University of Central Lancashire   2008/2009

Paula Smithson

I focused on experimenting with collagraph printmaking; exploring surface, colour and colour combinations and produced a series of multiple plate prints in different permutations.

Desire, temptation and guilt have been underpinning themes throughout and a collection of crockery, and food related items formed the starting points for these prints. The resulting images are brightly coloured, vibrant table settings and multiples of food, reflecting my experimentation with colour, as well as my love of food.

This has been a great experience and an exciting opportunity and the facilities have enabled me to be ambitious in terms of size and scale of the work I have produced. The time on the scheme has enabled me to develop and identify the themes I am particularly interested in.

I have enjoyed discussing ideas and processes and have received a great deal of support from the other artists on the scheme and students on both the BA and MA courses.

The flexibility of the scheme at UCLAN and the dedicated support from the technicians has allowed me to gain confidence and push the boundaries of my own practice, as well as giving me a clear focus for future development.

Paula's AA2A story was selected for our digital publication 'Time and Space - Celebrating 10 years of AA2A schemes'. Click to open Time and Space