Paperworks 3 submission Migration 2

Submission for Paperworks 3 Bury Art Gallery.

Contents: Covering letter Proposal links Sketches Reference pictures CV

Contact Richard Dawson 07932 050 926 rdawson101@hotmail.com

Katherine McClung‐Oakes Exhibitions & Collections Assistant Bury Art Gallery, Museum+Archives Moss Street, Bury, Lancs BL9 0DR

Richard Dawson 60 Stamford Road, Mossley, OL5 0BG. 07932 050926 rdawson101@hotmail.com www.arbarus.co.uk

Submission for Paperworks 3

Hi Kat,

Following our chat on Saturday 27th March when I accompanied Jacqui Symons on her visit to the gallery I am submitting the proposed work ‘migration 2’ for the Paperworks 3 exhibition.

I have included in the brief my interest in taking part in workshop sessions at the gallery as you mentioned and also the provision of some interactive sculptures that I’d be happy for you to allow people to touch and explore physically.

I have also posted a previous version of a mechagami crane to you directly via the gallery address for you to have a look at and get a feel for the kind of work I’m proposing.

Thank you for showing us around the gallery and disucussing the exhibiton with us.

If you have any questions or would like any further info please do not hesitate to contact me via phone or email at any time.

Many thanks,

Richard Dawson.

Paperworks 3 – Bury Art Gallery Propsal for kinetic origami (mechagami) sculpture ‘Migration 2’.

The Work ‘Migration 2’ consists of 27 origami cranes of different sizes and colours made from recycled paper flying above a map showing migration routes of endangered bird species.

Paperworks 3 For your exhibition I would create ‘migration 2’ an expanded ‘serial’ version of mechagami sculptures consisting of twenty seven origami cranes arranged to match migration flocking patterns of real birds. Each crane is animated by electric motors to produce a flying motion. The base of the sculpture is comprised of pages from reclaimed atlases showing the vast distances migrating birds can cover.

The simple aesthetic of the piece belies its hidden complexity that becomes apparent as the kinetic element activates and the birds take flight. The work has a serious message regarding the threats facing migrating birds with the 27 cranes represent the 27 bird species listed in the Bonn Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species. The sculpture responds to these birds by using flimsy and ‘throw away’ materials to construct the birds alongside a complex drive system echoing the astonishing resilience and abilities that allows these birds to cross continents during migration.

The piece will form part of a series of kinetic works exploring movement, endangered wildlife and our links to the environment.

The Concept & Mechagami Origami is a fascinating artform for the exploration of sculptural forms and material qualities. It can produce if not anatomically accurate then surprisingly evocative representational forms of animals and birds by very simple and accessible techniques.

Mechagami is my term for the adaptation of traditional origami forms by the addition of simple mechanics. This practice stems from investigations into natural movement and sculptural forms combined into kinetic works attempting to capture ‘natural’ movements and rhythms mechanically.

The ‘migration’ works also relates to my ongoing interest in the natural environment and contemporary concerns with its protection through concepts such as recycling. The ‘migration’ works are a combination of all these areas of my practice.

Technical requirements The piece would be self‐contained requiring only a single mains socket for operation. The piece can be installed on it’s own integral plinth or adapted to match the galleries requirements.

Richard Dawson 07932 050926 rdawson101@hotmail.com

Operation can be continuous, timed intermittent or responsive. For the Paperworks 3 exhibition I would envisage the piece operating on a timed duration triggered by viewer proximity‐ this would be decided in consultation with the gallery.

Dimensions and materials I envisage the piece being approximately 1.8m x 0.9m x 0.6m in size although this can be adapted to suit the available space.

The piece would be constructed from recycled paper, recycled atlases, wire, reclaimed electric motors, mdf.

Insurance I am fully covered by product and personal liability insurance through AN and Bectu.

Expanded propsal related to ‘Migration2’ Interactive work Alongside the main piece I would be interested in creating a few larger single mechagami to exhibit as manually operated interactive sculptures in the ‘play area’ and for young hands to explore.

Workshop involvement I would also be interested in getting involved in running sessions for visitors to create their own versions of the sculptures from scrap paper and other reclaimed materials. Following previous origami and kinetic workshop sessions I would use these as an opportunity to share origami techniques and offer an introduction into the creation of simple mechanisms.

Further development I am currently seeking the involvement of Birdlife International in further development of the Migration pieces in order to raise awareness and generate funds for their ‘Born To Travel’ campaign Examples of previous work Please see attached images of previous mechagami projects and sketches of the propsed ‘Migration 2’ Videos of the mechagami in action are viewable here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/21007707@N07/4126259506/ or http://www.vimeo.com/7779064

Richard Dawson 07932 050926 rdawson101@hotmail.com

Richard Dawson.

Artist Designer Maker.

Contact: Postal: 60 Stamford Road, Mossley, Lancs, OL5 0BG. Studio :W2/429, Woodend Mill 2, Warmco Ind Park, Manchester Road, Mossley, Lancs, OL5 9AY. Mob: 07932 050926 Email: rdawson101@hotmail.com Web: www.arbarus.co.uk

Art forms: Moving image and installation, digital soundscapes and sculptural kinetic.

