. T h i r d . E y e . V i s i o n .

As I left Kolkata I practiced an act of 'un-attachment' by dumping the artwork I'd created whilst there. It's true purpose had been served, my focus had been on the joy of creation (plus my backpack was s.t.u.f.f.e.d with other goodies!) So I reluctantly left the drawings alongside the other rubbish in my room as I checked out. 

On return to the hotel a few hours later to collect said s.t.u.f.f.e.d. backpack, I found the lads who took care of housekeeping in the staffroom browsing my leftover sketches (no doubt sniggering over a few of the more nudey ones I'd left!)
Turns out they'd had a raid of the work and one lad requested he keep this drawing to hang as a poster in his room. 

. . .

So my Third Eye still remains somewhere in Kolkata.

   ॐ  

. V i s i o n . O f . E c s t a s y .

Another from the 'Month in Kolkata' project. Inspired by a divine feeling of awe, so forceful and beautiful it almost hurts. 

I really see those hours of line work as a form of meditation! 

Devi grew a lil hair, will probs giver her a trim for future works, but just trying something different. 

G R O W T H

. m . e . d . i . t . a . t . e .

Quite often a drawing begins with a concept I can't really form in words. 

During my 'Month in Kolkata' project I thought a lot about the shift my mindset had taken during the previous 4 months. Having the time and peace to reflect on my mental whereabouts without work/uni/social life to distract me got me thinking about growth or spiritual transformation. Now BEAR WITH ME, nothing too hippy-dippy! Just the ways in which you feel your outlook evolving, how you can feel different as time and experiences change you. Often realisations come after the fact, but as I spent time drawing in Kolkata I felt like I was aware of my vision changing, coming into focus.

So this drawing doesn't have a title, but I was searching for a way to illustrate a kind of mental expansion in physical form. A transformation that leads to a new way of seeing- a whole new, clearer, vision.

Oh, and also she's naked.

This piece was drawn over 4 sheets of A2 paper, in pencil.

Kolkata Daze

So I spent 5 months in India travelling and eating. (Mmmmm)

6 weeks in Kolkata trying to flex the creative muscles away from the boundaries of university and all that cliquey art bullshit an art student is supposed to aspire to.

Coming to terms with the reality that you are not an artist because others perceive you as one. You can just pick up a pencil one day and create something, anything and it's art.

Perceive yourself as an artist and you truly are one. No outside approval, just y o u

Isn't that what it's all about ?

p o n d e r i n g s . . .

Anyway, a pretty chill time was had, rationalising, diary writing and doodling. Making art for myself was a joy, I must remember and hold on to that feeling . . . 

Tweet-twoo

I caved.

Got Twittery Twittwit, follow me. PLEASE.

Follow @devi__amy

First Impressions 2013

 'Padmasana' is showing as part of the First Impressions exhibition at the View Gallery in Bristol. It's up there until the 15th of September so if you fancy a gander round some ART then go for it, some crackin' work there.

http://www.viewartgallery.co.uk/exhibitions/impressions-2013/

Here's a pic of me at the private view queuing up to guzzle some free champers. Ahhh, I love ART.

Back to Scribblin'

Dusted off the sketchbook and am trying to get some ideas flowing. 

These ideas, as always, are anything but pretty...

... told ya.

All images and content Copyright © 2013 Amy McKee

UPFEST

Doodlin' in the sun

(Click photos to scroll through larger versions)

My finished board

THE SHOW 2013

Fine Art Degree Show, Spike Island Studios, June 2013

www.theshow2013.co.uk

'Shakti (Ongoing Series)', collage on paper, Amy McKee 2013

Detail

UPFEST prep

Etchings all wrapped up (for sale at the festival) and a whole bunch of stickers for whoever wants 'em. And whoever doesn't, you can have 'em anyway! 

Sticky

New sticker for Bristol's streets!

 Plus a logo one for more boring things...

Tell you what, making these stickers is a really great way of avoiding more important and daunting tasks... i.e. MY DEGREE SHOW.
Meh, lets go sticking...

Sketchin' & Listenin'

New Sticker design in progress...

B L O O D T H I R S T Y

Abhaya

Abhaya 

Hand raised in a sign of peace. A gesture to dispel fear, indicate protection  and reassure devotees. 

All images and content Copyright © 2013 Amy McKee

Padmasana (Self- Portrait)

'Padmasana (Self- Portrait)'

150 cm x 150 cm, pen on paper

In my drawings I try to explore my mixed Indian ethnic identity and femininity through symbolism. I combine Hindu iconographic symbols with self-portraits to create an other-worldly character ‘Devi’ as a powerful and divine alter-ego, with the intent of presenting the viewer with a skewed reality.

In the piece shown, ‘Padmasana (self-portrait)’ I’m experimenting with the image of a de-capitated figure, in Hinduism a symbol of transcendence, and also seen in animal sacrifices. I’m interested in contrasting the violence of the decapitation with the calmness of meditation and the beauty of the lotus. 

All images and content Copyright © 2013 Amy McKee

iNTERiM

Photos from the 'Interim' exhibition at Philadelphia Street Gallery, Cabot Circus.

An exhibition of work from 1st and 3rd year Fine Art students, UWE.

Level 1 students will respond to a 24 hour time-scale in which to produce their pieces.

Level 3 students will be presenting work related to their individual current practices.

PRIVATE VIEW 28th February 2013 6-9pm
with a bar and food available!

Exhibition continues 1st & 2nd March 10am-7pm

Level 1 artists:

Charley Wallner, Ellie Vowles, Olivia Walsh, Alice Voss, Ben Tupper, Muhammad Asadi, Otto Stoneman, Sarah Lobar, Rebecca Russell, Laura Dukes, Aneta Golik, Lydia Roberts, James Norman, Esme Boggis, Elliott Harding, Jed Fielder, Harry Forward

Level 3 artists:

Holli Macnamara
Sarah Wilson
Amy McKee
Emma Lilwall