November news from Aberystwyth
02/12/2013November, my last month here!
As you know the Art Centre has a very impressive ceramic collection and frequently hosts or curates exhibitions from prominent U.K. ceramicists. For the last 6 or so weeks there has been an impressive exhibition featuring the works of Irish born Michael Flynn. One of the most prolific and well known figurative ceramicists of his generation Michael’s works are heavily influenced by his love of storytelling and folklore. I really enjoyed listening to his yarns and a week or so later, when on our scheduled trip to Cardiff (to see southern Wales) took the opportunity to visit him in his studio which was overflowing with 30 years of work. A treat to see.
Our (resident artists) trip to Cardiff coincided with the first snow of the season with the falls becoming heavier and heavier as we drove over the mountain range. However, once over the range the weather was clear although bitterly cold. Late at night, on the way home, we stopped on the range, and, by moonlight, walked further up into the forest to see the bothy our driver is in the process of building with a group of his friends. They intend it to eventually become an outdoor performance space.
The day after our Cardiff trip was our much anticipated Open Studio day. This was very successful with a steady stream of people visiting to have a chat and see what we have been doing during our time in Aberystwyth.
I had been interviewed by Ellen Bell, a writer from Axisweb shortly after I had given my Artist’s Talk. I didn’t know it at the time but this is the leading U.K. artist web site. Ellen visited me during the Open Studios to let me know that the piece is scheduled to go live on December 3rd. Good publicity and completely unexpected.
Another great outcome for me from the residency (and as a result of the Open Studio) has been invitations to participate in two U.K. exhibitions scheduled for 2014. The first being curated by the Bath School of Art & Design, Bathspa University, and the second, an exhibition focusing on landscape being curated by the Aberystwyth Art Centre.
This last week has been spent packing up the studio and, when the weather permits, walking in the woods around the town or down towards the harbour. Tomorrow I leave for London and Jill arrives on the train I depart on. It is a bit sad leaving just as I was beginning to really settle in, however I feel I will definitely retain links to Aber given the interest in my work and the exhibitions planned for next year.
Jenny Mulcahy
http://www.jennymulcahy.com
