Local Favourite - Residency and Exhibition

January 15, 2020 in Behind the Scenes, Lizzy on the Road

The Residency

At the End of 2019 , I packed up and moved to Taiwan for 3 months. It was here I had been invited as Artist in Residence at the Pier-2 Art Center, located in the city of Kaohsuing.

This was my first residency and a great experience not only to live and work in a new place but to learn new a culture and language as this was also my first time to visit Asia.

My intial focus when searching for inspriation was centred on the night markets. Night Markets in Taiwan are everywhere! They are a symbol of their cultural landscape and really seem to bring the community to life compared to the quieter afternoons.

Over the two months I had to conduct my research, the images that came to form the project known as ‘Local Favourite’ were not not just confined to the night markets as a place of stalls selling food, but the way the local people gave vibrance each location. Whether it was a large busy street (with motorcycles many to dodge) or the courtyard of a local temple, it was easy to feel part of the community with a few small bites.

The Exhibition

‘Local Favourite’ opened on November 30th and ran until December 12th. It was here I presented my work along side other artist in residence; Emmi Jormalainen of Finland. As part of my exhibition I showcased 15 different paintings all done during my time at the residency. I also created my own ‘Night Market’ by setting up a small installation complete with a pair of my favourite red stools.

See the dedicated ‘Local Favorite’ Page to see all the paintings.

I will always rememeber this experenice, not only as it helped me to grow my practice but I fell in love with Taiwan and hope to be back very soon!

Last October- Inktober 2017

July 12, 2018 in Lizzy on the Road, Behind the Scenes

I decided to take on the challenge last year, as a foundation to the development of a sense of style and composition that I would use as the research to build my Master's Project upon.

It was simple, everyday on my way to school or back home in the evening, I would observe my route and how the how contrast of shadows shaped the most mundane of scenery. Taking what would otherwise be overlooked on a daily commute, the view you see everyday that eventually becomes one muddle image in your memory; and picking it apart and giving them a small spotlight.

I completed all 31 days but here just a few of my favourites. I plan to compile the whole project into a book one day.

Southern Walk

September 25, 2017

Lately I have begun walking. Walking for hours. Sometimes I walk aimlessly or sometimes I glance at my Maps App just to make sure I'm not too lost. As I walk I take in the scenes. Scenes mostly considered overlooked or maybe I'll count how many Corner shops or Train stations I've passed. London is very diverting, each area has it's characteristics.

Below are some images made from a walk from my home in Brixton and walked to Clapham taking an extended shortcut through Stockwell.

Eventually I hope to compile all my walks and drawings into a book, a visual guide to the everyday London.

Chicken Shops

June 09, 2017

Last Summer, I began to find myself in a chicken shop more than usual. Something about them kept drawing me back. It wasn't because I was a fan of chicken per say, but sitting in there with a friend or two talking about trivial things. An escape from the stresses of life oddly enough.

So I began to document my visits, as every shop was unique. Atmosphere, design, smell, even the people who you will find in there. Everyday people, who want a quick meal on a budget.

Now some people wouldn't be caught in Chicken shop before 10pm; when they need to sober up after a night out, but I think that's part of the appeal. Everyone experiences these little shops for various reasons. It's a small landscape changing throughout the day.

The Lane - Behind the Book

December 29, 2016 in Behind the Scenes, Lizzy on the Road

I decided one day to walk to school, it's not that far and I would be saving money. However when I started to walk, the wanderer in me started to look around. Coldharbour Lane, a single street that goes straight to my home to school, had a lot to inspire in me.

So began the beginning of this book, another ode to South London. There is a charm I find always fascinating. The shop fronts, the rows of Victorian houses, the arches with trains rolling by. All coated in leaves as the late Autumn turned to Winter.

I started by creating watercolors of my favorite shops.

I couldn't resist doing some of my favorite line drawings as well

Then one day I had a monoprint workshop and thought this is it! The language I wanted. I could be controlled with my line as much as want but the unpredictability of monoprint would find some way to messed it up, or better yet, Improve it.

I decided to it was the prefect medium to draw something I saw everyday (for 3 weeks in fact) and always give it new life with every new print.

It was nerve wrecking excitement with every reveal, and I carried on till I had enough images to edit into a book. The final outcome which I loved because I truly made something that felt completely hand made. I will definitely keep exploring it in my practice.