Abi Charlesworth, 2018, Artificial Islands installlation
Abi Charlesworth, 2018, Artificial Islands installlation

“I like to think my sculptures are sleeping or lying dormant while not being in use and only awaken when we reach that point of activation.”

Name

Abi Charlesworth

Profession

Artist

Website

abicharlesworth.co.uk

Abi Charlesworth, 2018, Without Folding and Insecure. (Profile Photo)
Abi Charlesworth, 2018, Without Folding and Insecure.

Who are you? What do you do?

I am currently a third year student studying BA(Hons) Fine Art at Bath school of art design, working with sculpture and installation.

Where are you from?

I live in North Yorkshire, but I spend term time in Bath for my degree.

Your style in 3 words?

Playfully materially abundant.

Abi Charlesworth, 2018, Without Folding.
Abi Charlesworth, 2018, Without Folding.

Your weakness? Your strength?

I’d say my weakness is a tendency to expect perfection from myself in my work which leads to me questioning and doubting my practice, but I hope to use this to strengthen my work. A strength would probably be the ability to be constantly thinking creatively whether in the studio or not.

What makes you different?

I guess I’m not that different from many other sculptors, but I select the material before I choose the form as a key to direct the object. The installations I bring together allow me to collate props I have made for a stage to interact collectively and with the viewer by producing a form of scape.

When did you decide to become an artist?

My Nan introduced me to crafting as a child and I decided when choosing my A-Levels that I’d like to pursue something I enjoyed and loved doing. My Art and Design Foundation course really cemented my desire to be an artist and really opened my eyes to the possibilities of what an artist could be and do. So probably around then I officially thought this was for me.

What do you find most fascinating about the creative process?

Materiality is a major driving force for me, as materials hold endless possibilities that can be played and manipulated with directly to produce an object. The idea that an object itself can suggest movement, fiction and nostalgia, while not making sense in the studio is vital. My favourite part of the process in my practice is finding that point where I feel the object has become activated and finally works as a sculpture or within an installation. I like to think my sculptures are sleeping or lying dormant while not being in use and only awaken when we reach that point of activation.

A few words about your favourite creation?

Although not completed I am really enjoying the way the installation ‘Artificial Islands’ including the blue pool is heading. I also feel this is the first time I’ve managed to create an “environment” or “scape” that allows the viewer to enter and affects their perception, as it lies on the border of fiction, utopia and the 2 dimensional.

Abi Charlesworth, 2018, Video still of Parma, oh.
Abi Charlesworth, 2018, Video still of Parma, oh.

Someone else’s work that inspired or inspires you…

This would have to be Anne Hardy who I was introduced to earlier this year at the Maureen Paley in London, as her large installations and videos was the first time I’d really felt inspired and consumed by the environment she had created. I would also have to mention my studio fellows who produce such amazing work it really helps me to keep going.

A new project coming up or an idea you want to work on?

Currently I am focusing on working towards my degree show in June. But right now I am planning on making some metal frames to help allow some of my slouching sculptures stand or to be draped across.

Finish the sentence „More important than my career is…“

More important than my career is my family and friends who give me so much support and love, I couldn’t be doing this without them.

Abi Charlesworth, 2018, Glove. (Profile Photo)
Abi Charlesworth, 2018, Glove.

2019: Where are we going?

In 2019 I hope to graduate and keep making work, that’s all I can hope for!

When the going gets tough…

When it gets tough I like to direct my attention elsewhere either on another project or I go for a walk, things tend to resolve themselves when you take a break.

Your city’s favourite spots?

In Bath my favourite place would be the Two Tunnels walk, which are 2 old railway tunnels. The second one that’s just over a mile-long plays violin music with ambient lighting in the middle. It’s a place of peace and reflection.

Abi Charlesworth, 2018, Without Folding
Abi Charlesworth, 2018, Without Folding

Do you have a vision?

I don’t really have a predetermined vision of where my practice is going, as I find my practice is rather reactionary to what I’m doing in the studio. At the moment I reckon I am just in the beginning of a stage where my practice is changing and hopefully by mid-2019 I will know where I am going.

What would you do if you could change the World?

If I had the power I would reverse the effects of global warming and the gradual decline of biodiversity. I think we need to start caring more about what we are doing to our planet.

Tell us about your future plans…

I am planning on doing a Masters to really challenge myself and my practice in the next few years and of course to keep producing work.

Abi Charlesworth, 2018, Without Folding...
Abi Charlesworth, 2018, Without Folding…

Last but not least: what is your favourite Song?

Right now I would pick Bubblegum by Mystery Jets.

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