Eleanor Cleasby

2010-11-29T11:48:00.000-08:00

http://www.artsway.org.uk/exh_current.htm#open2010#open2010

Visit the Artsway website. You can see the list of all the other artists involved. You can also read a bit about what my work is about

2010-11-29T11:06:00.000-08:00

After 2 years I have decided to resurrect my blog. The best way to do this is post some work. These are from a recent series I have been working on. You can see my work in an exhibition in the New Forest, ArtswayOpen2010. I went down last week and there is some really good work there. Met Peter Bonnell who curated it, we were chatting about how good it is sometimes to get out of London. I don't know if it was the country air but I have to agree. Really pleased to have selected for this one.

King Leopold II’s toy boat as a child

2008-11-09T03:18:00.001-08:00

Cinquantanaire. Commissioned by King Leopold II also known as the “Builder King”.

2008-11-09T03:16:00.000-08:00

Chinese Pavilion. Commissioned by King Leopold II initially as a Chinese restaurant.

2008-11-09T03:12:00.003-08:00

Forêt de Soignes.

2008-11-09T03:10:00.000-08:00

Leopold quarter. The quarter contains the European Parliament (with its building being known as the Espace Léopold)

2008-11-09T03:08:00.000-08:00

Docks at Antwerp.

2008-11-09T03:07:00.001-08:00

Reading room at the Ministry of Foreign Affaires. Location of the African archives.

2008-11-09T03:05:00.000-08:00

Monument to the Fallen of the Belgian Colonial Effort.

2008-11-09T03:04:00.000-08:00

Chocolate hands. Antwerp.

2008-11-09T03:00:00.000-08:00

King Leopold II. Ostende.

2008-11-09T02:56:00.000-08:00

Post 3

2008-09-22T12:05:00.000-07:00

Post 2

2008-09-22T12:01:00.000-07:00

Post 1

2008-09-22T11:51:00.000-07:00

Alastair Thain

2008-07-15T02:06:00.001-07:00

Assisting Alastair Thain

2008-07-15T01:53:00.000-07:00

I wanted some experience working with 5x4 format so I got in touch with Alastair Thain who uses the same format cameras that NASA use to photograph the Earth from space. After using this huge camera my 5x4 doesn't seem quite so intimidating.

The quality and detail you get with this camera is incredible. You can see just how big you can blow these images up without loosing any detail.

Alastair is a great photographer and is really supportive of young photographers starting out like myself. It has been a great experience and lots of fun.

www.alastairthain.com

Elephant post # 9

2008-06-17T11:54:00.000-07:00

I wanted to focus on the regeneration work in the area and with the idea of quiet empty streets I decided to visit the regeneration team and photograph their 3D model of the future Elephant and Castle.

Elephant post # 8

2008-06-17T11:37:00.000-07:00

I have found this Elephant project challenging having explored sound and testing my interview skills. I have found it difficult to illustrate the sound with images. With this in mind I have taken the project in a new direction. I have started to photograph Elephant and Castle early in the morning when there is no body around. Roads, subways, roundabout… places designed to facilitate lots of people and cars.

I really just missed taking pictures and love going out at 5:00am when the streets are quiet.

Elephant post # 7

2008-06-16T15:02:00.000-07:00

Some residents from the Heygate estate which I interviewed in order to understand their “stories” about the regeneration in the area and how it will effect them. My intention was to incorporate this somehow into my audio walk and to illustrate the audio with images of the area afterwards.

Elephant post # 6: Work

2008-06-16T14:49:00.000-07:00

Elephant post # 5

2008-06-16T14:29:00.000-07:00

Some earlier photographs taken around the area

Major Project post 5: Flemish Painting- a closer look

2008-06-14T01:11:00.000-07:00

Composition

To construct their picture space, they would use several zones of convergence, each with its own distinct vanishing point. They were particularly fond of setting their subject in a shallow architectural cube, within which they would place convex circular mirrors (see paintings by Van Eyck and Quentin Massey). These mirrors would gather and reflect dimensions of their surroundings that would otherwise go unseen, thus projecting and multiplying depth in complex ways.

Medium

The most original feature of Flemish art in that period, however, was not its method of spatial representation, but its use of oil-based paint. A technique which made possible tiny detail. It was this technical advance which lay behind the extraordinary flowering of the art of portraiture Flanders. It also helped them both to portray the realties of everyday life, and to convey their theological message.

Themes

Themes were not usually selected by the artist themselves, but imposed by their clients. Natural elegance and refinement, and it’s rich textures can be seen as the pictorial equivalent of the values of the European aristocracy.

A naturalism developed in Flemish painting in the early 15^th century

For example; Filippo Lippi is said to influenced by Flemish painting because he chooses, in Annunciation, to place the Madonna and child in a naturalistic, domestic interior rather than in an ideal or abstracted heavenly setting.

