Margaret Moore

2011-08-30T05:20:00.000-07:00

Hand Painting Textiles

2011-08-30T05:11:00.000-07:00

Over the summer I have been hand painting different textiles.

2011-05-25T12:22:00.000-07:00

Continuing with video, I submitted two films Inflation Runs Riot , part of globes, and Swim.

Inflation Runs Riot;

Swim;

2011-05-25T12:10:00.000-07:00

Our Degree Show took place at Cat Hill (May 19-23). Here are some photos of Still Sounds

2011-05-25T11:44:00.000-07:00

I showed Still Sounds, my main piece for the degree in the Project Space, following Globes.

This walk-through installation consists of selected family photographs printed on textile. The changes in the light and the movements of the translucent images caused by the viewer’s passage through the work echo the transience of nature and memory. The prints are presented in three layers, again to conceal and reveal at the same time.

The accompanying sound installation combines song with recordings taken over the last three years in Glasgow where I grew up, and the Western Isles where my family originates. It explores the emotional resonance of voice and its ability to trigger memory and redefine our sense of time and place.

There are two companion videos. The first, Marion-Lou, is interviews with my two Aunts talking about their lives. The second, Walk-Through, is an experimental film of the installation.

2011-05-25T11:25:00.000-07:00

I continued my examination of history and heritage in relation to our increasingly globalised world with the 'Globes' series. Work included drawing, collage, pen and ink studies which developed into the 3D papier-mache sculptures, 'Globes'.

here are some photos from the project space exhibition (March 2010, MDX university);

2011-05-25T11:18:00.000-07:00

Over Summer 2010, I did a lot of work on my family photograph collection- drawing, painting and screen printing from selected images.

I felt ready to make this strand of my practice my main work for the forthcoming year.

2011-05-25T10:56:00.000-07:00

Just a little update on what I've been up to since my last post.

I showed mobile Babel 2 on canvas and the silk hanging scroll at the Group Exhibition, 'What is Now?' at the Islington Arts Factory in March 2010.

I continued with research on my family photograph work over the academic year.

2010-10-06T01:45:00.000-07:00

Over the summer of 2009, I built an installation made of recycled mobile phones for a group show I had been invited to join. The show, Babel, took place on October 16 to 22, 2009 at Blackall Studios, London EC2A 4QS. I presented the work as a large print on canvas, and as a silk hanging scroll.

Over the academic year 2009/10, I continued to work on the theme, Babel, because I believed I could explore concerns regarding consumerism and the environment through it. The resulting tower of recycled mobiles was 10 feet tall. It includes a sound piece which plays through the land line telephones.

Chair 2

2009-07-16T11:59:00.000-07:00

Installation, mixed media, April/May 2009. Final piece for my first year BA Fine art.

Not Waving

2009-07-16T11:52:00.000-07:00

Digital Print of site specific installation, July 2008. It is part of a series made during my foundation year on an environmental theme.

Then and Now

2009-07-16T11:41:00.000-07:00

Site specific installation and constructed photograph (January/February 2009) recreating an image of the Lodge c.1910.

Rain is coming

2009-07-16T11:30:00.000-07:00

Acrylic on canvas (89cm by 178cm), April/May 2008. Central panel of a triptych painted during my foundation year.

Life Drawing

2009-07-16T11:24:00.000-07:00

Charcoal on Paper, February/May 2009.

Recycling Poster

2009-07-16T11:11:00.000-07:00

poster

Digital Print(A3) made for Events Day to encourage recycling around the university campus.

2009-03-28T06:22:00.000-07:00

Encounter with an Art work (4)

This is the last installment in the series of 4 reviews of Epstein's "Jacob and the Angel"at Tate Britain.

My first review was a general observation, the second described the experience of different approaches to the piece and the third looked at the sculpture in the context of the surrounding work.

Today I have decided to look at the sculpture through a physiotherapists eyes (my former career).

We are told Epstein is depicting the moment Jacob's hip dislocates and he gives up his struggle with the Angel. The artist expresses Jacob's surrender in his slumped posture. Jacob's right knee is flexed and his heel is off the ground. His right leg is slightly turned out as it would be in life with such an injury.

I was drawn to the Angel's stance. He is solidly supporting Jacob, but in reality he could not. His right knee is bent with all his weight forward on his toes. Perhaps Epstein is showing him slightly off balance as he holds Jacob up. I believe, however, that he is emphasising the Angel's heavenly power. The Angel is drawn skywards and is able to support Jacob where a mere mortal would topple over and they would both fall.

