Design Influences:

The Mural will be on a Christian theme, but also very modern. I am not planning on recreating anything in the Sistine Chapel style. I hope that I can create something modern and slick, but that also speaks to people of God and enhances their time spent in the church. I particularly like the work of Juliet Hemmingray who produces church textiles such as stoles, preaching scarfs, banners pulpit falls etc. Her designs are based on religious imagery and symbols that have been used for generations throughout worship.

Another artist I am really inspires by is Sister Mary Stephen CRSS, her work has had the greatest influence on my own designs. She creates drawings and images based on Bible verses and Christian ideas. I find them so moving and really beautiful, they covey the type of feelings and message I hope the create in my own work. I also like the pastel quality to her work and they movement they have, they are so simple but say so much.

Lindisfame-scriptorium.co.uk produce christian resources and materials that I am also taking inspiration from in my design work.

 I have also looked at some more cecular artists and some traditional and modern stained glass windows for possible ideas.

Commission, Community and Collaboration - Church Mural

The second Commission, Community and Collaboration project I am undertaking is producing a mural for Hurstpierpoint Methodist Church in West Sussex. I have been commissioned to produce a piece of work that will fit in the area of the back wall that was once a large window, which has since been filled in. Although the window itself is no longer there, it is only the glass portion that has been removed and covered over so there is still a distinct shape as the window facings still remain. My original plan was to paint directly onto the wall, however this would entail the hiring of scaffolding which would be quite expensive. Also to comply with heath and safety someone would have to supervise me while I was painting. I have since decided to paint onto three canvases that can then sit into the space meaning that they can be produced on the ground and eliminating any need for scaffolding. It also means that if the picture needs to be moved, or the building is re-developed at a later date the picture can be saved.

Space where the mural will be placed

The church has given me free rein to design the painting myself, which is very helpful. I am eager though that the church still has some input and agrees to the final design. I attended the Church Council meeting on 17th February 2011 and presented some design examples of what could be produced and showed them images of other artist and work that I like and will be taking influence from. I also spoke about the budget for the work which as this is my first project of this kind will be something that becomes clearer once the project progresses and I have decided on the materials I will be using. The Church have agreed to fund the project paying for all the materials needed, so I will be keeping a tight budget and a record of all my recipts so that the cost does not become get too extreme.

Work Experience: All good things must come to an end.

DAY NINETEEN:

My final day at the National has been relatively quiet, finishing off the commission work for the canteen was the main task of the day. I also had to package up my painting. Having not worked on my painting for the last few days has been really helpful as the break has allowed me time away to reassess my work. When I finished it on Tuesday I was feed up with it and really hated it, as it was a real challenge for me to paint in a style that is so far removed from my own style. It was hard to be so out of my comfort zone.  Having a quiet few days has made the last week a good opportunity to make the most of taking in everything that was going on around me. Through out my time at the National I have been trying as much as possible to be observing and learning from what the other painters are doing.  In this last wee there have been some more freelance painters in working on the floor for "Cherry Orchard" which will be in the Olivier Theatre, so is so large it has had to be painted in two halves. I have found that scenic painting is a completely different way of working compared to painting in a fine art style, as it is all about how the piece looks on the stage, it doesn't have to look good up close just as long as it works overall for the audience. There is also a lot of work put into achieving exactly what the designer wants, it has to be perfect rather than just being along the lines of the design. The designer for "Cherry Orchard" was asked in twice during the week to approve the work being undertaken.

Being at the National has by no means put me off being a scenic painter or working in theatre, it has confirmed for me that this is everything I have ever wanted to do. At no time during the last month have I ever been bored or wanted to leave, I have been challenged, exhausted and always on the go, but never bored. I have loved working in a place where everything happens under one roof, where the project can be seen through from beginning to end. I think being able to see you work finished and on stage is really important as you don't get an idea of how things look or work while they are in pieces in a workshop. Also working along side all the different departments gives you a real sense of working within a community, everyone is out to achieve the same goal. A great production. All the people there have been really supportive of my work and plans for the future. They have always been willing to answer question, give advice and make my time at the National the best it could be. Working at the National has also boosted my own self confidence as I have always doubted myself as a person, and my abilities and aspirations, however the compliments and encouragement I have received from everyone there has given me the courage to believe that I can do this. I really hope that I can be involved in the National once I am fully fledged, as I have already been invited back to see the dress rehearsals for both "Cherry Orchard" and "One Man, Two Guvnors".