Scale

It was a large-scale art, that rose to the challenge inherent in its dimensions: but above all, it entirely superseded the essentially decorative approach of the miniaturists. Miniature work, by its very size, could only incorporate a few isolated details. Henceforth the subjects of art, although still predominantly sacred, would be approached in a comprehensively realistic manner. Painting was to be an art firmly rooted in the world. A pictorial revolution was born.

Portraits

No other school of painters had yet portrayed the face as the mirror of the mind with such precision, or modeled the contours of the skin so accurately.

Landscape

The introduction of landscape transformed the composition of great religious set pieces, such as Van Eyck’s “Adoration of the Lamb”.

Still life

At the end of the XVI century Antwerp masters developed the still life as an independent genre. Throughout the XVII century it spread from there to the north and became extremely popular. During this period several hundred Flemish and Dutch painters specialized in this genre, which produced countless masterworks of technical perfection and virtuosity. The early still lifes were not a casual (accidental) combination of objects, each item and each flower had its own symbolic meaning, and on the whole the ready painting was meant to say something important to the views. Unfortunately, we can’t read these symbols any longer, the symbols are often hidden from contemporary eyes.

Interior scenes like Van der Weyden’s “Annunciation” began to incorporate still life compositions.

With the still life painters, the golden age of Flemish and old Netherlandish painting came to an end. They were the last masters in an illustrious series of painters who set the tone for the art of northern Europe for two centuries without interruption. However, the prime of painting in the Netherlands was not yet over; the golden century had started, introducing the era of the Dutch masters.

Flemish Painting & Photography

In devoting themselves to the faithful copying of everyday life, their motive was always a spiritual one. For them, naturalism was itself a religious attitude, for they believed God to be present in every element of His creation. It was Jan Van Eyck who was to carry this passion for detail to its limits, even to the detriment of subjectivity and emotion, in both his major sacred compositions and his portraits.

I believe that had photography been available many of the Flemish painters would have been photographers.

some examples

2008-06-13T15:59:00.000-07:00

Major Project post 4

2008-06-13T15:41:00.000-07:00

My subject matter, EU influences are relatively new institutions which date from the second half of the 20^th Century, however, they are set against a backdrop of a city which exhibits a wide cultural and historical past. I have been deliberating, therefore, over how best to illustrate the past and incorporate that element into this project.

What I must be aware of is that although in recent history Brussels has become a city of importance and relevance by becoming the “Capital of Europe” this is not the only period in the World’s cultural history where Brussels has featured. Between the beginning of the 15^th century to the 17^th century Flemish painting was of was flourishing and delivered to the world painters from Northern Europe such as Jan Van Eyck, Rogier Van der Weyden and Robert Campin. Their paintings reflected a type of culture and social organisation very different from those prevalent today. My aim is to refer subtly to this significant period of history and Belgium’s artistic importance throughout that time in this project. I intend to do so by incorporating similar techniques to those used by my photography and by doing so hopefully I will be able to reflect the characteristic charm and social significance of these paintings. I will start this task by analysing the Flemish painters’ use of lighting, colour, composition and narrative and applying these techniques to my own practice.

Major project post 3: European Brussles

2008-06-03T03:08:00.000-07:00

Brussels is the administrative capital of Europe. It is a city filled with civil servants from all corners of Europe and of all nationalities. It is home to the European Commission, the European Parliament, NATO, Eurocontrol, the Council of Europe along with three European Schools, a British school, a German School and an International School. This does not mean that Brussels was created for this purpose, it is not a purpose built city - a Milton Keynes on the continent. Brussels has a rich historical, cultural background and has many other layers: political, architectural, educational and artistic. Although all of this does not necessarily mean it is a place which fully embraces its European identity. This is illustrated by the Walloon and Flemish culture clash and it is a place that is, in fact, so divided that it went a whole year without a government? There is also the battle between the languages. For the unsuspecting person this can be confusing to say the least. Driving through Belgium you will have to be prepared for Namur to suddenly become Namen, Anvers to become Antwerpen, and the cherry on the Belgian bun is the town in France of Lille becoming Rijsel? Let’s just say that unprepared for this you are likely to get lost! Therefore, divisions such as these may not be immediately evident but it does not mean that they do not exist.

Many photographers have depicted American suburbia, English suburbia so the basis of my project is to focus on Brussels and it’s surrounding suburbs. These suburbs such as Overijse and Tervuren have a very notable look to them: distinctly middle class with tidy gardens, large houses with an Americanised feel to it. In amongst this suburbia are reminders of Belgium’s history. For example, the African museum, which is a rather politically incorrect reminder of Belgium’s only colony the Congo. My aim is to depict this European suburban culture and not the typical images that you would find in a tourist guide on Belgium.

