My work is predominantly commercial in nature, but stems from a fine art background: it explores themes of nature and theology and utilises figurative and abstract forms in its design.

During this residency, it is my intention is to produce a series of wearable works that are also fine art based and sculptural in nature: each piece is to be based on a theological belief system, exploring the imagery and symbolism of those areas of belief and expressed as wearable art forms that can be worn both as one piece collectively or separately when ‘disassembled’ as a number of jewellery pieces.

Each piece is to be made from various precious and non precious materials using jewellery making/metal smithing techniques, and may also incorporate other materials and items not necessarily associated with jewellery forms.

My aim is to produce approximately 4 wearable pieces of work: these pieces would be assembled from 3-5 smaller separate pieces of jewellery that would physically ‘connect’ together.

Susie Olczak

www.susieolczak.co.uk

I am a recent graduate from the Glasgow School of Art. I moved to Cambridge last year to train to teach English as a foreign language in order to use teaching as a way of supporting my art practice. I have a studio in Cambridge and volunteer at Aid and Abet and Wysing in Cambridge. I am also part of the local arts movement- Cam. I have shown work all over the Uk and in Japan and Finland.

My work and research explores space, light, perspective and form through sculpture, drawing, photography and installation. Predominantly the focus is on how the viewer experiences space. However it is influenced by minimalism, geometry, light, balance and architecture which often become components to each piece.

My work alters, highlights or creates space for the viewer to interact with. I often control the audience in order that they question how they negotiate space and how architecture intrudes on them. The spectator activates the work and becomes a participant.

Throughout this residency I would like to develop my portfolio and to push my work out of my normal comfort zones so that I can really extend my ideas. I will work towards an exhibition or public artwork at the end of the residency. This opportunity would be extremely beneficial for my current practice as since graduating from art school I have been struggling to find access to facilities to produce work therefore by making the most of the facilities I feel sure that I will grow as an artist and that I can inspire and support the students.