The Skinny Showcase: Jade Collin

Jade studied Theatre and Performance Design at Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts, before completing her degree in Fine Art at Liverpool School of Art and Design this year.

“My work aims to explore how physical surroundings can impact on personal experiences. Through the use of sculpture, I consider how spaces can act as reminders or representations of feelings and emotions. Focusing on the idea of non-places, I have been able to deal with themes of anonymity, shelter and emptiness.

“I wouldn’t call myself a sculptor; I like to think that my work challenges the boundaries between drawing, sculpture and digital media. Studying at LJMU allowed me to explore a range of different pathways, which has really benefitted my work. I see drawing to be an important tool for any artist. It has always featured heavily in my practice, either as a starting point or a realised piece of work. My 2D plywood pieces act as a platform between my works on paper and the more 3D sculptural pieces. The engraved shapes and forms seen in the work are influenced by a series of large-scale line or charcoal drawings I made at the beginning of the year. These handmade drawings then evolved into digital drawings before being transferred to plywood and acrylic.

“At art school, I found that architects and graphic designers dominated laser cutting, and so I enjoyed the challenge of using the machines in new ways. This didn’t come without its difficulties, but it was great to test the boundaries of laser cutting and how it can be used within visual art, particularly as a Fine Artist. I chose to laser cut every part of my work, sometimes for purely aesthetic reasons; I really enjoy the burnt quality of the wood. The laser cutters can produce some really beautiful things, specifically with the engraving tool; it is so interesting to see how a machine can produce really beautiful tonality.

“Scale was an important consideration within my work. I spent a long time contemplating very small changes in size and had to consider how this would impact the work. The work could have quite easily consumed a whole room, but it was important for me that the scale remained relational, and in fitting with human physicality. Subtle and elegant in size and form, the work is able to exist as an intimate and delicate structure, while allowing it to become more personal to the viewer.

“A lot of people can see a theatrical side to my work, perceiving the structures as areas and spaces for performance. I can see how the lighting adds a dramatic element to the work, juxtaposing the physical structure, while casting shadows and marks in the space.”