Outline of the Activity
I
n my initial proposal, I planned to produce 6 paintings
to the adult workshop was over quota and 20+ participants
including John Ruskin’s double-vision portrait and
all enjoyed learning my original line hatching technique.
5-6 drawings including a drawing of John Ruskin.
Due to the popularity of the exhibition at the Blue Gallery in
However, due to a restricted schedule I changed the plan
Brantwood, which was held immediately after the first major
to produce 1 large double-vision portrait of Ruskin, 12
Turner exhibition at the same location, the director of the
smaller nature-themed paintings and 1 drawing of Ruskin.
Brantwood Trust decided to prolong the exhibition period
This decision proved right in that I was able to deliver all
until 17th November. The exhibition was featured in local
works on time. Although the double-vision portrait of
media such as the Westmorland Gazette and Cumbria Life
Ruskin titled “Conversation with Ruskin (Ecce Homo)” was
Magazine.
produced as the principle work of the project, I believe that the 12 nature-themed small works matched it conceptually
The dates for the tour to The Ruskin at Lancaster University
and technically, and were appropriate for celebrating the
was confirmed in late August 2019, and the exhibition
bicentenary of Ruskin’s birth.
was realised on 23rd January 2020, simultaneously with the “Ruskin: Museum of Near Future” exhibition at the upper gallery. The installation was excellent, owing to the thoughtful exhibition plan by the curator team at The Ruskin. I organised an inaugural presentation talk and gallery tour with an art demonstration, both of which were m u c h a p p re c i a t e d by participants including the team of organisers at The Ruskin. In terms of promotion, I
The concept of the whole project was detailed in the book
have delivered information about the project to as wide an
with the same title “Conversation with Ruskin”, which
audience as possible through various social media platforms.
I produced before the artist’s talk, successfully held at
In whole, this art project “Conversation with Ruskin” has been
Brantwood in September 2019. I also held a line hatching
a great success thanks to the generous financial support by
workshop at Brantwood in October for adults. Applications
Arts Council England.
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