Conversations is a working residency by Jane Bennett, Steph Fletcher, Rob Smith, Nuala Riding, Natalie Morgan and Evelyn Rose, a group of emerging artists who are in the completion stage of their Fine Art: Site and Archive MA at the University of Central Lancashire in Preston. The works on show are exploring the ephemeral nature of time, place and memory using a varying range of media.
The projects are being developed over the two weeks of the residency, being hosted by resident artist Evelyn Rose in the Project Space which will be open Mon-Sat 11am-4pm from May 6th to 18th. Coffee, cake and conversation are available throughout the opening times.
The working residency has already got off to a positive start, with a steady stream of visitors taking the opportunity to drop in and participate. providing some invaluable comments and involvement along with samples for the crazy quilt. An appreciative thank you to Tom and Christopher for generating and leading the group discussion relating Block Quilting to the Mondrian division of space and colour. Natalie and Evelyn have started the ball rolling.
Natalie has presented a wall of photographic images that identify her interaction with a specific derelict place over time. A contemporary twist in the romantic ruin tradition, this work finds optimistic beauty in the neglected site.
Evelyn is exploring the connection between objects and memory. This project is textile based as previously hoarded garments are donated and incorporated into a unique contemporary quilt. Visitors are encouraged to develop their own crazy patch (really crazy as it requires no thread).
The private view will be on Thursday 16th 6-8pm which offers another opportunity to hear the Swinging Never-Beans playing live whilst seeing how far the projects have developed during the residency. Light refreshments available.