Art Project, old HSBC Bank, Shepton Mallet, a new venture creating art with the community for the town using scrap materials.
SAW Residency working with PRU teenagers, Bridgwater and Taunton College; 19 - 27June, making artworks from reclaimed materials particularly metals.
Making headdresses with All Hallows Prep School pupils for an exhibition ‘All the Fun’, Silk Mill, Frome; 23 June
Summer Show, Atkinson Gallery, Millfield School, Street; 25 June - 3 Aug
‘Ingruttati Palermo’, Manifesta12 collateral event 5x5x5. 10 day workshop and exhibition as part of Manifesta Biennale (supported by Bath Spa University Enterprise Showcase Fund). The exhibition is in Crypt of Chiesa Parrocchiale SantaAgnese, Piazza Danisinni, 90134 Palermo, Sicily and runs throughout Manifesta12, 27 July - 4 November 2018 (by appointment)
Evolver Prize, ACE Arts, Somerton; 28 July - 25 August
Up Late, Holburne Museum - collaboration with Bath Spa University; Friday 31 August, 5-9pm
MA Show, Bath School of Art & Design, Sion Hill, Bath BA1 5SF; 22 - 26 Sept, 9am-5pm. Private View Fri 21 Sept, 6-9pm, all welcome!
Visions of Science, Andrew Brownsword Gallery, The Edge, Bath University, BA2 7PD, open 15 Sept - 13 Oct Tues-Sat, 11-5
Line and Point, Centrespace Gallery, 6 Leonard Lane, Bristol BS1 1EA; 27 Oct - 31 Oct, 10am-6pm daily. Private View Fri 26 Oct, 6-9pm. All welcome!
Residency and Solo Exhibiiton (title TBC), The Cells, Town Hall Arts, Trowbridge, April – May 2019
Incendiary, Landsdown Gallery and SVA, Stroud, 4-10 February 2019
Marks Hall Sculpture, Essex, 20 July – 1 September 2019
Reformation, Bishops Palace, Wells, July – October 2019
More info to follow
Spring News /
Now that the cold spell is over, I feel a Spring update is due.
In my week’s residency at Walcot Chapel, Bath last month as part of my MA, I made a piece (image above) in response to the site, current waste issues, and Coleridge’s Rime of the Ancient Mariner. It was inspired by the plight of 1000’s of albatross chicks dying from stomachs filled with plastic. Entitled ‘Instead of a Cross, an Albatross’, it is a kind of altarpiece. The steel and copper components echoed the trees and shadows through the window. Later this year I’m hoping to make work involving some participatory interaction with the public using waste materials.
Ongoing work is also being influenced by a book I’ve just read Planet of Slums by Mike Davis, which reveals horrific realities as a result of our rapidly growing worldwide poverty, rich/poor divide - cruel slumlords, neglect and harrowing deaths. Factory farming (particularly a film 'Our Daily Bread') is also affecting my thoughts, and the loss of Tilly, our beloved boxer dog, who died at the weekend. These experimental process pieces are all made from scrap materials.
On a lighter note, I continue to teach All Hallows Prep School students extra-curricular art. I'm proud to see some of their work selected for the Black Swan Young Open, starting this Saturday. Last week I ran a workshop with several groups of children Years 4-8 at Hazlegrove Prep School, making a 1.75m flying albatross sculpture out of recycled plastic and wire.
This Saturday, I’ll be running a collaborative workshop with Aya Kobayashi and Stephen Ives as part of BBC’s Get Creative event and Black Swan Arts Young Open exhibition, sponsored by Visual Arts South West. It will explore the creative process - how to shape an idea into form - experimenting with sculpture and sound technology, combining found/reclaimed materials.
Book soon via Eventbrite (https://goo.gl/SNdgny) - spaces are filling up!
This season, I’ll be showing 2 of my sculptures in the The Cotswold Sculpture Park, The Paddock, Somerford Keynes, Cirencester GL7 6FE http://www.elementalsculpturepark.com/ from 1 April – 30th September, 10.30am-5pm (closed Tues and Wed), admission £5.
I've visited a few exhibitions locally including Messums Museum's 'Myth, Material & Metamorphosis' (that's a mouthful!) – fantastical sculpture by Kate McCgwire and Ann Carrington (image below), ceramics and narrative paintings with many surprising gems. It's always a joy to visit the wonderful tithe barn showing consistently high quality, exciting contemporary art.
At The Edge, Bath, the Jerwood Drawing Prize comprises some great pieces. Amongst others, I loved the thick roll of paper covered in pencil – like a gleaming sheet of metal.
I’ve been invigilating at Hauser & Wirth Somerset for ‘The Land We Live In - The Land We Left Behind’. It’s been good to be able to keep returning to study the exhibits (numerous artworks/artefacts of interest). I’ve also managed to sell a couple of small pieces through the Honest Shop - part of the show. I’m doing a talk for Hauser & Wirth's Sound Bites programme on Beatrix Potter’s drawing of fungal spores entitled ‘Absidia’, Thursday 29 March, 2pm. Come along, it’s free!
Happy springtime!