It's so tough putting together the words to support your creative work. I've been struggling with it for days - in desperation I tried to talk to my husband about it and get his opinion on my initial script ideas. He's not from an Arts background and whilst he's supportive, he isn't really interested....he just looked at me with a 'I haven't got a clue what you're mumbling about' - Cheers love!
So I resort to cyber space for help...that's you! What do you think - I'll take the good, the bad and the ugly.
'If I said black you'd say white...' [My Dad]
I'm still coming to terms with the fact that we all have differing points of view. Goodness don't you all see things my way?
Using a mostly monochrome palette I investigate the world from unique and unusual angles. Photographing and drawing lost corners; finding intriguing compositions by viewing them form a different perspective.
'That sordid of all havens, the corner deserves to be examined' [Gaston Bachelard]
Order gets disrupted and angles are skewed as I play with texture, techniques and processes to create a collection of abstract mixed media wall pieces.
Dionne sees the broken patterns and distorted rhythms created by edges that aren’t quite straight and angles that don’t quite match; waiting frames reared up against a wall; a half open set of drawers. It is these discrepancies in order which inspire the stitching, cutting, and layering onto and into the printed felt that adds further depths and gives the finished work its warmth and physicality.
Dionne Swift brings to her work the energy and excitement of one who delights in the discovery of new approaches and techniques. In this new collection there is no doubt that the same delight will be shared by her audience. [Jo Groner, print maker and Lee Corner, Mentor]
I studied for my degree in Textiles at Goldsmiths College and my Masters was awarded by UCE. Work exhibits extensively throughout the UK: I was a featured Artist at the popular Knitting and Stitching shows 2009, my latest exhibition NEW GROUNDS was reviewed for Embroidery Magazine by June Hill in 2010.
Supported by a collection of teaching qualifications I have lectured at Higher Education level for over 20 years and continue to offer a selection of creative workshops from my Yorkshire based studio.
Does it say enough about my work so as to appeal to a wide audience? I hope it's open enough to allow me to freely create under it's banner...I just don't know, text has never been a strong point, so all your thoughts are so much appreciated....I'm sure I've not 'finished' it correctly ...I'm sure you'll let me know.
Hi there - good luck with it, it's not easy. I sent you an email instead with my tuppence worth ;)
ReplyDeleteAmelia.x
Hi Dionne - guess you have revised this draft of your statement by now. Maybe this link... www.mollygordon.com/resources/marketingresources/artstatmt/ might provide some help.
ReplyDeleteThanks Mr B - great link.
ReplyDeleteThe statement is definately a work in progress & alters daily depending which side of the bed I wake up on!!!
Dx
Hi Dionne, I so much identify with your husband's attitude, it's hard for them be supportive of your work when they have no interest in the arts scene and don't even understand what an artist statement is similar to my feelings about sports)...and yes it can change daily depending on what aspect of your work you are focusing on at the time. If you are identifying yourself as a "textile artist", which you have done in your blog banner, my suggestion would be to add a bit more info about working with textiles.. "mixed media" to me generally implies paint with bits of paper and stuff stuck to it. That may be a North American point of view, perhaps it's different in the UK. Best wishes with your evolving statement, and I look forward to seeing more photos of your work.
ReplyDeleteSandi