From professional training in drawing and painting, to darkroom processes, woodworking, sculptural techniques and even a career as a life-model my practice development to date has been well-rounded, varied and incredibly interesting. Working formally with 2D techniques I progressed to 3D through photographic sculptures and textile works and have since gained further experience with contemporary technological processes, digital media and interactive art.
From professional training in drawing and painting, to darkroom processes, woodworking, sculptural techniques and even a career as a life-model my practice development to date has been well-rounded, varied and incredibly interesting. Working formally with 2D techniques I progressed to 3D through photographic sculptures and textile works and have since gained further experience with contemporary technological processes, digital media and interactive art.
I find human interaction and curiosity the most inspiring and in the last 4 years I have focused my practice on this, developing interactive works that sit within public space.
Since completion of my degree in 2013 I have continued to develop my work and am currently concentrating on my artistic practice full-time.
In 2014 I was invited to Barcelona with East Street Arts to participate in a research residency focusing on open studios and artist work spaces.
My interactive works ‘The Alternative Owl Trail’ and ‘The Golden Bear Hunt’ encouraged the public to creatively explore the city and the countryside respectively.
I am currently developing a research project with fellow artist and collaborator Lydia Catterall entitled “Art/Work” which featured in the Art & Work Symposium at University of Creative Arts, Canterbury, March 2015. We have just completed a research and artist development residency in Warrington, October 2015, and will be moving the project forwards over the coming few years.
October 2015 saw the final show of HOARD, A four year artist collective with a focus on hoarding objects and artefacts relating to personal art practice.
My work strongly combines traditional techniques - the processes that first inspired my creativity - with the contemporary, inclusive, interactive and explorative approach to work-making in which I have found such a strong footing.
BESS MARTIN : ARTIST CV
Multidisciplinary Artist. (b. Jessica Martin.1986. UK)
[email protected] : 07965 494156
www.bessinabout.com
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Contemporary Art Practices. First class honours. Leeds Metropolitan University, 2013.
Education:
Contemporary Art Practices. First class honours. Leeds Beckett University, 2013.
Exhibitions, Commissions, Performances:
NORTH : Warrington Arts Festival, Warrington (2015). HOARD: Leeds Corn Exchange (2015). Golden Bear Hunt: Bear Hunting and Other Ways to Walk Festival (2015). AltOwlTrail: Kirkstall Art Trail (2015). Work & Art Symposium: UCA Canterbury (2015). Impossible Lecture Retreat: Skipton (2014/13). HOARD: Leeds (2014). AltOwlTrail: Leeds, Barcelona (2014). SEIZE: Wellington House (2014). Her Sela Art Thing: Sela Bar (2014). Roving Ragdoll: Leeds Festival Sideshows (2013). Panicnic: Leeds Festival Sideshows (2013). Fear: Beacons Festival (2013). Vend: Various Locations (2013). Vantage Art Prize (2013). Under The Stairs: Leeds (2013). (in)Xclusion 24 Hours (2013). Role Models (2012). Tiny/Insignificant (2012). Finders Seekers: Project Space Leeds (2012). LitterProject: Leeds University Union (2012). Woolgather Art Prize (2011). Brudenell Social Club (2011). [email protected] (2011)
Curatorial Projects:
Tiny/Insignificant: Space 2, Leeds (2012)
Finders Seekers: Project Space, Leeds (2012)
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Residency/Research Projects:
North. Pyramid Arts, Warrington Arts Festival (2015)
HOARD. Leeds Corn Exchange, Leeds (2015)
HOARD. Leeds Valley Park, Leeds (2014)
Art/Work. Leeds, Canterbury, Warrington (2014/2015)
Impossible Lecture Performance Retreat : Indivisible. Skipton (2013. 2014)
Juliana's Bike Residency : Temple Newsam (2013)
Golden Ratio @ Manchester Science Festival. Nexus Arts Cafe. Manchester (2012)
Specialist Training:
Film photography and dark-room processes. Digital photography and studio. Screen printing. Woodwork, wood turning and carpentry. Pottery and ceramics. Painting; watercolour, gouache, acrylic, oils. Drawing; pencil, charcoal, inks. Textiles; pattern cutting, dressmaking, embroidery. Recycling and upcycling. Sculptural techniques.