Having been brought up and educated in Brussels I have a deep understanding of this European culture. Moving away from there several years ago has provided me with a distance which has enabled me to see what is odd and quirky about Belgium - what I once perceived as normal and the everyday, now seems strange and even ridiculous.

Having been a teacher in North London for the past 4 years I soon became clear to me that my upbringing was different to “the norm”. I attended one of the European schools, which are almost a ‘training camp’ for the future generation at the Commission. For example, I myself was a member of the European Youth Community (representing the UK) with visits to Bologna and Strasburg at the age of 15.

I am going to shine a light on these peculiarities, which form the context of my upbringing.

I initially visualized this project in the style of typical German photography. Clinical, scientific, sterile, and very objective, however, I feel that this is too predictable for this subject matter and is not really the way I work. I also want to avoid replicating a style that has been overdone in contemporary photography and create my own personal way of working. I wish to create a level of intimacy, a more poetic feel to a subject matter which may at first appear to be mundane and in some ways boring.

Any ideas would be more than welcome.

Major project post 2: Plan B

2008-05-29T01:09:00.000-07:00

Very little thought so far… I have been thinking a lot recently about what my role is as an artist/photographer. I want to look a little closer to home for my projects/ideas.

Having said that, I am keen to get out of London for a while for a change of scene so my thoughts have gone to Belgium.

Having grown up in Belgium (in a small town called Overijse just outside of Brussels) I have always wanted to return to photograph this place. There is a rather peculiar vibe to Belgium, something that I can’t quite put my finger on but which may work visually. I have a real soft spot for this country as it represents a very significant time in my life. Being English/Irish living in Belgium means you develop this sort of half way culture, a kind of mixture of different cultures which you can only describe as “European”. Going to a European school where everyone’s parents work at either the European commission, parliament or Eurocontrole didn’t seem strange at the time but I am now intrigued by this culture mixed with the Belgian culture, which in itself is a mixture of other cultures… it is something I want to explore more.

I need to give this some more thought…

Major project post 1: initial ideas

2008-05-29T01:01:00.000-07:00

I want to go to the West Bank to photograph the families that have been divided by the wall. First of all I want to contact these families to ask what are the things, moments, events, details and daily routines they miss the most about the other family member(s). I then want to illustrate these moments by taking photographs and making sound/video recordings. I want the project to be quite intimate and personal about the relationships that have been torn apart.

I think this could be an interesting project as I could then present all the material to the other family members, maybe online or through an exhibition...on both sides of the wall.

I have some concerns about going to the West Bank to do this project. Funding for this project is essential as it would be too expensive to fund alone. I will have to explore my options here. Once I have created a proposal and detailed break down of the budget I can start approaching people. It may be more effective if I have the (moral) support from the charity CADFA (Camden Abu Dis Friendship Association) which I have been working with and who all my contacts are through.

Once I have those things sorted I would need to get in contact with families who would be willing to participate in this project. It is more of an art project than a typical photo-story about the west bank, people might not want to have someone photographing them at home in such an intimate way. Finding families willing to participate is key. I was hoping to go for maybe 4 weeks (totally flexible). I would also like to stay with the families as it is usually the early morning and late evening that I would want to capture.

I think this project has a lot of potential but it may need more time to develop the links and funding. If I start now I could maybe go in 2009. If so I need to start working on my plan B…

Elephant post 4: garden at 211

2008-05-29T00:56:00.000-07:00

Dear Number 211,

I really love your garden, it was such a pleasant surprise walking up the stairs and finding it.

I am an artist/photographer and would love to meet you and talk to you about my project.

Please get in touch. My number is 07812587878

Thank you,

Ellie

Elephant post 3: What next?

2008-05-29T00:50:00.000-07:00

I have walked around E & C repeatedly wandering what defines the area now and why I should make an audio walk. I don’t want to make some sort of historical factual guide of the place, I am not a history teller and want to concentrate more on the current residents in the area. There are so many people leaving this area who must have lots of memories and thoughts on the regeneration project… I need to start talking to people and go from there.

So for now I am in search for people who want to tell me their memories/ stories of Elephant and Castle.

Elephant post # 2: Stephen Gill “Archaeology in Reverse”

2008-05-13T02:04:00.000-07:00

http://www.stephengill.co.uk/air/index.htm

“Stephen Gill has learnt this: to haunt the places that haunt him. His photo-accumulations demonstrate a tender vision factored out of experience; alert, watchful, not overeager, wary of that mendacious conceit, ‘closure’. There is always flow, momentum, the sense of a man passing through a place that delights him. A sense of stepping down, immediate engagement, politic exchange. Then he remounts the bicycle and away. Loving retrievals, like a letter to a friend, never possession… What I like about Stephen Gill is that he has learnt to give us only as much as we need, the bones of the bones of the bones…” - Iain Sinclair

It is important to look at how other artists/photographers have explored areas undergoing regeneration. It is worth taking a look at his website…

“Continuing to photograph where his award-winning book Hackney Wick left off, Stephen Gill has made Archaeology in Reverse in his cherished area in East London. Still making pictures with the camera he bought at Hackney Wick market for 50p, this time he focuses on things that do not yet exist. This magnificently produced book features traces and clues of things to come in a poetic, sometimes eerie and quiet photographic study of a place in a state of limbo prior to the rapid transformation that this area faces during the build-up to the Olympics in 2012.”

