Personal Statement:

I create a variety of ceramic sculptures through the medium of clay, print and glaze that have been inspired by the buildings and landscapes contemporary society choose to make redundant; especially the various stages of transformation made by natural and man-made forces.

The abandoned buildings Read More...

Personal Statement:

I create a variety of ceramic sculptures through the medium of clay, print and glaze that have been inspired by the buildings and landscapes contemporary society choose to make redundant; especially the various stages of transformation made by natural and man-made forces.

The abandoned buildings at Avonmouth docks, Bristol have been the focus for my present body of work. Using a combination of research and photography and sketches made during site visits I developed and formulated my ideas.

During my visits to the site I was struck by how the buildings stand proud and in defiance of their neglect; it is only through closer observation that the cracks become more obvious.

Crumbling walls expose the rusting skeleton of its reinforcing bars. The windows, broken, dirty and boarded still evoke a curiosity of what is contained inside, but time has given them a soulless quality that evokes an emotional response with a tinge of sadness.

Even after years of neglect the buildings emit a dignity and beauty that continue to stand strong, dominating the surrounding landscape.

I have developed a series of sculptures that incorporate words and imagery that will stimulate a similar curiosity in the viewer and encourage engagement with the work.

I use photography and print in 2D format that compliment the forms that I create in 3D, this has led to an exploration of shadows created from my ceramic sculptures.

Education:

2007-2010 Bath Spa University School of Art, BA (Hons) 3D Design in Ceramics
1997-2000 University of the West of England, Diploma in Mental Health Nursing
1993-1994 University of the West of England, Diploma in Management Studies

Work Experience:

2005-2007 Working with community organizations to enable people with mental health problems to access community facilities. Setting up groups in the community that had links to local colleges.
2000- 2007 Nurse Therapist - workshop leader for art, occupation and therapy led groups for people with mental health problems. Groups included ceramic and creative skills.


Exhibitions:

July 1st – 4th 2010 New Designers, Business Design Centre, London
June 11th - 16th 2010 Bath Spa University Degree Show
June 19th 2009 Sculpture exhibition - Open Gardens
East Newland Cornwall
June 2007 Bristol School of Art end of year show
June 2006 Bristol School of Art end of year show

Awards:

June 2008 Ganes Travel Scholarship http://www.ganetrust.org.uk/

Publications:

May 2010 Published photography book “Industrial Landscapes” by Michelle Cook http://www.blurb.com/bookstore/detail/1421749

May 2010 Degrees Unedited front cover (a-n supplement) http://www.a-n.co.uk/degrees_unedited/images/627676

Blog: http://michellecook.wordpress.com/