Following on from last semester I’ve looked at all the masks we have found on the walk to the corner shop, the number is shocking I think at this rate they will replace the fallen leaves especially if we continue to destroy nature at the rate we are doing.
Then tried combining the two images using an ipad
My work is all about the right to roam and our loss of access to the countryside. Each year, more common land is lost, public land is sold, and fields are lost to housing. Footpaths have been lost because the councils who have responsibility for caring for them don’t have sufficient funds. The CROW act left lslands of countryside that we , the public have a right to access but can’t get to unless we trespass. This has to change. As climate changes progress, our need to access the countryside and care for it will become more important than ever.We need that access to commence now.
We need access to the countryside for our mental and physical health and the health of the countryside. We need to care to conserve, and we can not truly care without out access.
I have been making images for printing using photos I’ve taken whilst out walking. These are of barriers, I have then manipulated them in procreate to form new images. These have then been screen printed onto kozo 25gm paper.
I’m going to hang the prints using fence wood that has been cut and burnt to make it look order
I will then attach magnets to hold the prints in place.
Along with the prints, I have rescued old wood and will use it to create a barrier. I’ve started building, but it will change as it grows. Watch this space!
I have also been making signs. These contain information about our right to roam and will be attached to my fence/barrier.
First, day of installation, very warm and sticky in the studio, so hard work. Started by laying out the large images, just as well as we have a duplicate, so we need to do another print. Thankfully, it’s not my error, so the acetates won’t incur an extra charge. Good job it was the first thing we checked.
Building the barrier will take a bit longer as I have an image I’m mind that might have to change as we lay the wood out.
More building today, starting to get exciting. Very thankful to have Alex to help me. I doubt I could be as ambitious without his help.
Can you spot the changes?
Would you believe I need more wood!
I spent last week with my trusted helper finalising my MA Exhibition, it has taken a lot of work but I am pleased with the end result.
First go round, the problem is the multi colour hanging, it is too far out into the corridor. I said we could put it against the wall but that wasn’t right either so we moved it into the space.
I thought it detracted from the other hanging and I worried about people tripping over the wood as they tried to walk round it. The other problem was it left one wall bare. The suggestion was made that I move some of my signs but they are a narrative and moving some would not work.
I arrived the next day carrying more prints and brackets to go on the wall but one of the technitions and my tutor had been ‘thinking’ and the hanging was to be moved out of the space and split into four individual hangings. It took four people to get that wall perfect, two tutors a technical support worker, and myself.
The sign wall was laid on the floor and arranged until I was happy with it then screwed into place. 57inches used as the mid line.
It is very hard to get the whole image
The two signs on the back wall will I hope direct people to the back of the print.
We see the Examiner on the 27th of August then it opens to the public on the 30th of August. Results 16th September. Watch this space!
I feel I had a good day
Today we had a longer session of life drawing, 3 hours instead of 2 and to make things more exciting we had a husband and wife modelling for us. I really enjoyed drawing and I think had a good session.
This year, there are only eight people completing their MA in Fine Art. We have worked well together and curated our own interim exhibition at The Birley Gallery Preston.
I decided on two pieces of art
As I walk I have been struck by the number of fields which have filled with houses. Places where children used to play and footpaths we used to use have disappeared under buildings. We are loosing our connection with nature.
The image is made up of multiple photographs of fences or barriers collaged in procreate to create a new image then printed using four layers with two printed on one side of Kozo 24gm and two on the other making the paper into a print sandwich.
This is hung using pine brackets, which have been burnt they are held together using magnets, then hung on fishing wire. I hung them so the light from the window shone through, I also wanted people to walk around the back of the prints.
As I walked , I collected objects from under the hedges. It feels like the hedges are creating their own archives. I therefore created ceramic containers that document these archives, making mans influence on nature more obvious by printing with these objects on the outside of the containers.
The containers have been painted using under glaze and then sprayed with clear glaze, leaving the main body of the clay skin coloured once more, highlighting mans influence on nature.
I have used old found wood to make stands to display the containers on. The wood is intended to represent the hedges.
Today’s drawings, still experimenting
I tried painting with the pastels and drawing holding the pencil loosely.
Once again I’m drawing the human body, this time a lovely pregnant lady, I love the curves and look forward to drawing her when her pregnancy is further on.
Another good day drawing
Back lifedrawing after the Christmas break really enjoyed it and pleased with the results. I really enjoy drawing this model he has such a good face.
I feel like I was struggling a bit today.
We had fun today trying to draw a sitar as well as our model.
15th July I struggled with the 2nd 20 minutes drawing.

I’ve been working on portraits in clay, I’m pleased with this one it looks vaguely like the model.




Our exhibition Teathered will take place from 17th – 25th June in the Hanover Building at University of Central Lancashire (uclan)
I’m pleased withe how my work has turned out and grateful to all the team in Artlab for their help.
Sometimes when you see a different artists work it inspires you to have a go. Last night I attended an artist talk and one of the artists mentioned was Joan Mitchell. Having looked her up I felt inspired to have a go.
Val Gedge art 