JO VOLLEY, NEW WORKS FOR THE NEW WORLD

September 19, 2014 - November 21, 2014  

These small works explore the relationship between the object and the subject of painting, the intervening space between the idea and the touch; the emotional separateness of making and the expanse of time between these events.  They address issues relating to the application of pigment, painting materials, colour values and surface, and the correlation of the image to the wall.

Jo Volley’s work is concerned with measurement, light, space and colour as light. They draw attention to the nature of archiving, historic materials, ideas of craftsmanship incorporating traditional and contemporary techniques.

Biography

Born in Grimsby 1953, I studied as both graduate and undergraduate at the Slade 1972-1977 where I was awarded the Boise Travelling Scholarship to Italy. In 1986 I was appointed lecturer at the Slade and from 1989-2002 directed the Slade Summer School and the Affiliate Programme. I am currently Senior Lecturer on the graduate painting programme, Co-Director of The Material Research Project and Director of the Material Museum.

Research Interests

My work is concerned with the interactions of measurement, space, light and colour and employs a wide range of material and medium including, pigment, mosaic, gold leaf, image transfer, wax, limestone and various printing processes. The work draws attention to the nature of archiving, historic materials and ideas of craftsmanship, incorporating traditional and contemporary techniques. It explores the relationship between the object and the subject of painting; the intervening space between the idea and the touch and the emotional separateness of making and the expanse of time between these events.

A great deal of my practice involves the investigation of methods and materials, mostly those that relate to painting, which are central to my practice and increasingly important in my teaching. I am interested in how the contemporary painter considers, believes or understands that knowledge of methods and materials is relevant to the creative process. A key part of my research creates situations that empower the practitioner by paying attention to the activity of making and reaffirming the understanding of craftsmanship and materials and their implications in aesthetic decision making.