2009-03-17T12:27:00.000-07:00

my art writing assignment, 'handwriting'.

i'd like to thank my genius daughter for coming up with that amazing title... then again, she did deleted the only back up copy of this so maybe i'll be with holding that gratitude.

2009-03-17T12:03:00.000-07:00

above is our group exhibition review which i did with pamela.

2009-03-16T11:46:00.000-07:00

Above left - winter photos, below- Alex`s illustrations.

2009-03-16T11:33:00.000-07:00

Two small studies, path to paddling pool and abstract of mould on door.

2009-03-16T11:26:00.000-07:00

Here are some of the Autumn photos. Frames had to be hung from the picture rail, but I would choose less visible cord in future. We thought the double hang, one above the other , worked quite well.

2009-03-16T10:57:00.000-07:00

The 2 images here are from our recent show, Then and Now". I exhibited with Alex, who is an illustrator. Inside the Lodge, we showed our 2D work. Alex had her life drawings and illustrations and I hung paintings and my photos of the woods taken over this Autumn and Winter.

I had a site specific installation on the porch for the private view(above right). I wanted to recreate a scene on a postcard from c1910 of the Lodge, and so I made life size figures from MDF and printed poplin and composed them on the porch.

Encouter with an Artwork (3)

2009-03-16T01:27:00.000-07:00

On Sunday March 8th I returned to the Tate to view Epstien`s "Jacob and the Angel" for the third time.

On my last visit, I explored the different experiences of approaching the work via the stairs from the Manton entrance versus coming in from the ground floor.On this visit I looked at the work in the context of the paintings in the adjoining rooms.

Coming to the sculpture from the ground floor where "Altermodern" is presented, in the room to the left are paintings by William Blake(1752-1827) and Cecil Collins(1908-1989). Both were known as visionary artists. Angels are represented in many of the works of both artists in this room. "Good and Evil Angels" is a very powerful image of Blake`s, as is "Angel and Flowing Light" by Collins. The Angel appears to be a very potent symbol to all three artists, and I think the grouping of their work together adds strenght to all their expressions.

On the stairway coming up from the Manton entrancethere hangs a huge canvas(oil) by Frank Bowling(b. 1938) titled "Mirror", 1936. It shows a gold spiral staircase with a man descending(ascending?) and a blurred figure coming up from the bottom. The palettte is bright- oranges,reds, lime green, gold, violet and indigo.Standing infront of Epstein`s sculpture, the painting is in the background. It has a religious feel, and I believe the two work well together.

2009-02-15T09:04:00.000-08:00

Today I am catching up with my blog. I was a bit poorly with a horrid virus over the end of January/early February and am afraid silibats spot was rather neglected.

My mid year uni review was clouded by feeling ill, but I managed to do preparation before date and then had to take time off after to fight off bug. I am waiting for feedback meeting which should be soon.

Have been busy since return to uni with show preparation. Alex and I decided on "Then and Now" for title and were offered an extra week which we have accepted. It means we open a week early (no pressure), but private view remains on 27th as invites had already gone out.

Digital darkroom and printing have been very helpful, and I am now ready to start carving figures for lodge installation in 3D workshop. I am looking forward to it as now feel there is a small chance things might come together in time. Managed to do all the preparatory paperwork this weekend, and we hang the show on Thursday. Going to be a busy 2 weeks.

Since last post Pam and I handed in our joint review of Lozano Hemmer`s installation at The Curve, Barbican. I managed to see War photography during my visit, and loved Gerdo Taro`s and Robert Capo`s work. I shall post review and invented artist film soon, along with my recent work.

We had events day on Tuesday Feb 3rd, but following "Snow Monday" uni was sadly a bit quiet. I put my recycling posters up in the galley and canteen as arranged, and saw some of my fellow students work, which was fun.

I am looking forward to seeing some of the other students shows soon too. Now we have brief for our final year 1 essay, I think I will start to research but will leave writing until after our show to have some breathing space

2009-02-15T03:51:00.000-08:00

15.02.09

Today I revisit Epstein's Jacob and the Angel at Tate Britain. The title of this assignment is "Encounter with an Art Work". I would like to compare my impressions of the sculpture when approached from different routes.

On my last visit I came into the Tate through the main entrance. Passing through the swing doors from the main gallery the sculpture stands to the left of the stairway. From here the viewer immediately sees the work full length. Jacob's back is towards you and the Angel looms over Jacob supporting his collapsed frame. The top of his head and wings are visible over Jacob's head. I was immediately struck by the power and solidity of the Angel as he clasped Jacob's limp frame to his chest. I could immediately observe the relationship between the two.

