Event

Looking back, looking forward: exploring ways of working & why we do what we do, led by artist Judy Martin

Blue Monkey member Judy Martin will introduce a survey of her work from the past fifteen years as a starting point to consider ways of working and how and why we as artists do what we do.

The introductory presentation is intended to open a space for all of us to share our experiences and think about what keeps us going - fascination with the subject; trying new media and materials; developing an effective process for the expression of interest; creating a wholly different focus from the attention we pay to the rest of our lives. This event is intended to promote discussion and an exchange of ideas where audience participation is very much invited.

Judy says “The origin of the work to be shown this evening was a decision to use my art practice as a means of contemplating bereavement, and this grew into a broader investigation of cultural values around death and remembrance. The project occupied me for a number of years during which one thing evolved into another and successive new series of works developed. Then at a certain point, I realised I had finished exploring these topics, or perhaps had finished with that preoccupation, and had no indication where to go next.

It was possible, even fairly easy, to start new ideas and do a small amount of work which, again, gradually ground to a halt. Nothing emerged that felt satisfying or progressive, or even authentic. This coincided with the time of the pandemic when, despite having plenty of time to fill during lockdowns, there was a kind of inertia that was reflected in online comments from friends and fellow artists.

What starts you on a project; what are your ambitions for the work; do you make art for the sake of it or as a pathway to something else; do you impose guidelines or wait for it to evolve; what has made you change direction or find a new context; or have you also ground to a halt? I look forward to hearing about it.”

Blue Monkey Network is a not-for-profit organisation run by artists for artists with the support of Towner.

Events are free to Network members and £5 for non-members. You can find out about membership here.