Elephant post # 1: Walking

2008-05-13T01:49:00.000-07:00

The project “Elephant” explores the regeneration that is happening in Elephant and Castle over the next few years.

The last attempt to regenerate E & C was in the 1960’s, unfortunately the design then gave priority to the car over pedestrians and this has become a central factor to address in the next attempt to regenerate this area. What does this mean? More park space and away with the subway basically.

Gordana Fontana Giusti, professor of architecture from the University of Kent, explains that it goes back to Greek times and town planning should give priority to the act of walking as it is a time to talk, discuss, learn and so on.

Aristotle's school came to be known as the Peripatetic (“walking” or “strolling”) school.

peripatetic

c.1400, n., "disciple of Aristotle," from O.Fr. perypatetique (14c.), from L. peripateticus "pertaining to the disciples or philosophy of Aristotle," from Gk. peripatetikos "given to walking about" (especially while teaching), from peripatein, from peri- "around" + patein "to walk." Aristotle's custom was to teach while strolling through the Lyceum in Athens. In Eng., the philosophical meaning is older than that of "person who wanders about" (1617). As an adj., attested in Eng. 1566 in the philosophical sense, 1642 in the lit. sense.

As “walking” is my initial means of exploring an area I decided to document the places in E & C that will no longer be here in a few years through walking. An audio visual walk that takes you down the subway, through the market, up the Heygate estate, to the arches along Elephant Road and so on. To document the sights and sounds that characterize this area now in 2008 but will soon change and evolve into something very different. This is a kind of time capsule for future years, a document that will become almost nostalgic as it will refer to something that once was…

Next on my agenda was to look at other audio/visual walks.

Last week I went to the Whitechapel gallery to look at Janet Cardiff's The Missing Voice (Case Study B) “…is part walking tour, part historical account, and part stream-of-consciousness narration leading you on a disorienting journey through the inner cityscape of East London.” http://www.artfocus.com/JanetCardiff.html

This is really worth doing and as it was made in 1999 the route she takes you on has changed slightly allowing the piece of work to evolve and it’s interpretation change.

I have also had a look at those tourist audio guides that take you around a particular area pointing out historical landmarks.

http://www.memoryscape.org.uk/Dockers.htm

Memoryscape is interesting as they have recorded interviews with people from the area talking about what the docklands used to be like years ago… a possible idea?

http://www.soundwalk.com/index.php

Soundwalk is by far most interesting as they have really created an image/portrait of the place through audio making me realize what a powerful medium sound is. I’m going to have to be careful here. This is not going to be easy as I have never really worked with sound before and it is going to require more exploration.

I don’t really want this document to be a historical guide. Although the E & C area has a very interesting past I am not making a tour guide... I am not sure what I am making… still walking

Objects Tim now finds difficult to use...

2008-04-20T00:49:00.000-07:00

Tim. audio slide show

2008-04-18T06:58:00.000-07:00

click on this link to view audio slide show "Tim."

Tim.

2008-04-18T01:01:00.000-07:00

"Photo-Essay on the Shaking Palsy"

Tim was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in October 2005. I have been documenting his daily routine. Here are some of the photographs from that series.

Tim.

2008-04-18T00:55:00.000-07:00

2008-04-18T00:47:00.000-07:00

2008-04-18T00:43:00.000-07:00

2008-04-18T00:27:00.000-07:00

2008-04-14T10:16:00.000-07:00

2008-04-14T10:02:00.000-07:00

Morning Fog

2008-02-24T14:21:00.000-08:00

Morning Fog

2008-02-24T14:15:00.000-08:00

more Street Photography

2008-02-24T14:11:00.000-08:00

"Street Photography"

2008-02-24T14:07:00.001-08:00

"Street Photography"

2008-02-24T13:57:00.000-08:00

"Human Relationships"

2008-02-24T13:48:00.000-08:00

"At Work"

2008-02-10T15:01:00.000-08:00

"At Work"

2008-02-10T13:20:00.000-08:00

2007-11-06T11:22:00.000-08:00

2007-11-06T11:15:00.000-08:00

2007-09-17T13:54:00.000-07:00

2007-09-17T13:51:00.000-07:00

2007-09-17T13:42:00.000-07:00

2007-09-17T13:39:00.000-07:00

2007-09-17T13:35:00.000-07:00

2007-09-17T13:33:00.000-07:00