What degree or MA did you do, where and when did you complete? Tell us a bit about your story so far…
I completed a BA(hons) in Fine Art at Falmouth University and graduated in July 2022
Tell us about your art practice
My practice is interested in natural history, particularly the relationships and connections between living or natural things. Collections of bone, wood, feathers, and other interesting organic objects form a large portion of my body of work, as well as semi-realistic gouache paintings or pencil drawings typically depicting animals or objects. Common themes and interests within my practice include trace fossils, deep time, entanglements and connections, ecocentrism, collecting-categorising-displaying, and liminality.
Tell us about the studio where you work
I’m lucky enough to be working from one of the studios at CAST in Helston which I share alongside another Cultivator member. It’s a great sized room with lots of storage and wall space that we’re subletting until March.
What are you working on right now?
Currently I’m trying to introduce a better way of playing and exploring in my practice. It’s something I’ve always found quite hard to do despite the benefits, and it’s been really enjoyable integrating this in a more authentic and sustainable way for me. At the moment, this is looking like an ongoing series of small pencil drawings that depict various natural forms such as bone and feather. I’m trying not to get too caught up in the ‘why’ and instead just follow my enjoyment.
What help have you had through Cultivator so far?
One to one support, studio grant, GAPN sessions and will be having the showcase, mentoring, connecting with other artists and creatives
What would you say about the Cultivator support so far?
It’s been fantastic. Because I was lucky enough to get the support immediately after graduating, it’s made the transition from student to ‘real world’ a lot smoother for me and has helped with maintaining motivation. It’s been particularly lovely forming friendships and support networks with other graduates across different disciplines and stages in their careers. I feel more integrated into the Cornish creative sector than I did before starting on Cultivator and it’s definitely provided me with the self confidence to feel at home here.
What drives you?
Enjoyment and curiosity – I feel my best when I’m immersed in learning, researching, or working on one of my ideas and seeing it come to life.
What is next?
As part of the graduate scheme, we have a showcase happening in March that we’re currently in the process of planning. I’m starting to think more tangibly about what work I’d like to create for the exhibition. I’ve found that I work best by pre-planning what ideas or concepts I’d like my work to be about, then figuring out the design, then focusing on the physical making. I wouldn’t say I’m great at experimenting or working without a pre-existing image in my head so I’m looking forward to designing the pieces I’ll be making for the showcase.