ART PARK Projects

Monarch of the Glen Ultimate Biscuit Tin: Kevin Andrew Morris
Curated by Carolyn Alexander
PROJECT SPACE
PREVIEW 3/12/16, 2-4pm
EXHIBITION OPEN 04/12/16 - 04/02/17, 11am-3pm

Kevin Andrew Morris’ work engages with concepts of craft, material and place, motivated by an investigation of his own family heritage and material culture.
Using research into the life of his grandfather (a fishing Ghillie in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, from 1920-1970) he has re-established a connection with a man he never met. By interrogating objects owned by his grandfather, making site visits and collecting stories, he has uncovered a deeper understanding of our links to the past and the evolution of craft. His work facilitates conversations between found objects detached from their original environment and fabricated ceramic pieces, focusing on attitudes to survival through craft and the fragility of both the natural world and human condition.

'Monarch of the Glen Ultimate Biscuit Tin' explores similar themes through the use of found ceramic objects, digital printing and slip casting. It studies philosophies surrounding collections, souvenirs and trophies, paying particular attention to the memories attached to them. Morris manipulates found objects with super imposed imagery, adding to their life story and imparting a new existence. This transformation brings the old and the new face to face, blurring the lines between past use and new purpose.

The title of this exhibition refers to The Monarch of the Glen, 1851, by the English painter Sir Edwin Landseeran, a painting that became something of a cliché during the mid-20th century. Described as, ‘the ultimate biscuit tin image of Scotland,’ it’s likeness is often exploited by various companies for use in advertising or appropriated for corporate identities. This exhibition seeks to manipulate the image in a similar context, probing the ways overuse can mute an image and challenging the deep-rooted relationships and memories connected to this particular ‘cliché.’

These pieces are showcased alongside the original objects that inspired them, some of which were owned by Morris’ grandfather, emphasising the interactions at play within multi-generational craft. In addition to confronting perceptions of cliché, themes of identity and place were explored throughout the making of the pieces, which were created during time spent in Scotland and Canada - two countries that can be said to identify with the idea of the North. This element of the work examines hunting, shooting, and fishing in Scotland and Canada, with consideration given to the impact that these industries have on our environment. It seeks to encourage visitors to consider how they interact with their own habitats, be they man made or natural, as well our collective connections to heritage and tradition.

Biography

Kevin Andrew Morris (b. Aberdeen UK). After graduating with BA Hons in Ceramic Design at The Glasgow School of Art in 2010, Morris has exhibited his work both nationally and internationally, curating and working with a range of artists, institutions and on various public projects.
Recent solo exhibitions include A Northern Soul at the Lighthouse, Glasgow 2015; Woodend Barn, Aberdeenshire, 2016; and Monarch of the Glen Ultimate Biscuit Tin at House for an Art Lover, 2016. He was selected for the Glasgow Life Visual Arts and Crafts Mentoring award, 2014 and his work featured as part of the Tallinn Applied Art Triennial The Art of Collecting in Estonia, 2013. He has undertaken residencies at The Scottish Sculpture Workshop, 2012; as part of the Naked Craft Network exhibition touring Canada (Burlington, Quebec City, and Halifax, Nova Scotia), 2015/16; and in Scotland (Thurso, Kingussie, West Kilbride, Peebles and Stornaway) over 2016/2017; in addition to the Kiln Raising residency at The Banff Centre during 2016.
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Icecream Architecture

We are delighted to announce that Icecream Architecture have been selected to design our new, interactive Public Artwork for Grounds for Play. Icecream Architecture will be working with local young people to design this new artwork which will be installed by April 2017.

Subterranean Play : Bellahouston Park
Free Workshop

We, Icecream architecture are a small group of artists, designers and architects who love to work in creative and playful ways with people and their places. We are currently beginning an exciting project with House for an Art Lover in Bellahouston park, which will be to design and make a new piece of interactive public art for children. As an addition to the unique artist designed ‘Grounds for Play’ space in the park. 


… And we want young people to be part of the design journey!

Throughout the first part of the project we shall be running events and workshops which engage young people in conducting mini archeology digs in the park, to explore the 'subterranean.' We are looking for practical clues and imaginary stories that will share some new experiences, knowledge and help to shape ideas for the final artwork.

Keep an eye on the website and project Facebook page for more information!

Icecream Architecture

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PREVIOUS PROJECTS - Siobhan Healy - Glas(s)gow Style: an interpretation in Glass & Swarovski Crystal

 

As part of the Mackintosh Festival, House for an Art Lover will host a residency and exhibition by Glass Artist, Siobhan Healy.

In support of her exhibition, Siobhan will deliver two workshops:

Stained Glass Taster Day (click here to book)
Sculptural Glass (click here to book)

Siobhan will also discuss her practice as part of an artist’s talk. More information about the artists talk will be posted soon.

Siobhan Healy has partnered with international brand Swarovski to develop innovative and contemporary sculptural work in Glass and Swarovski crystal inspired by Mackintosh and the ‘Glasgow style’- circa 1850-1915. The original Glasgow style made distinctive contributions to the international Arts & Crafts movement and also the Art Nouveau movement, characterised by intricate linear designs and flowing curves. Siobhan Healy’s residency during the Mackintosh Festival in October 2016 will allow in-depth research into the inspiration behind the Glasgow style in regards to scientific progress which will inspire the 2017-2018 collections. Whilst in residence, Siobhan Healy will offer an exclusive commissioning service where clients can commission a unique artwork; made from Glass, Swarovski Crystal and precious metals, all handcrafted by the artist.

Anita Manning, (TV expert on collectables and antiques) states: “As an auctioneer I have the privilege of handling wonderful objects on a daily basis. These objects from the past; because of their craftsmanship, artistry and social history are a continual interest to me. I especially love glass and Scotland has always produced outstanding Works of Art using this medium. The works produced by our young Scottish artists are very much in the traditions of that skill and they form part of my own personal collection. One of my favourite pieces is a large glass charger [table centerpiece] by Siobhan Healy. Siobhan's work is very much involved with light and form and there is a particular point in the day when the light meets this object and it glows…and never fails to give me joy.”

www.nattyglass.com

  

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MARGARET
A collaborative installation by Sophie Breustedt & Rosie Shepley

PROJECT SPACE
PREVIEW 5/11/16, 2-4pm
EXHIBITION OPEN 6/11/16-14/11/16, 11am-4pm

This collaborative installation celebrates the work of Margaret MacDonald and her contribution to the design of House for an Art Lover and it's interiors.

 

Inspired by recurring visual elements from Margaret's work, Rosie and Sophie have approached her decorative designs from a fine art perspective focussing on feminine symbols of ovals, natural motifs and flowing lines.