Today my approach is from the side entrance to the Tate. Climbing up the stairs the sculpture gradually comes into view on the right. From here the back of the Angel is first seen. The rectangular from of his wings and the top of his head are visible. It is only when you arrive at the top of the stairs that the full length of the sculpture can be seen in profile to the right.

The two figures are chest to chest, the Angel displays strength and stability in his wide erect stance contrasting with Jacob's limp posture.

I think this is a very powerful work which can communicate with the viewer when approached from either angle. However, for me, the entrance from the main gallery is the more exciting because it affords a full-length first impression of the figures rather than their gradual appearance as you climb the stairs.

I do not know if Epstein created this sculpture to be shown in Tate Britain would be interested to find out if it is a site specific work. Did he want it to explode into view or slowly unfold?

2008-12-28T08:37:00.000-08:00

I am trying to update my blog, because mid November to mid December was a blur at home. We had significant birthdays and anniversaries all round. With lots of deadlines for Uni, I am afraid this blog was a little neglected.

Today, I visited "Renaissance Faces" at the National gallery, and then "Sisley in England and Wales". Really enjoyed the former. I found the small room of drawings near the end particularly interesting, where tone and form were skillfully depicted by Durer, for example. The Sisley was a much smaller collection. My favourite was actuallya snow scene elsewhere in with the "New acquisitions", room 42.

Last weekend, Dec 21stI went to see, "Turner, Paths to Fame" at the Courtauld . Ireally like the small room on the top floor there. It has housed,for me, many memorable small exhibitions. This one showed in full the Courtauld`s collection of his watercolours.

2008-12-23T08:35:00.000-08:00

Encounter with an Art Work:
Tate Britain, 21/12/08.
'Jacob and the Angel'-Jacob Epstein.

This alabaster sculpture depicts two monumental standing figures placed on a pedestal. The rectangular form of the stone it was carved from is obvious.

One of the first things that struck me was the solidity of the piece. The figures are larger than lifesize and of squat build. The Angel is the taller of the two. I think of angels as celestial and ethereal, but Epstein's Angel is very strong and grounded.

Jacob and the Angel have been locked in a furious struggle. Epstein shows us the moment the confrontation ends, and Jacob yields. Jacob`s knees seem to have buckled and the Angel has caught him as he collapses, clasping Jacob to his chest. Jacob's face is upturned, gazing beyond the angel, whose face in turn Jacob partially obscures from the veiwer. His visible features are powerful. The angel's wings spread out behind him and his long hair flows back against them. Even though we can't see the facial expressions clearly, it is a very strong piece. There is a powerful emotional and physical connection between the two protagonists. The figures, though solid, are dynamic and inseperable- almost as one.
Epstein based the sculpture on a story from the Old Testament. The Angel and Jacob have been engaged in a great struggle and Jacob only yields after the angel dislocates his thigh. Then he blesses Jacob. Epstein made the Work in 1940 to 1941, when Britain was standing alone and enduring air raids during World War Two. I think it works very well as a metaphor for the challenge the country was facing.

2008-11-09T10:41:00.000-08:00

Went on a group visit to Vyner Street galleries on Halloween. Really enjoyed Guy Dennings work and i'm going to look into it further.

Managed to get our stop motion onto a memory stick but having problems viewing it. Put the Time and Action movie and stills onto stick as well (poor stick!) and hope to complete the edit next week.

Visited Cork and Duke Street galleries on the seventh of November. Enjoyed Sam Taylor Wood's photos and instillation with the orchestra.

2008-10-31T02:01:00.000-07:00

31/10/08

I had my first try at stop motion animation yesterday. Did it in a group of 3. It was really good fun, and I think our short worked well. We had a great actress in Anastasia, which was really important. I am going to try to get it on a memory stick to put here next week.

2008-10-29T10:55:00.000-07:00

Callanish Standing Stones, Lewis

There are 3 sights of stones at Callanish. This photo is from Callanish 2.

I also took photos at the main sight, with more of my sculptures. Shooting was pretty difficult, because it is very exposed on that part of the Island. Even in Summer the wind can be strong, and the rain falls horizontally. It is really beautiful, no matter the weather.

2008-10-29T10:44:00.000-07:00

Not Waving but Drowning

Over the summer I photographed my sculptures in the Western Isles. My dad's family come from Lewis and I last visited the island with him when I was in my teens. I continued on the the environmental theme I explored during my foundation year. I am trying to use my work as a comment on protection and preservation of the environment.

