Kelly M O’Brien, Make Yourself Useful v1. Steel, glass, paper. 122x170x94 cm ©2019
As this Update goes out, it is mere days from the end of the academic portion of work for my master's degree in fine art (happy dance ensues). Once the grading deadlines pass next week, the fun part begins in preparation for our final Degree Show at the end of September.
So, head down on this final stretch – with a few client projects in the mix – and I hope to see you when I come up for air in September!
New Commission: NCL Encore
Kelly M O'Brien, Playing With Fire No. 103. Commissioned for Norwegian Cruise Lines Encore. Paper, gold leaf, flame. 26 x 18 x 3 inches each. ©2019
Five new pieces are heading Norwegian Cruise Lines Encore in the coming week. Two of the works, pictured here, were recently completed and framed in genuine 24K gold hand-finished frames. Thanks to The Framing Workshop in Bath for doing a beautiful job on them.
The other three pieces were finished earlier in the year awaiting just the right timing to catch Encore and install her new art.
MFA Research: It's All Happening
Testing material combinations in the studio. MFA research Bath Spa University. Kelly M O'Brien ©2019
I am literally in the final days of this 2-year fine art degree and it's all happening (if not now, when?). By the time you read this, we will have completed our final Group Crit (a scary-supportive group discussion of each students' work) and will be putting finishing touches on the work to be graded, and wrapping up our research documentation.
Accidents happen - to be expected when putting large glass objects into precarious situations.
This past month has involved a happy romp through various experiments combining the materials I've been working with, in precarious sometimes disastrous ways. To see the results for yourself, please join me in September if you can, details below. And I will share photos here and on Instagram next month.
Master of Arts Degree Show
If you're in the region, you are cordially invited to join me for our MA Degree Show. Come see the culmination of master's degree research by over 30 students in fine art, ceramics, textiles, visual communications, and curatorial practice.
Please note that this is a venue change to the Sion Hill Campus. We're hosting an Opening Night that's free to the public, a Closing Night with live music, and events (artist talks, panel discussions, workshops) in between facilitated by the Curatorial Practice students. The main details are below and you can get fresh updates here.
Current + Upcoming
Kunstverein Familie Montez, Frankfurt, Germany | 14 August – 1 September
Bath Spa Schools of Art and Design MA Degree Show, Sion Hill Campus, Sion Hill, Bath, BA1 5SF | 21-25 July, Opening Night: 20 July 6-9pm, Closing Night: 25 July 6-9pm
For more studio shots, follow me on Instagram!