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Jane Ponsford

Esher
I am an artist and papermaker. I use repetitive processes to construct sculptural forms made up of hundreds of near identical fragments to make bookworks, sculpture and installa
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I am very interested in materiality and process, enjoying the effects of change and error. A starting point for much of my work is drawing, marking lines and accumulations within specific spaces. Though some of my practice might seem to be an autonomous activity, in fact interaction and collaboration underlie much of it. The objects that I make or the photographs that document temporary and ephemeral work result from an interaction with people and places. I view collaboration to include the give and take required when working not just with individuals and groups but also with particular settings and landscapes.

Although in the past I have used a variety of materials, recently I have mainly concentrated on working with handmade paper, which I make myself. I enjoy using this material because it brings together surface and form. It is evocative, reminiscent of documentation and archives. Staining and tearing easily, it can be seen as the receptive surface for forensic investigation or a blank form to catch light or shadow.

My current preoccupation is with materiality and process in response to place. While craft processes are integral to the development of my work and inform the final outcome, the starting point of the work is often based on collections of dust and materials connected with specific locations.

Key words to describe my approach: Respond, trace, collect, accumulate, mark

I very much enjoy working with people and deliver workshops in a variety of settings from schools and galleries to museums and out in the landscape.

 
Made over the course of twelve months. Sampled dust, soil and found pigments, 365 sheets of handmade paper. This constitutes a kind of diary of a year. This was made during a residency in Elmbridge in Surrey. Project supported by Arts Council England, The R C Sherriff Trust, Elmbridge Borough Council, Surrey Arts, Surrey County Council.

Daily Walk

By  Jane Ponsford
A book made by binding together handmade sheets of paper and found pages from paperback books. Made during a residency at The Lightbox, Woking as part of the 'Recycled by Design' project. First shown in 'Translations' at the Lightbox in 2008

Translations

By  Jane Ponsford

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