How would you describe your current practice (materials, techniques, themes, approach)?

My current focus is an investigation into the concept of time perception and post memory. How it is perceived by the individual, how it can be marked and measured by recurring events in the natural world and our daily routines. Told through the medium of time lapse video; enabling me to illustrate this idea and continue my investigation in a simple and direct way.

What are you working on at the moment (forthcoming exhibitions, events, workshops?  

This year I have committed to being more proactive with exhibiting and submissions. To start the year, my video time lapse II was shown at ‘Seen Forms’ an exhibition in Prague. My mixed media work ‘Across’ at The Biscuit Factory in Bermondsey.

I am currently making work for “In Our Garden”- a group exhibition with artists from the Forge celebrating the Welwyn Garden City Centenary as well as the Hertfordshire Year of Culture 2020. My work consists of a series of mono prints and a compilation of one hundred images inspired by my own garden in Welwyn.

I will be taking part in Hertford Art Trail, exhibiting two large scale mixed media works in LOMO Restaurant Hertford to also celebrate HYOC2020.

In June we have Open Studios at The Forge (June 6/7^th) as well as The Printmakers Exhibition at Fenners Gallery Space in Letchworth June 9^th2020.

What are your plans for the coming year?

To continue developing my practice I have enrolled in a Video Editing short course at UoH which I hope will be of great value to my future projects. Apart from the events I have already mentioned I am planning an Open Studio Event in September at my studio in Hertford in collaboration with The Mill Stream Studio.The submissions for several exhibitions in the coming months may lead to exhibitions. A triptych of drawings has been shortlisted so far.I am researching for a project later in the year with several colleagues, whose work has a thread of similarity with my own. This promises to be an exciting new venture. We hope to exhibit together later this year or early 2021.

What question do you get asked most about your work and how do you answer it?

Probably people are most interested in my video work, how it’s made and how it is edited. My response always “anyone can do this with an iPhone and simple editing tools”

What or who inspired you to be an artist? And why?

Initially my Art Teacher at secondary school encouraged me to apply to Art School, which I did. During that time, I broadened my knowledge of art and knew that I wanted to continue. Later in life I returned to my art practice where again, I gained the confidence to apply to higher education and develop my practice with the support and encouragement of the tutors at Oaklands College and Hertfordshire University.

Which artist do you admire and why?

Looking back over the years I have admired so many artists and their varied genres. Especially multi-disciplinary artists, such as Tacita Dean, and Dorothy Cross who use video, installation, photography and print.  My shortlist would include Chris Marker, Isaac Julien, Wolfgang Tillmans, Vija Celmins, Uta Barth, Hughie O’Donoghue and Antoni Tàpies. So difficult to single out one. I will have to say Antoni Tàpies still stands out for me. His two- and three-dimensional works full of symbolic marks and hidden meanings, his contemplative walls. For me an artist to learn from and truly admire.

How has your relationship with Digswell Arts strengthened your practice as an artist?

Being part of The Forge artist group for five years and currently being a print group member has been a rewarding experience. I value the interaction and support from the great group of artists there which has built my confidence as an artist and enabled me to broaden my horizons. My recent appointment as a Trustee gives me the opportunity to give something back.  Digswell Arts continues to provide a supportive stepping stone to a career in the arts.

https://carylbeach.org