Tuesday 29 May 2012
A twit tweets
After a long time putting it off, I have finally joined twitter. Follow me @helloitskirsty
Final Space
Final show, and some photos of the glass frame.
I also got a mention on Lucy Robertson's review of the degree show, which you can read here:
Another chair
I spent so long sitting in this chair during the invigilation of my degree show that I think I wore a hole in it.
Wednesday 23 May 2012
Media Coverage
We are half way through the degree show week, and I have been mentioned in a few articles!
First, I got a nice little write up from Andrew Cattanach in The Skinny who said
"Kirsty McKeown has been producing a visual language all of her own. Using an array of materials on a variety of surfaces, including badges, mannequins and glass, she draws on memories to produce her text works and assemblages. At her best she has a great feel for composition and materials, particularly when working with glass.
http://www.theskinny.co.uk/art/features/302013-dundee_2012_degree_promise
Also giving me a mention is Nikki McWilliams who had these lovely things to say
"I loved Kirsty’s space. It was full of little snippets of text that alluded to narratives- physically arranged with a nice use of media and space. I spent quite a while in this show- there was something about it that was quite calming and intriguing."
http://www.nikkimcwilliams.com/2012/05/dundee-degree-show-2012-my-highlights/
These are my first media coverage, and so far the reaction from everyone who has seen my work has been overwhelmingly positive. I couldnt be happier!
First, I got a nice little write up from Andrew Cattanach in The Skinny who said
"Kirsty McKeown has been producing a visual language all of her own. Using an array of materials on a variety of surfaces, including badges, mannequins and glass, she draws on memories to produce her text works and assemblages. At her best she has a great feel for composition and materials, particularly when working with glass.
http://www.theskinny.co.uk/art/features/302013-dundee_2012_degree_promise
Also giving me a mention is Nikki McWilliams who had these lovely things to say
"I loved Kirsty’s space. It was full of little snippets of text that alluded to narratives- physically arranged with a nice use of media and space. I spent quite a while in this show- there was something about it that was quite calming and intriguing."
http://www.nikkimcwilliams.com/2012/05/dundee-degree-show-2012-my-highlights/
These are my first media coverage, and so far the reaction from everyone who has seen my work has been overwhelmingly positive. I couldnt be happier!
Sunday 20 May 2012
Degree Show
The Degree Show finally opened on Friday, and oh my goodness, what a night it was. After visiting the show for the past 6 years, it was a strange feeling to finally be exhibiting and see it from the other side of the fence. Sadly, it rained all day and into the evening of the opening which was disappointing as every Degree Show opening since I have living in Dundee has had glorious sunshine. Thankfully, not even the rain could put a dampener on the party atmosphere on Perth Road that night.
I spoke to lots of interesting people, and the excitement and adrenaline rush of it all was a little unexpected. I have been in my space invigilating for the past two days, which provides more good opportunities to talk to people. So far, the feedback and comments have been very positive with most people initially having their eye caught by my larger Chinchilla/Gloria text works but then sticking around and really having a good look at my quieter more contemplative framed pieces.
I have sold more than half my badges, and its looking like at least one of the designs will sell out completely. None of my larger framed works have sold yet, but I fully expected that. My work is more gallery orientated, and its unlikely anyone will ever want it on their dining room wall.
There have been lots of really great comments left in my book, and the one below is certainly one of my favourites so far:
I spoke to lots of interesting people, and the excitement and adrenaline rush of it all was a little unexpected. I have been in my space invigilating for the past two days, which provides more good opportunities to talk to people. So far, the feedback and comments have been very positive with most people initially having their eye caught by my larger Chinchilla/Gloria text works but then sticking around and really having a good look at my quieter more contemplative framed pieces.
I have sold more than half my badges, and its looking like at least one of the designs will sell out completely. None of my larger framed works have sold yet, but I fully expected that. My work is more gallery orientated, and its unlikely anyone will ever want it on their dining room wall.
