How is your New Year going so far? I hope it is off to a positive start. Mine began with a nice holiday break and choosing a Word of the Year, a practice I have done for several years now. This year my intention is to EMBRACE not only the opportunity that comes my way, but also what I need (rest, play, time with loved ones). Embrace has a warm, lean-forward, engaged ring to it that will remind me to slow down and be fully in the moment.
On that note, there is much embrace in the coming months! Read on to see what I will be up to and where you can find my work. And if you have a Word of the Year, I would love to know what it is!
Exhibition: Blue Monday
If you're near Bath next week, my work is part of an invitational group exhibition at 44AD Art Space near Bath Abbey. According to curator Kate McDonnell, "Blue Monday is the name given to the most depressing day of the year. The pseudo-scientific concept was first publicized as part of a 2005 press release from a holiday company which claimed to have calculated the date using an equation."
The third Monday of January is given the dubious title, and exploring this theme Blue Monday invites artists to fill the gallery with sculpture, 2D works, and installations all made from the same blue tissue paper.
I will be showing a new mixed media installation, Galanthus (Spring is Coming), exploring themes of power, precariousness, resilience, and hope. Exhibition and Private View details are at the end of this update.
Exhibition: Form, Light and Color II
Kelly M O'Brien, Real Story. Watercolor, coffee and pencil on paper. 100 x 70 cm. ©2013
My work is in a group show, Form, Light and Color II, at Galerie Uhn in Königstein, Germany through early February. The work on view is from my Hard Tryer series, watercolors I did to explore how far out of my comfort zone I was at that time. They still hold a special place in my heart and inspire me to keep going.
New Work in Progress
MFA studio work, glass studies. Bath Spa University. ©2018 Kelly M O'Brien
I am so excited with the results of my first hot glass blowing experience! For my MFA research, I am starting to introduce glass into my work - a material that embodies both strength and fragility. Working with the talented Lolita Parslow at The Glass Hub in Trowbridge we created a range of organic orbs for me to work with as early prototypes for future projects.
I can't wait to see where this goes next! You can see more images of this work (including pre-glass studies using balloons) on my website and Instagram - please follow along as the work progresses!
Astro
Astro the studio dog (Image: Ian Lowe)
We recently said a heartbreaking farewell to our dear Astro, beloved best friend and studio helper. We miss him daily and are so grateful he was with us for as long as he was.
Current + Upcoming
Form, Light, and Color II, Galerie Uhn, Königstein, Germany | 12 December 2018 - 7 February 2019
Blue Monday, Invitational Group Exhibition, 44AD Gallery, Bath, BA2 7FY, UK | 21 - 27 January 2019, Private View: 21st January 6-9pm
MA and Other Postgraduates Exhibition 2019, The Atkinson Gallery, Millfield, Street, Somerset, BA16 0YD, UK | 25 February – 23 March 2019, Private View: 25th February 7-9pm
For more studio images, follow me on Instagram!