Linda Arkley
Light is an important element in my practice as it gives life and energy to my work. My fascination with the ethereal quality of light and how it can be used as a tangible material began with my observation of sunlight's interaction in the natural world. I am intrigued by how nature creates its own drawings and how shadows and reflections can take on other dimensions.
Through light and plastic interplay, I transform mundane objects into mysterious fragile worlds that evoke a sense of wonder. These scientific worlds made mostly from discarded plastics collected from the environment and low tech lighting, captures the pioneering spirit of 19th century culture, when nature represented a moral and physical sanctuary for self expression and imaginative invention.
My inspiration tends to come from my love of 19th century photography, and my interest in Darwinism and cosmology. My sensory works consider environmental issues and scientific enquiries past and present, not always as precise truths but in terms of questions and possibilities.
Qualifications and training
2012 - MA Sculptural Practice, University of Essex, Colchester, Essex
2009 - Dialogues on Education - International Study Group, Istituzione of the Municipalty of Reggio Emilia, Italy
2006 - BA (Hons) Art & Design (Fine Art), Colchester School of Art & Design, Colchester, Essex
Solo exhibitions
2012 - Creation: The Beginning, Benham Gallery, Cuckoo Farm, Colchester, Essex
2010 - Enlighten, Benham Gallery, Cuckoo Farm, Colchester, Essex
2009 - Plastic Aquarium, Colchester Natural History Museum, Essex
2008 - Installations at the Tower, Jaywick Martello Tower, Jaywick, Nr Clacton, Essex
2005 - Recycled Plastic Installation, Angel Court, Colchester, Essex
Group exhibitions
2017 - Stone's Throw, Minories, Colchester, Essex
2016 - Outside 2016, Cuckoo Farm, Colchester, Essex
2016 - First Cuckoo, Cuckoo Farm, Colchester, Essex
2015 - After Dark 2015, Cuckoo Farm, Colchester, Essex
2011 - 2014 Art+Play National Touring Exhibition, 20-21 Art Gallery
2010 - Arcist's Showcase, Chelmsford Art Trail, Essex
2010 - Open Studios, Cuckoo Farm, Colchester, Essex
2010 - Street Divisions, Essex Artist's collaboration with Walk the Plank, Chelmsford, Essex
2010 - Outside 2010, Cuckoo Farm Studios, Colchester, Essex
2010 - Three Towns Trail, Braintree, Witham & Halstead, Essex
2010 - The ArC Suitcase Show, firstsite, Colchester
2009 - Windows, Braintree Art Trail, Braintree
2008 - Activator, Alternative Art Platform, Picnic in the Church, St Martin's Church, Colchester, Essex
2008 - Jaywick Community, Environment & Heritage, Martello Tower, Jaywick, Nr Clacton, Essex
2007 - Art reflecting Citizenship, Firstsite, Colchester, Essex
2006 - Perspective on Drawing, Hay Gallery, Colchester, Essex
Public Commission
2011 - Bubbles & Bangs, interactive light & sound installations, 20-21 Art Gallery, Scunthorpe, Lincs
2011 - Box of Delights, Light box, 20-21 Art Gallery, Scunthorpe, Lincs
2009 - Past, Present & Future, Arcist commission, North Primary School, Colchester, Essex
2009 - Museum Loan Box, Arcist commission, Northampton Museum & Art Gallery
2008 - Darwin's Curiosity Case, light installation, firstsite, school consortium & CSN, Colchester, Essex
Residencies
2010-11 - The Art of Play, Winterton Infant School & Panda Play Group, N Lincs
2008 - Art Reflecting Citizenship, St John's Green Primary & Monkwick Infant School, Colchester, Essex
2008 - Community, Environment & Heritage, Jaywick Martello Tower, Nr Clacton, Essex
2007 - Art Week: Stories through Art, St Mary's RC School, Ipswich, Suffolk
2007 - Art Reflecting Citizenship, Montgomery Infant School, Colchester
2007 - In-Between Time, firstsite Minories, Colchester, Essex
Projects
2010 - Flaming Tips Artist's Training School with Walk the Plank, Chelmsford, Essex
2009 - Creative Partnerships, Deben School, Felixstowe, Suffolk
2008 - Apple Cart Jam - installation and performance, Amwell View School, Stanstead Abbotts, Hertfordshire
2008 - Open Space 'The Gift', Mercury Theatre, Colchester, Essex
2008 - Theatre is... Apple Cart Development Days, Amwell View School, Stanstead Abbotts, Herts
2008 - Young Creators: The Berryfield Mosaic & Material Culture, firstsite, Colchester