Artist statement for Platform P

I am currently studying in my second year of BA Fine Art at Plymouth College of Art. My interests are in wild open spaces, the sea, and collecting objects from the places that I spend time in. For this piece I am bringing to the Duke of Cornwall Hotel my own suitcases that come with me when I travel, and objects and mementos that have been found on the way, or come about as a result of the journey or destination. In doing so I am inviting the viewer into my own private rituals, and an intimate exploration of my process as an artist. These objects are selected on the basis of my personal preferences; for beauty, for usefulness, or uniqueness; and I feel that there is a connection between them all other than myself- the thing that makes me drawn to them. I consider this collection my ‘nomadic studio’ that travels with me and feeds into what I do in my practice, both in and out of the studio.
The work that is made from these experiences varies, but the predominant theme is probably that of intuitiveness, and feeling satisfied by what comes from this process. By removing these items, or taking ‘souvenirs’ from their original surroundings, I am able to take traces of place with me that can continue to inspire my practice even when the place is long left behind.
There is a performative aspect to this piece, in my returning to my belongings and altering or engaging with them in some way; in owning them.