Katie Elder


Katie's work translates reference to the Artist Antony Micallef, for example, his technique and the way he controls the charcoal.

Micallef's work has led Katie to embark on her third year project on her Degree at Oxford Brookes, (which she completed in 2008: gained 2:1 ); looking at Greek myths, in particular the creation and Pegasus stories. Katie has spent time collecting imagery to create her own mythical creatures, to put across the dramatic, violent, excruciating pain of birth.

Katie's work is exuberating the language of appropriation in the form of Greek Mythology. The use of appropriation and Art work congruently.

Artist’s Statement

I have had a very musical and creative upbringing. Being exposed to opera and classical music has had a huge influence over my imagination, and has been a driving force in the development of my creativity. From a young age, I have been able to travel around the world and have been exposed to a variety of cultures, in particular North America and Italy. My explorations of the figure and anatomy have been inspired by the Italian Renaissance- its passion for life, beauty and the body. After learning to voice my ideas more confidently during my foundation course at Byam Shaw School of Art, Oxford Brookes University has enabled me to take risks and extend my emotional range.

The human figure is often my central focus. It is versatile, beautiful and evocative. In recent years I have concentrated on the female form and it seems at present that my work has a personal element to it. For example at a time when I was needing to move on from a past relationship I drew images of myself, semi nude onto paper (‘Heal Me’, fig. 12), and ‘healed’ them and perhaps myself, by rubbing, washing, and erasing them out until the paper itself began to disintegrate. I projected the video onto this used piece of paper as I was drawn to its textural finish. Behind this, at ground level, was an area of mourning. People were invited to sit at shrines I had made using charcoal, white acrylic and flowers (fig. 14) to remember how this period of time had felt, and what I was leaving behind.

My preferred medium is charcoal and acrylics. I use the charcoal in a fast, energetic way, creating a raw, bold feel. I find the single line is very expressive and prefer to use line to impose tone and depth to a drawing rather than other shading techniques. Simplicity can be more effective with the subjects I choose to engage with.
My method is to work and re-work, layering up the charcoal. So, although the final drawing may be simple, the paper itself is quite complex and worked. I use paint in a loose wash, and allow it to drip freely, again emphasising line. I would say that my use of colour is quite restricted within each work, keeping between two and four colours at a time. My ‘Bra, Hair and Mirror series’ is a good example of this (figs. 6 - 8). I was concerned with depicting intimate, personal, everyday moments which we often spend with ourselves. I used tall, thin paper as if the viewer was peeking through a door. They would just glimpse this moment and never fully be a part of it.

My inspiration often comes from what other artists are doing. Antony Micallef, for example, for his technique and the way he controls the charcoal. His work has led me to embark on my third year project, looking at Greek myths, in particular the creation and Pegasus stories. I have spent time collecting imagery to create my own mythical creatures, to put across the dramatic, violent, excruciating pain of birth (‘Creation’, fig. 1). These works also show that however intelligent and sophisticated the human race is, birth unites all female mammals in this animalistic, uncontrollable, ferocious act.
The artists who, over the years, have inspired me to pursue a career as an artist are Edward Hopper, Lucian Freud and Eric Fischl. I admire their work for their varied styles, context, composition and wide range of colours. All three are especially united for me because they so often tackle the challenge of the human figure.

Profile

Recently graduated University with a high 2:1 in Fine Art, self motivated with good time management. Currently developing a large body of art work, with a focus on painting and drawing.

Education and Qualifications

Oxford Brookes University, 2:1 in BA Honours Fine Art, 2005 – 2008.
• Able to reflect on and discuss art work in an informed way.
• Developed a dialogue of issues within art, philosophy and culture – Extended Essay; ‘September 11th and the Contested Body-Image: A critical appraisal of two works by Eric Fischl and Robert Gober.’
• Collaborated with year to organise and produce Final Art Degree Show, with positions held on the Fundraising and Events Committees. Attained a 1st level grade for this triple honours module.

Byam Shaw School of Art - London, 2004 -2005.
• Foundation in Fine Art, attaining ABC Level 3 Diploma in Foundation Studies passed with merit.

Channing School – London, 1991-2004.
• A Levels : attaining 2 As in Art and Classical Civilisation and a B in Music
• AS Levels : attaining an A and 3 Bs, one of which in English Literature
• 10 GCSEs : attaining an A*and 9 As, including Mathematics, English Language and Literature, Double Science, French and Art
• Information Technology, attaining A at GSCE

Past Exhibitions

• 16th May 2008 – Oxford Brookes Fine Art Degree Show
• 26th June 2008 – Oxford Brookes Fine Art Degree Show as part of ‘Free Range’ at the Truman Brewery, London.

Relevant Work and Work Experience:

‘Free Range’ Degree Show Continuation – ‘CORE’ 2007 - 2008
• Headed a team of students moving the degree show to London, as part of ‘Free Range’, graduate summer shows, arranged by The Truman Brewery.
• This involved suggesting and locating possible space, managing the budget and finances, negotiating a contract and liaising with artists and the Brewery, transportation of all art work, composing invitations, press releases and a VIP list and the curtation and design of entire show.

Broadbent Gallery, Notting Hill – January 2007 and May to September 2007.
• Managing gallery alone, ensuring a high level of professionalism.
• Updating auction sales database, contact list and artist work catalogue.
• Assisted artist Michael Jäger preparing and installing exhibition.
• Assisted in the running of Private Views.

London Art Fair – January 15th - 21st 2007.
• Assisted at Private Views for the Broadbent Gallery stall.
• Helped assemble and dismantle show.
• Communicating with artists, linking them to London Art Fair.

Haunch of Venison Gallery – Interning, July 2007
• Worked on reception and research projects, ran errands including communicating with Sotheby’s.
• Exposure to all departments; registrar and shipping, curators, accounts, exhibits, press, communications and sales.

Covent Garden Opera House, Model Department- June 2006.
• Worked alongside department, contributing to each current production, worked back stage, listened in on model briefings, ran errands.

Transferable Skills

• Reception duties – franking, filing, manning phones using a switchboard, scanning,
• Gallery management
• Client liaison
• Events Organisation
• Technical skills: Photography, Printmaking, Artist’s Books, Video and Audio editing and Construction Processes.
• Experience in Adobe Photoshop and Microsoft Office
• Construction and repair of theatre set models
• Creating display boards
• Clean Driving Licence

Awards and Positions

Middle School Officer at Channing School 2003-2004
Assisting the Head of middle school, the link between years 7 -9 and the Head, supervising children ages 11 - 15, involved with all middle school events, attentive and readily available to listen, keeping morale high, speaking to prospective parents.

Artistic Assistant in the company ‘Hip-strip’, 2002-2003
Awarded Credit in the OCR Level 2 Certificate in Young Enterprise examination

Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award 2002
Community Service; working in a Cancer Research shop for 3 months

Interests

Have been brought up to develop a passion for music and opera; frequently attend concerts and the theatre. Played the clarinet for 9 years and gained Grade 8 with merit. With artistic parents, travelling has come naturally. Experienced and enjoyed many new cultures and revisited many, particularly Italy. Undertook History of Art course touring Italy with Art History Abroad and spent 2 months on the West Coast of America exploring California after completing Sixth form. Regularly involved in Life Drawing Classes at the Ruskin School of Art, Oxford University.