My blog has moved!

Sorry but I'm not using this blog any more. Please have a look at my new blog site

www.rachelwelford.co.uk

Here are a few images of my recent solo exhibition 'In A Different Light', showing until 1st April 2011. More images are on my other blog www.rachelwelford.co.uk

Apologies for any inconvenience these changes cause, and thanks for looking.

many thanks Rachel

Saint Gobain Glass UK - the installation process

Here's a few shots of the installation - a nerve wracking experience but handled with great expertise, care and attention to detail by ng developments. They also managed to manoeuvre the very very very heavy 2.5m high glass panels into place without even a flinch! Thanks chaps, we were very impressed!

Each panel was crated for transportation. They were so heavy we had to rig up a roller system to move them around.





























First unveiling. Everything intact!
Then assembly and manoevring into position. Easy!

Saint Gobain Glass UK - wall panels installed

The 3 wall panels commissioned by Saint Gobain Glass UK are now installed in the meeting room at the Eggborough Plant.

Eleanor Bird (who I collaborated with on the project) and I are pleased with the results, and folk at Saint Gobain seem happy too - which is the main thing! The commission took a while to come to fruition, but it was very satisfying to finally see the panels in place.

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!