There have been lots of really great comments left in my book, and the one below is certainly one of my favourites so far:
Performance Polaroids
A few of the photographs from my performance. I am in love with the colours produced when shooting this type of film indoors.
Sunday 13 May 2012
Performance Debut!
This week I made my first (and likely last) appearance as a performance artist. I have never been one to revel in being the centre of attention and I have always been wary of the word "performance", so deciding to get tattooed in front the 6 people who were assessing my degree work was a massive leap for me.
If you are not familiar with my work then I should mention that it has always had its roots in memory and its permanence, getting this tattoo was the perfect way to tie my work together as well as being a nice personal way to commemorate the last 4 years of my life. I could go on a lengthy discussion about why and the meaning behind it, but I feel that the reasons should be mostly self explanatory.
I knew from the start that I wanted Tim Sandys involved. He did both of my other tattoos, and I was under no doubt that I could trust him completely with the tattooing as well as his unshakability under pressure. I also needed someone to document the process, and I asked Nic Coupe who, I am very happy to say, agreed to participate.
I didnt look at the marking panel during or after the performance, but Nic told me that they looked very interested and keen, and one of them even began taking photos on his mobile phone! At first I was a little annoyed at this as I would have been liked to have been asked if that was ok, but on reflection I like the spontaneity of it and also that he thought it was worthwhile documenting. I am in no doubt that this was certainly a first, not only for the tutors but DJCAD too.
The temptation was always there to over document it. We could have filmed it, and shot hundreds of digital photos, but I decided against this. The only documentation of the performance would be on Polaroid film, and this would mean that there were only ever 8 shots documenting the main performance. These are still in the space for assessment, and I will scan and upload them when I get them back. I will also post a photo of the finished tattoo once it has healed
The entire process took less than 25 mins, although we did have to return to the tattoo later on and re-touch a few lines here and there. I asked Nic to take a few photos of the touch up process, although I also wanted these kept to a minimum. I am so happy with the end result, and I am proud that I managed to go through with it.
Thank you to Tim and Nic (and everyone else), for your confidence in me and this project. As cliched as it sounds, I honestly wouldn't have done it without you.
http://niccoupeart.blogspot.co.uk/
http://timsandys.com
If you are not familiar with my work then I should mention that it has always had its roots in memory and its permanence, getting this tattoo was the perfect way to tie my work together as well as being a nice personal way to commemorate the last 4 years of my life. I could go on a lengthy discussion about why and the meaning behind it, but I feel that the reasons should be mostly self explanatory.
I knew from the start that I wanted Tim Sandys involved. He did both of my other tattoos, and I was under no doubt that I could trust him completely with the tattooing as well as his unshakability under pressure. I also needed someone to document the process, and I asked Nic Coupe who, I am very happy to say, agreed to participate.
I didnt look at the marking panel during or after the performance, but Nic told me that they looked very interested and keen, and one of them even began taking photos on his mobile phone! At first I was a little annoyed at this as I would have been liked to have been asked if that was ok, but on reflection I like the spontaneity of it and also that he thought it was worthwhile documenting. I am in no doubt that this was certainly a first, not only for the tutors but DJCAD too.
The entire process took less than 25 mins, although we did have to return to the tattoo later on and re-touch a few lines here and there. I asked Nic to take a few photos of the touch up process, although I also wanted these kept to a minimum. I am so happy with the end result, and I am proud that I managed to go through with it.
 |
| Re-touching the lines. Photo by Nic Coupe. Tattoo by Tim Sandys. |
http://niccoupeart.blogspot.co.uk/
http://timsandys.com
Monday 7 May 2012
Degree Show Catalogue
As part of the promotional material for the Degree Show, each exhibiting artist gets their very own page in the catalogue and on the website. This is mine:
Kirsty McKeown - Degree Show 2012 Catalogue Page
Kirsty McKeown - Degree Show 2012 Catalogue Page
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