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artist-in-residence 2010-2011
LOUISE EMILY THOMAS
As a recent graduate artist who specialises in sculpture and with a deep
ethnographic interest in vernacular dwellings and social geography, Saksala
seems the ideal place to push my practice, challenge its philosophy and develop
practical skills in different mediums. After a childhood trip to Oslo, Norway,
the Scandinavian way of life has always fascinated me as much as the geography
of the northern most regions, in Finland especially, where the vast unknown
provokes romantic visions and the urge to explore seemingly unmapped
territories.
I have chosen Saksala because of this fascination with Finland. The cultural
heritage of each community, the mysterious wilderness of uninhabited terrain,
the swamplands and marshes, the Scandinavian architecture and the breathtaking
spectacle of the northern lights. I would expect to learn about the Haukivuori
community, research local traditions and costume, pick up skills and practice
handicrafts of the Finnish craftsmen. My time at the centre would allow for
development within my practice and produce work at a professional level. I will
be compiling a portfolio of strong pieces for an MA application so will be fully
focused on realising my project.
With regards to my project plan at Saksala, I would approach work at the art
centre with an open mind, a plan in place but one that is flexible to change
depending on my experiences. I would have recently completed a residency at the
Babayan Culture House, Turkey, where the history of the land, valued tradition
in Turkish crafts and dwelling styles would have driven my practice to imagine
narratives or stories, told through the creation of objects of make-believe
ethnography; combining the political and the mythical values of that place.
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I would do the same during my residency at Saksala, creating a story through
research of the local heritage and landscape, trips to Finnish ethnographic
museums and landmarks such as the Arctic circle. I will produce a body of
drawings and paintings as visual records of my experience which will translate
into imaginary narratives. These imaginary landscapes created from experience
and memory of Cappadocia and Haukivuori, will conclude in crafted objects and
sculpture. I would hope to exhibit these as a story in the art centre at the end
of my stay.
As previously mentioned, I would like to meet local crafts people or be educated
on traditional Finnish craft techniques. I am keen to explore the landscape
around Haukivuori, with excursions to Helsinki ( for research on contemporary
Finnish art) and the Northern parts of Finland, the Arctic Circle.
The art centre at Saksala will act as an important harness to cultivate the
essential roles in my practice of culture, politics and the environment which I
have struggled to achieve after finishing at my previous art institution back in
my home country. My practice thrives off a sense of adventure and having the
curiosity for knowledge of other cultures. I believe my time here would break
borders within my own work and between Finland, Turkey and my homeland of
England.
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Details of pieces for
A Game of One Hundred Worries, 2010
(Beech, Earthenware, Glaze, Resin, Varnish, Cloth, Gold leaf and a Book)
(Chess Set)
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If Noah was a Somali fisherman this would be his Herd, 2009
(C-type print on Fine Art Paper)
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The Suit Case of Disastrous Objects, 2009
(Tornado, Tsunami, Lightening Bolt, Meteorite and Iceberg) Mixed Media
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The time I played on pirate territory I met a Somali fisherman
2009
(Reclaimed wood, gold tin and oil drum)
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Play a xylophone skirt, dress as a black hole, dance like a sufi ghost,
2009
(xylophone keys, felt, linen, wood and braces)
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Copyright images Louise Emily Thomas
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Arts Council Finland
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AllaprimA foundation
the Netherlands
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AREFS taide ja
kulttuuri ry
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ALLAPRIMA MUSEUM