Private View, Anglia Ruskin University

I went to Anglia Ruskin to see the PV with my friend Jane.  We went to see a former Shedio art class member, Brenda's work in her final year show.  Her work has come on so much - and in a completely different way to how she was working in  class with us.  Back then, she was very much into small, 2D, texture.  Now her work is large, 3D and sculptural, in cement!  This is good, because a degree should make your work change, develop and move forward.  She's looking at the subtleties of change over time and traces of things no longer present, as evidenced by process dictating outcome.   Hurrah for Brenda!!!

Brenda Phillips, artist; with Jane

Brenda with 'Collusion'

Brenda and Jane

Another thing I thought was inspiring, was how much support Brenda had from her husband Tony.  I've spoken to him at every event she has participated in, and with these latest pieces of work, he has been chief Health & Safety officer!  The cement pillars are exceptionally heavy, and cannot be allowed to fall over, as they would do serious damage to whoever they landed on.  So each pillar has a metal pole which has been drilled into the floor.

I have to add that I thought my personal two 'best in show's were placed as neighbouring exhibitors - Brenda (yippee!) and Sophie Neville. And it turns out Sophie won first prize for her artwork, and Brenda won second!  Sophie Neville is a young feminist who does not pull her punches with her text-based feminist art (right on topic for me!).  She creates small pieces in embroidery hoops with single impactful statements (making her work contemporary by use of the soundbite) but, even better, the wall hangings with multiple use of text appropriated from social media and headlines.  Oh - My - Word!

Section of No Surprise, copyright Sophie Neville

No Surprise, copyright Sophie Neville

Section of No Surprise, copyright Sophie Neville

No Surprise, copyright Sophie Neville

The small writing gives information about sexual harassment
- in this case about the self-documented pedophile, incestuous philander Eric Gill
(whose New Johnston typeface is used and lauded by London Underground!)

Copyright Sophie Neville
Hand embroidery

Resist, copyright Sophie Neville
Hand embroidery 

Time's Up, copyright Sophie Neville
Hand embroidery

I like Time's Up for its use of symbols.  The red alarm clock, followed by an up arrow.  Works with both people who enjoy words, and those who don't.

I was so glad Sophie won the £2,000 Supanee Gazeley prize.  Sophie will take a year out to get some funds behind her, then aims to take MA Art & Politics at Goldsmiths.  More power to her stitching elbow.  I will follow her with interest.