Approved: 24.11.2010

Estelle Woolley

Artist, Community worker, Maker, Researcher, Teacher

Approved: 24.11.2010

I have a deep rooted affinity with the countryside and its resources, in part informed by my family's long association with farming. The cyclical element of the processes in nature inspires me, as do the insignificant details that we might often pass by. I am interested in ways that we work with or against nature; how we react and intervene, and how nature responds back at a domestic level and beyond. Exploring the oscillation between microcosm and macrocosm, I often question how very small things can imply much larger thoughts or concerns. Through a minimal and poetic use of materials, which are often very fragile, I explore possible narratives and layers of meaning. By subtle manipulation I hope to renew a sense of curiosity, while always highlighting the beauty inherent in the forms used.

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Artist Statement

I have a deep rooted affinity with the countryside and its resources, in part informed by my family's long association with farming. The cyclical element of the processes in nature inspires me, as do the insignificant details that we might often pass by. I am interested in ways that we work with or against nature; how we react and intervene, and how nature responds back at a domestic level and beyond. Exploring the oscillation between microcosm and macrocosm, I often question how very small things can imply much larger thoughts or concerns. Through a minimal and poetic use of materials, which are often very fragile, I explore possible narratives and layers of meaning. By subtle manipulation I hope to renew a sense of curiosity, while always highlighting the beauty inherent in the forms used.

A significant strand of my practice involves an enquiry into the relationship between the visual and the sonic, between sound and object. My work is concerned with the way in which we ‘see’ sound physically, as an integral component of the sculpture, exploring the embodiment of sound within the object. I adopt an attitude of openness to being in the world, absorbing environmental sounds which spark inspiration. Likewise, this approach is embraced in the gathering and collecting of curious objects of synaesthetic correlation, and in the construction of materials. I explore a sculptural dialogue between materials and forms in relation to the site specificity of space, which in turn may become activated by the transient material of sound.

CV & Education

Competitions, prizes and awards

2022 - First Place, The Grosvenor Museum Opem, Chester

2021 - The People's Choice Prize, Ty Pawb Open; An exhibition celebrating lockdown creativity, Wrexham

2020 - Artist of The Month, Outside In

2020 - First Place, The Art of The Mask, Blue Girl Gallery 

2020 - Artist of The Week, Axis

2020 - Highly Commended in The Sustainability First Art Prize, London

2012 - First place in The People's Prize , Life, The Universe and Everything (The Annual Aardvark Open), Chester

2011 - NADFAS North West Bursary Award, The Brian Mercer Charitable Trust, North West

2003 - Young Artists in Italy Bursary Award 

 

Publications

2022 - Artistic, Curatorial & Anthropological Engagement with the Face Mask, University of Oxford

2022 - A Forager's Manual; How To Get Lost During A Global Pandemic, self published, limited edition handbound book in collaboration with Jaime Molina

2022 - The Edge Magazine

2021 - Cultural Programs of the National Academy of Sciences, Washington DC

2021 - In Situ; Edition 3; a global e catalogue of artistic responses to the pandemic created in situ

2020 - Fuconomy, https://fuconomy.com/articles/estelle-woolley/

2020 - Politiken (28 September), feature on masks, Denmark https://politiken.dk/ibyen/art7936955/Med-disse-10-mundbind-bliver-dit-coronaliv-lidt-sjovere

2020 - The September Mass Collection, 'Grassroots'

2020 - Artists Responding To Zine, Issue 2

2020 - The New York Magazine (September issue, feature on masks)

2020 - Haus A Rest Zine

2020 - Wales Arts Review (Lockdown Creativity) 

2020 - The Sustainability First Art Prize 

2020 - Art Hole Magazine, June edition https://www.ahole.co.uk/

2020 - Dwell Time Covid 19 Special Edition, arts and mental wellbeing international publication

2020 - Radical Innuendo - sound art album and CD, Department of Art and Design, University of Chester, Freqtonic Records Publication

2020 - Dwell Time Issue 2, arts and mental wellbeing international publication, Penistone Line, Yorkshire 

2012 - Expo, exhibition catalogue. University of Chester special collections library

2012 - The Conversation, exhibition catalogue. University of Chester special collections library

2012 - The Paper Tree Magazine, Issue 1, June 2012, (p. 88)

 

Group exhibitions

2022 - On Another Level, The Grosvenor Museum, Chester

2022 - Disgust, East Window South Gallery, Boulder, Colorado

2022 - AA2A Introductory Exhibition, The University of Chester

2022 - The 14th Grosvenor Open, (First prize) Grosvenor Museum, Chester 

2021 - Memento Mori, AIR Gallery Altrincham

2021 - Reconnecting; The Sustainability First Art Prize, (Highly Commended) Bermondsey Project Space, London

2021 - Unlocked, celebrating creativity of Outside In artists during lockdown (virtual)

2021 - Choose To Challenge, vitual exhibition celebrating International Women's Day, Chester Bandstand/ Cheshire West and Chester Council