Skills and experience: I Having trained in 3D design and communicative media I have worked as a freelance industrial artist and designer for the past 15 years within a number of industries including architecture, product design, toy design, animation, film, theatre and television.

Over the past 5 years I have increasingly developed my own interests and practices by taking industrial and TV production design techniques as a starting point. I am currently developing my interest in creating site specfic installations and immersive enviroments wereby the “viewer” can become a participant in the drama or narrative directly rather than vicariously through the screen and the characters observed. Alongside this I have working to increase my knowledge of a wide range of digital design, image manipulation and sound software.

I have taught Design and Art Direction for Film and Moving Image Production at HND & BA level for 4 years.

Recent developments: Over the past 5 years I have increasingly developed my own interests and practice as an artist.

I am working towards reconciling my technical skills and craft interests through the creation of kinetic pieces from discarded materials.

I have recently started expanding my experience and interest in community work by taking part in and organising school creative workshops as well as co‐writing and organising Cotton On; a ACE funded community arts event based around Woodend Mill in Mossley.

Inspirations: The surrounding environment, recycling, the history of the local area, sustainability, alternative energy sources, literature, traditional crafts, myth, poetry, music.

Interests: Rock climbing, art, writing, cycling, music, theatre, photography.

CRB: Enhanced Public Liability Insurance: 5 million BBC Design Risk Management Parts 1&2 trained.

Education: 8 O Levels 3 A Levels Foundation Art BTEC HND 3D Design and Communicative Media

Recent Exhibitions and Commissions:

“Together We Are Greater”: Technical installation adviser for ACE funded solo show by Jacqui Symons. The Space Between and Mechagami Cranes exhibited as part of the show.

“RSPB dove stone”: Collaboration to produce sculptural seating and consultation to develop a sculpture trail for the RSPB – ongoing 2010

“Kinetic sculpture”: The Hub, Runcorn, kinetic sculpture and youth workshops in collaboration with artmikanic

“Music for the Imagination”: moving image response commissioned for performance by The Sterling Trio, Walker Art Gallery, Liverpool, 2010

“Mill/ Memory / Lapse”: Timelapse film installation for Cotton On group show, Woodend Mill, Mossley.

“Warp, Weft, Words, Shuttle, Spindle, Speak”: Audio installation from oral history project, ACE funded community art project.

“The Art of Paper – the space between”: Centrepiece kinetic sculpture for Brewery Arts, Burton On Trent

“The Miraculous Emporium of Amazing Altered Books – Flying Books”: Kinetic altered books as part of groups show at Ashton Central Art Gallery.

“Showcase – mechagami cranes”: Kinetic Origami cranes as part of a group show for the launch of Urban Gallery at Angel centre, Salford.

“Held In The Hand, Tactile Box”: Commissioned Artist for a Leicester Artworks Educational Project.

“Should Have Used CGI”: Lighthearted Festive Kinetic Sculpture for Holme Valley Warehouse art festival.

“The Secret Language of Shadows”: Installation in a box for SECRETS exhibition at The Foundry, London.

“The Space Between”: Collaboration with Jacqui Symons, kinetic origami sculpture for Nexus Art Café, Manchester.

GIFTED art bazaar: Organiser and exhibitor. Group show of 17 artists in a specially prepared gallery space, Woodend Mill, Manchester.

“Memoria Lumen”: Site specific installation as part of Rags To Riches ACE Funded event by Woodend Artists.

“Details of Summer”: Commissioned video and sound installation. Holme Valley Warehouse as part of Holmfirth Fringe.

Art March ‘08: Woodend Artist Open Studios‐ Group Exhibition. Installation: Dovestone Falls.

Winterfestival ’07: Woodend Artist Open Studios‐ Group Exhibition.

Installation: If I Though Nobody.

Architecture Week: Woodend Artist Open Studios‐ Group Exhibition.

“RFID Snakes ad Ladders” for BLINK media, Huddersfield Media Centre.

Commisioned Sculptor. “diggers” Hannah Maclure Centre Gallery. Commissioned as Sculptor. “spring_alpha” Huddersfiled Media Centre. Commissioned as Sculptor.

Recent Work:

Creative Practitioner. Recycled wood mosaic workshops, High Barn School, Royton.

Organiser. Cotton On, A.C.E. funded community art event Workshop Facilitator. Moorfield School Community Week.

Workshop Facilitator. Creative workshops at Woodend Mill for New Charter Academy.

Workshop Leader. “Origami Box Sculpture” Workshop Leader. “The Big Draw”, St Chads, Uppermill.

Industrial Work: Production Designer for BBC TV Drama

Specialist Props Maker for Granada TV

Sculptor for BBC Tv Drama.

Associate Senior Lecturer in Design and Art Direction form Moving Image Production, Leeds Met Uni.

References: Sue Platt, 27 Seven Acres delph saddleworth OL3 5HU 0777 5595662 01457 871601

Paul Challacombe, Arts Development Officer, Brewhouse Arts Centre, Union St, Burton on Trent, Staffs, DE14 1EB. 01283 508350

paul.challacombe@eaststaffsbc.gov.uk info@brewhouse.co.uk