Approved: 16.08.2006

Catherine Jacobs

Artist, Researcher

Approved: 16.08.2006

Informed by my parallel career as Research Psychologist, I'm a visual artist working with photography experimentally and mindfully to make contemplative, slower images that embody positive states of ambiguity. 

In my studio practice I select everyday materials, sometimes liquids such as glues or body creams, sometimes plastic items from the recycling bin, to make atmospheric, temporary sculptures and paintings. These often become messy, sticky and moving art materials that are staged for, and contained by, the camera. Key influences over my twenty-year practice are the works and ideas of the sculptors Eve Hesse and Helen Chadwick, who both had retrospectives in the early 2000s. Influences from psychology are the container and contained theory by Wilfred Bion, the writings of Donald Winnicott and the practical applications of attachment theory.

Working outside the studio, I seek out photographs from unusual perspectives, or utilise the photographic qualities of blur and careful focus to champion all things liminal, encouraging subjective readings and interpretations.  I have undertaken participatory projects inviting people to share with each other what they see in the works with venues including mac, Birmingham and at the annual conference of the British Psychological Society. 

I am currently working towards a solo show about communicating attachment, experimenting with camera-less Lumen images using washing up water and creating a project about psychological aspects of humans travelling to Mars. 

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Artist Statement

Informed by my parallel career as Research Psychologist, I'm a visual artist working with photography experimentally and mindfully to make contemplative, slower images that embody positive states of ambiguity. 

In my studio practice I select everyday materials, sometimes liquids such as glues or body creams, sometimes plastic items from the recycling bin, to make atmospheric, temporary sculptures and paintings. These often become messy, sticky and moving art materials that are staged for, and contained by, the camera. Key influences over my twenty-year practice are the works and ideas of the sculptors Eve Hesse and Helen Chadwick, who both had retrospectives in the early 2000s. Influences from psychology are the container and contained theory by Wilfred Bion, the writings of Donald Winnicott and the practical applications of attachment theory.

Working outside the studio, I seek out photographs from unusual perspectives, or utilise the photographic qualities of blur and careful focus to champion all things liminal, encouraging subjective readings and interpretations.  I have undertaken participatory projects inviting people to share with each other what they see in the works with venues including mac, Birmingham and at the annual conference of the British Psychological Society. 

I am currently working towards a solo show about communicating attachment, experimenting with camera-less Lumen images using washing up water and creating a project about psychological aspects of humans travelling to Mars. 

CV & Education

EXHIBITIONS

A Playful Turn, curated by Degrees of Freedom, London (2021)

Distanced Domesticcurated by Co-Curation, London (2021)

Something From Nothing, Kato Wong Gallery (online) (2021)

Lim(i)nal, Online Drawing Exhibition, Alastair MacLennan Archive (2020)

In Suspension, (solo) Take/Make Photo Fringe online (2020) 

Intertidal, Whitstable Bienalle Satellite, Whitstable (2016)

Transformations, St Barnabas, Dalston (2014)

Espy Photographic Award, Elipsium Gallery, judged by Richard Billingham and Iain Davies. (2013)

Zeitgeist Open Exhibition, Zeitgeist Arts Projects (2013)

A Matter of Substance, APT Gallery, Deptford, London (2013)

Love in a Cold Climate, Occupy My Time Gallery, Deptford (2013)

Austerity Measures, Norwich Arts Centre, Norwich (2012)

Desire, The Portman Gallery, London and online (2011)

 Uncertainties, British Psychological Society Annual Conference, Dublin. , Annual Conference, Dublin (SOLO) (2008)

Photo-London, Zebra Projects, London (2007)

Small Is Beautiful, Flower's East, London (2007)

Uncertainties,  Midland Arts Centre, Birmingham (SOLO) (2005)

New Photographers and London Art Fair, Sarah Myerscough Fine Art, London (2004)

Reunion, Apt Gallery, London (2004)

State of Independance, Artist led show with Vision in Art, London (2004)

Fresh Art, Business Design Centre, London (2003)

Miniatures, Sarah Myerscough Fine Art, London (2003)

 Summer Show, Florence Trust, London (2001)

Battersea Contemporary Art Fair, Battersea Arts Centre, London  (2001)

Coast, ArtSway, Sway, Hampshire  (2001)

Flava, Leeds Food and Drink Festival, Artco Gallery, Leeds  (2001)

Professional Innovations in Photography, Blackfriars Art Centre, Boston, Lincolnshire  (2001)

Zone IV Gallery, Photo L.a 11th Los Angeles Photographic Print Exhibition, Santa Monica Civil Auditorium, Los Angeles, California, USA  (2001)

Sense and Sensuality, touring five Shropshire Galleries with gallery.network  (2000)

Sense and Sensuality, Lewisham Art House, London (1999)

Food 99, 10th Herefordshire Photography Festival, Hereford School of Art and Design,     Hereford (SOLO) (1999)

Residencies & Awards

Rural Idyll 2, A working sheep farm, Little Dodnash Farm, Bentley, Ipswich (2011)

Here and Now Photography Competition winner, Allied Irish Banks (AIB, Image selected for ‘August section of calendar. (2007)

Viewfinder Hopsital Arts Project for staff & patients of a Cancer Unit Barking, Havering and Redbridge NHS Trust, North London (2006)

Florence Trust Studio Residency Programme,  Florence Trust, London (2002-3)