2020 - The Art Of The Mask, Blue Girl Gallery, (first prize winner)

2020 - Home(work), Shim Art Network and Helix Gallery, New York New York USA

2020 - Pandemic Self Portraits, Denver Colerado USA

2020 - The Ty Pawb Open, (People's Prize winner) Wrexham 

2020 - The Art of Isolation, Curator's Voice Art ProjectsMiami Floria USA 

2020 - Sustainability First Art Prize - online exhibition and e-book

2020 - Confined Spaces - online exhibition on Instagram 

2020 - Housebound Art - online exhibition on Instagram 

2020 - Chester Virtual Bandstand Commission 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?reload=9&v=HubvEtJOUIQ

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jVl1FAphGWQ&t=330s

2020 - Gardens of Earthly Delight - online exhibition on Instagram

2020 - Nice To See You - To See You Nice, University of Chester staff and alumni show, Contemporary Art Space Chester, The Forum, Chester

2018 - A Wish For Northwich - outdoor site specific art installation and workshop as part of the NOW:Northwich Festival, Baron's Quay Square and Northwich Library, Northwich, commissioned by CWAC

2018 - Ecce Iterum: see again, group show with Kate Gater and Alexandru Modoi, Chester Castle, commissioned by CWAC

2017 - Public Launch: FLOAT with Kate Gater, David Cotterrell and Bedwyr Williams, King Charles Tower Gardens, Chester, commissioned by CWAC

2016 - All In One, Piazza Martiri della Libertà, Chiari, Italy

2016 - Art Vend Round Four, commission for the Oriel Wrecsam Gallery, Wrexham

2016 - The Listening Booth; an online sound art exhibition 

2015/16 - Art Vend Round Three, commission for the Oriel Wrecsam Gallery, Wrexham

2015 - Staff show, Contemporary Art Space Chester, University of Chester 

2014 - MA show, Contemporary Art Space Chester, University of Chester 

2014 - Loop: Maria Walker / Estelle Woolley, joint show at Chester Film Co-op Studio 2, Old Odeon, Chester

2014 - MA interim show, Kingsway foyer space, University of Chester

2014 - Matchbox Microcosms: Mini Museum Marvels, Curiovan: Explorium of Natural Wonderment, London et al (travelling gallery)

2014 - MA interim show, Kingsway foyer space, University of Chester

2013 - Open Market, UnDegUn, Wrexham

2013 - Alumni, Contemporary Art Space Chester 

2013 - Interim: part 3, Kingsway foyer space, University of Chester

2013 - Wrexham Open, Oriel Wrecsam Gallery, Wrexham

2013 - Above and Below, Yarangall Green Farm, Alvanley Cliff Woodland

2013 - neo:art prize 2013, neo:gallery 22 , Bolton

2013 - Interim: part 2, Kingsway foyer space, University of Chester

2013 - Here | There | Everywhere (part 3) , Oriel Wrecsam Gallery, Wrexham

2013 - Purple, ur:performance , Islington Mill, Salford

2013 - The Grosvenor 10th Annual Open , The Grosvenor Museum , Chester

2013 - Interim, MA show of work in progress , Kingsway Foyer space, University of Chester

2013 - The Macabre and The Beautiful , Funky Aardvark Gallery , Chester

2012 - Here | There | Everywhere (part 2) , Huttons Buildings, Sheffield

2012 - Here | There | Everywhere , Contemporary Art Space Chester, University of Chester

2012 - Here | There | Everywhere (the pop up preview) , Contemporary Art Space Chester, University of Chester

2012 - Life, The Universe and Everything, The Funky Aardvark, Chester

2012 - Moon, Islington Mill, Salford

2012 - Stitched, City Road Church, Chester

2012 - White, Islington Mill , Salford

2011 - Free For All, Free For Arts Festival, Piccadilly Place, Manchester

2011 - In The Woods Today, Alvanley Cliff Woodland, Alvanley, Cheshire

2011 - FFAF Art Auction 2011, Common, Manchester 

2011 - Expo!, Telford's Warehouse, Chester

2011 - Beyond These Walls, Contemporary Art Space Chester, University Of Chester

2011 - Memory Blanks, Axis Arts Centre, MMU Cheshire

2011 - Panoply, Piccadilly Place, Manchester

2011 - The Exchange , Neals Yard Galleries, St Johns Street, Chester

2011 - Wunderland, TactileBOSCH Gallery, Cardiff

2010 - The Conversation, Christ Church, Chester

2010 - Intro: The University Of Chester Fine Art and Photography Degree Show, The CUBE Gallery, Manchester

2010 - Intro: The University Of Chester Fine Art and Photography Degree Show, University Of Chester, Kingsway Campus

2010 - Mill 24, Islington Mill, Salford 

2009 - Opaque, University Of Chester, Kingsway Campus

 

Solo exhibitions

2020 - Pandemic Nature Masks, minature gallery curated by A Cardboard Monkey

2009 - All Things Bright And Beautiful, Nantwich Museum, Cheshire

2008 - Indigo Diminuendo, Nantwich Library, Cheshire

 

