Gill Newton

Artist statement

I have a felt and embodied sculptural and installation based practice with drawing at its core. Abstract sculptural objects made using simple tools, methods and humble materials, chosen for their accessibility and tactile qualities: reclaimed wood, wire, and natural found objects-beautiful dead things. Drawing in space with simple gestures, techniques and processes; assemblage, juxtaposition and balance

Exploring in a lighthearted, curious and experimental way, I move intuitively from one thing to the next, leaning, standing and hanging objects in space. The works are often influenced by the space they are made or exhibited in

I trust line, balance, tension and gravity to help me make primitive works that are subtle and harmonious regardless of the humble origin of the materials and component parts. Accepting the impermanence of these works they are disassembled for future use

My drawings, prints and objects are abstract expressions of human feeling, occasionally anthropomorphic, and help me to understand the core of my concerns-lived experience-and enable me to describe and share the meaning of our precarious and fragile existence

Influences
The lines found in landscape, architecture the human figure and organic forms.

Career path
I have worked in technical, academic and managerial roles in adult, further and higher education. I divide my time across my practice as an artist and maker and tutor, I recently completed an MA in Fine Art at Wimbledon College of Art, the focus of my research was the transformation of my jewellery craft into a more intuitive and expansive art practice. I am a Tutor, Jewellery, at the City Lit and the London Jewellery School, London. I took part in the AA2A Scheme at Portsmouth University 2008/09.   I am an Associate, Institute for Learning (AIfL), hold the TDLB D32/33 Assessors Awards, the City & Guilds Further & Adult Education Teachers' Certificate and a BA Hons in 3 Dimensional Design (Metals) from West Surrey College of Art & Design, Farnham.