you win some, you lose some - PhD research scholarship

Lots of good things have been happening recently, but I thought it was only fair to blog about the disappointments as well as the highs.

My most recent disappointment was my application for a PhD scholarship within the University of Sunderland's Glass and Ceramics Department. Although on the positive side (always the optimist) apparently I was a really really close second.

The working title for my proposal was Transmission, reflection and emission of light through flat glass - the artistic application of coatings on glass and the manipulation of the glass surface to alter translucency and reflectivity. The aim of the research was to find new artistic possibilities within architectural glass resulting from new and emerging technologies in the field of coatings on glass. I was hoping to be able to do a survey of new and recent developments within the architectural flat glass industry, explore the possibilities for artistic application of these and produce a body of artwork.

Saint Gobain Glass UK, with whom I have been developing a relationship over the last nine months or so had agreed to support my research in principle, pending further discussions about the nature of the research and what exactly I would need. The main feedback from my interview was that the panel were concerned about the links with industry that would be required to make my research a success, and were worried that it would collapse if my industry links fell through. I did get some very positive encouragement however, in particular regarding the links I have made with industry so far and the quality of my proposal.



So all in all, although it's disappointing to be turned down, and frustrating to spend a lot of time and energy on something that doesn't come to fruition, I think I proved my competence and solidified my reputation in the department. And there's always next year. So now I have a year to solidify my links with Saint Gobain Glass UK, make new connections and maybe submit a stronger proposal next year. Watch this space....

North Yorkshire Open Studios 2010

Over two weekends in June I will be opening my studio to visitors as part of North Yorkshire Open Studios.

Stable Studio, 14 Royal Crescent Lane, Scarborough, North Yorkshire, YO11 2RL.

weekend 1: Fri - Sun 11th, 12th & 13th June

weekend 2: Sat - Sun 19th & 20th June

times: 10.30am - 5.30pm

come along for a chat and to see work in progress, examples of architectural and public art projects, works on paper plus glass samples and test pieces. Selected works will be for sale.

North Yorkshire Open Studios is a great chance to see a whole host of artists. 123 artists are taking part in the main programme, with extra exhibitions, talks and workshops also taking place. See their website for full details.

York Hospital Lifts - panel 1 installed

It's always good to see a project installed. This first phase needs final approval in relation to use of the lift by people with visual impairments - the fact that we were using reflective glass and mirror was making some people nervous in this respect. We're confident it will pass the test and are looking forward to making another 4 panels.

The panel is made up of a rear layer of mirror which is almost entirely obscured by sandblasted glass. The mirror adds light and luminosity to the panel. The front glass layer is sandblasted and painted on the back and is also sandblasted on the front giving depth and a multi-layered effect.

Each panel will be based round a species of tree, and this first one is cherry. The text isn't necessarily meant to be read but gives interesting facts about the cherry tree - it's origins, how it is propogated etc. The text weaves between the sandblasted layers and so is sharp in some areas and partially obscured in others.

The artwork went down well with folk at the hospital. Adrian and I are pleased with it too. The estates manager, who admitted he was originally opposed any art in the lifts declared it 'not bad at all' which apparently is praise indeed!

Glass panel arrives!

The project making glass panels for inside 5 lifts in York Hospital is moving along now. Panel 1 is a bit of a test panel, and providing it is approved we will then be making another four. This is also a collaboration with Adrian Riley of Electric Angel Design.

A delivery is always an exciting time. Here our sandblasted and painted glass panel arrives from Creative Glass ready for installation. Adrian inspects!

The guys from Rubax Lifts start the installation. Those sucker things are great for lifting glass, although the sandblasted areas make them lose suction so they have to be quick - I was scared!

Twenty two and three quarter miles to Whitby

a couple more pictures of Everyone's Always Somewhere...

Everyone's Always Somewhere

'Everyone's Always Somewhere' is now the official title of our now completed Old Railway Line project. It's the first line of the poem written by poet John Clarke in response to discussions with users of the old railway line. The phrase is actually a direct quote from one of the first young people we chatted to. I'm pleased it has now become the title.

The picture with the blue strip shows the glass strips which are silvered on 3 sides and inserted between the flags to add detail, depth and luminosity to the design. And I quite like the one showing the workmen reading the poem and coming over all contemplative!

Here are a few photos of the complete project. I'll add some wider shots ones we've scrubbed the tarmac and the surrounding green areas have been tidied!

Railway project installation starts!

Yesterday was the first time I actually saw the etched paving, and I must say it looks great! I really like how the etched area shows the curvy bmps of the glass chips which is a nice contrast to the smoothness of the rest of the surface. They glint beautifully in the sunlight too. There have been lots of delays and hitches with this project - sometimes useful (giving a little extra time to do some silvering), sometimes frustrating (waiting for pay day). It is the groundwork preparation that has been slow, which was completely beyond our control. I think the extended snowy winter has had something to do with it. Luckily the health and safety specification problems turned out fine. As the glass strips ae so small no information about load bearing capacity was needed afterall. Saint Gobain Glass, who supplied the glass were extremely helpful though, and can work out load bearing specifications from a drawing. Very impressive.

Anyway, now it is finally happening. We've been assembling the recycled glass slabs (supplied by Enviroglass) like a giant jigsaw, which was both fun and good for the biceps! we're on call all this week for jigsawing the next batch. Of course little hitches are still occuring. Today we found that the top section of the 'U' didn't line up with the bottom section slightly, and there was a bit of a tense moment while we decided if it was far enough out to be worth replacing. I'm a bit of a perfectionist and was in the yes camp, but a broken slab meant we were ordering another one anyway so that was the clincher. We're re-etching the misaligned U.

see the project blog for more pics