Artists Access to Art Colleges: Home

Manchester Metropolitan University   2008/2009

Sue Johnston

Since leaving university last year, I have continued to work in the mediums of painting and printmaking; painting from home, and printmaking at Hot Bed Press in Salford.

My work is mainly figurative; images of people from everyday life. Some pieces focus on the intimacy of interactions between people; some relate to childhood; others focus on the isolated figure; but in all, it is the expressed gesture and body language that continues to interest me.

I’m really now at the stage that I would like to develop both my printmaking and painting further and the opportunity of the AA2A scheme will make this possible.

Being able to use the Applemac and computer suite facilities will make it possible for me to explore the creativity of the half-tone colour separation process, which would help me to develop both my use and placement of colour and also the style of painting to another level.

The facilities of woodwork construction would enable me to make and work on larger stretchers, which again would be an advantage. The printmaking I am able to enjoy at Hot Bed Press limits me in the actual size of prints I am able to produce. It would be great to be able to go bigger and create prints on a larger format. These are the main reasons for me applying for AA2A, but I also see the two-way benefits of working alongside other developing artists; when information and skill sharing is promoted, inspiration and creative development is encouraged.

Ultimately, through the benefits of this scheme, I hope to be able to take my career forward with a cohesive, pleasing body of work.