Curated projects

2021 - Choose To Challenge, vitual exhibition celebrating International Women's Day, Chester Bandstand/ Cheshire West and Chester Council

2020 - Pandemic Nature Masks, virtual instagram gallery showing nature inspired face coverings from all over the globe @pandemicnaturemasks 

2018 - Ecce Iterum: see again, group show with Kate Gater and Alexandru Modoi, Chester Castle

2014 - Loop: Maria Walker and Estelle Woolley, RE:New Development project, Chester

2011 - Expo!, Telford's Warehouse, Chester

2011 - Beyond These Walls, Contemporary Art Space Chester, Chester

2010 - The Conversation, Christ Church, Chester

 

Live/Performance

2013 - Tonewood  A site specific performance in collaboration with Rob Maclese and Oscar South, for Above and Below

2012 - Stitched  Performance collaboration with musician Emily Warren and tenants of The Chester Link), City Road Church, Chester

2012 - Summertime (Gershwin arr. Estelle Woolley - experimental performance), Oriel Wrexham Gallery

2011 - Summertime (Gershwin arr. Estelle Woolley - experimental performance), Expo! Telford's Warehouse

2009 - Untitled Experimental clarinet performance with Stephen Maxwell-Campbell, Islington Mill, Salford

2005 - Performance of Alan Ridout's Clarinet Concertino accompanied by The Northern Chamber Orchestra. St Michael's Church, Coppenhall

 

Workshops

2022 - Elders Festival, Storyhouse

2021 - Autumn Headdress workshops - The Nest, Chester

2021 - Ty Pawb Family Art Club - a series of video and worksheet demonstrations

2020 - Leaf Crown Workshop - a series of foraging art workshops in primary schools for Ludus Dance

2018 - A Wish For Northwich - installation and childrens Fun Palace workshop at NOW: Northwich Festival, upcycling waste plastic materials

2018 - Family art workshops for Ecce Iterum, Chester Castle

2015 -2020- Weekly art and craft workshop facilitator working in a therapeuting setting for the tenants of the Chester Link 

2012 - Art workshop facilitator for the tenants of the Chester Link for a one off painting project

2011 - 2015: Ceramics, art and crafts workshop facilitator. The Spotty Pig Craft Cafe, Chester

2010 - Ceramic painting workshop facilitator, Ceramic Cafe Chester, Chester

2010-2020: Music workshop facilitator working in a therapeutic setting with the tenants of the Chester Link

2010 - Music, art and poetry workshop assistant and facilitator, Northgate Locks day care centre, Chester

 

Talks/ Lectures

2022/23 - Visiting Lecturer in Fine Art, University of Chester

2022 - Q&A with Luke Moore for my Refresh commission Fashion On The Rows

2020 - Interview with Sustainability First Art Prize https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=1&v=L5621NtoEHM&feature=emb_logo

2020 - Interviews with Luke Moore about my Chester Virtual Bandstand Commission https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HubvEtJOUIQ

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jVl1FAphGWQ&t=330s 

2016 - Artist Talk for 1st year students, lecture theatre, University of Chester

2013 - Artist Talk, MA symposium, University of Chester 

 

Residencies

2022-23 - AA2A Residency, University Of Chester

2021-22 - AA2A Residency, University Of Chester

2019 - Grizedale Arts - resident artist at Lawson Park 

2015 - Resident artist on the ARIAD scheme. This provided use of the facilities, studio space, student mentoring opportunities, staff group critiques and culminated in a group staff show. University of Chester

2011/12 - Artist in residence alongside the AA2A scheme, University of Chester

2010 - Artist in residence, Christ Church, Chester 

2003 - Young Artists In Italy, Selected Artists from Cheshire Schools (9 day residency), Florence

 

Projects

2011 - 2018: Project manager of Chester Contemporary Artists, Woodhouse Studios, Chester

2010 - Chester Artist Collective (co-manager), Christ Church, Chester

2010 - Project co-ordinator for a mural with students and service users of Canal Street House, Chester

 

Commissions

2022  - Fashion On The Rows, Chester Refresh, Cheshire West and Chester Council

2020  - Pandemic Nature Masks, CWAC

2018  - A Wish For Northwich, CWAC

 

Other related experience 

2022 - Judge for Cheshire Voluntary Arts Awards

2021 - Judge for The Wales Open, Theatr Clewyd 

2009 - Artist assistant to Susie MacMurray, 'Tempus Mutatum' and 'Widow', Nottingham Castle and Islington Mill

2009 - Assistant to the curator and the educational officer, Nantwich Museum, Cheshire

 

Qualifications and training

2017 - FLOAT professional development mentoring with David Cotterrell, Bedwyr Williams and Nayan Kulkarni, Cheshire West and Chester Council funded by Arts Council England

2014/15 - MA Fine Art (pass with Distinction), University Of Chester 

2010 - BA Fine Art (First Class Hons), University Of Chester