2008-10-27T10:46:00.000-07:00

27/10/08

Yesterday, I visited the Tate Modern and it was brilliant. I went into the TH 2058 instillation by Dominique Gonzalez- Foster in the Turbine Hall. You enter through a curtain of plastic slats into an area filled with blue and yellow bunk bed frames. Sitting on most of these is a sci-fi paper back. At the end of the hall is a giant screen playing a rather surreal film. The end of the hall is filled with massive sculptures. The idea is that the rain will not stop 50 years in the future and that these works have grown and had to be brought inside to stop them growing. It also doubles as a shelter for the people who have to take cover from the rain at night.

Form there I went to the Rothko, which was a much more contemplative and tranquil experience. It was good to see the Seagram murals hung as he intended them to be seen. I was very moved by his brown and grey works on paper which he made later in his career.

I then went into Childo Meirele's exhibition. I love this Brazilian artist's work. It managed to be simple yet complex, direct yet questioning. He worked on large and very small scale instillations and I really enjoyed being able to walk through and touch some of his larger works. I wished i had seen this before I tackled 'Image and Index'. I would really like to find out more about his work.

2008-10-26T11:50:00.000-07:00

Shakeman- Christina Mackie

26/10/08

Record of an Encounter with an Art Work:

Installment 01

I visited the permanent collection at the Tate Britain, and was struck by Christina Mackie's Installation, 'Shakeman 2005' in room 28. It took up the end wall and was the height of the gallery. The whole structure seemed to be balancing on a knife-edge. It was made from planks and beams of cedar wood, perspex and strips of material. A wooden beam approximately one meter long was horizontally attached to the end wall, 2/3's of the way up.

There was a rope and pulley system; two interconnected straps of material running up from this beam and over another longer horizontal beam then down to a wooden structure at the base. This was made up of a short plank and boards arranged in upside down triangles on the ground.

I had recently seen the Phillip Petit film, 'Man on Wire' and was reminded of the image of him walking between the Twin Towers on the wire, holding his long balance pole.

I read the accompanying information and saw that Mackie was interested in, 'The power and vulnerability of nature, and the cycles it is subject to.' Something which fascinates me. It describes the instillation as toy-like and on the verge of collapse, in balance but not fixed. The artist wanted to evoke a feeling of vulnerability.

I liked the way Mackie had cut up strips of her own clothing to make the two supporting straps. By doing so, she successfully suggested her involvement in and closeness to her subject.

Chair

2008-10-24T04:20:00.000-07:00

08/10/08- At the end of my walk I came across this chair and suitcase abandoned at the end of our street. I photographed it and then used the idea in my image and index work.

index and image work

2008-10-24T04:12:00.000-07:00

I made two minature enviroments out of twigs, leaves and wood chippings from the woods. The collage of leaves on board uses pastels and i burnt a twig i found and used it to draw.

Shadows and growth rings

2008-10-24T04:10:00.000-07:00

08/10/08- i will be using these images in future work.

Paddling Pool

2008-10-24T04:06:00.000-07:00

08/10/08- I took these shots at the old paddling pool later on during my documented walk. I like the reflection in the puddle and the imprint of my walking boot on the blue base.

growth rings series

2008-10-24T03:54:00.000-07:00

08/10/08- i took these shots during a walk in our local woods which i documented for 'image and index'. I took progressive close ups of these amazing growth ring patterns. i plan to use these images in future.

mould collage

2008-10-24T03:46:00.000-07:00

mould, pastel, charcoal and chalk (fixed) on board.

i think this worked quite well but the brown is too warm. i should have tested the colors first.

Old Mould

2008-10-24T03:39:00.000-07:00

Passed an old, discarded door outside a neighbor's house last week. I took lots of close ups of some lovely mould. I then scraped some off and used it in a collage as part of my image and index strand.

2008-10-24T03:18:00.000-07:00

I've just had my first strand crit of my BA fine arts course at mdx. i presented my work on the 21st of october. i think it was resonably well received but maybe the rest of the group were just being polite.

i really liked Ariadne's film... I wish i'd got around to editing mine and shown it as well. I thought the general standard was pretty high and the crit was way more relaxed than i imagined.

2008-10-10T10:50:00.000-07:00

"rain is coming?"

this began as a life sized triptych... but ended up being a little more than that. it's meant to address such issues as global warming.