Statement Of Intent

My practice has based been based on exploration of different media and techniques. However, last year I came to a realisation that I want to be driven by passion and curiosity. Themes that I have covered range from season change, movement, motherhood, abandoned buildings, architecture, faith, psychogeography or self-development. However, most of the projects were driven by the techniques and skills required. Hence why my work has involved ink, printmaking, mixed media compositions, sculpture, ceramics, jewellery, painting or even paper cutting. Due to this, my theme comes second at times. My second year at university started with jewellery and ceramics with a focus on my faith and Christianity. This was a passion driven project and the theme was just as important as the processes for the first time since starting university. After its completion I knew I wanted to create with purpose. Unfortunately, I did not have a clear contemporary influence, and so discovering its importance.

An artist that I admire and draw a lot of inspiration from is Kiko Argüelloi, he explores his faith through iconography but with his own contemporary style. The pieces he creates are driven by faith, conveying feeling and emotion. Exactly the criteria I wish to bring into my work. On the other hand, an artist that keeps my interest is Magdalena Abakanowicz with how her practice has shaped and changed throughout the years. Her use of a variety of mediums for her sculptures is an inspiration for my own future experimentation. Unfortunately, I have allowed for my contextual and critical research to fall behind therefore I plan to start continuous research and reading.

What kind of artist do I aspire to be? An honest, passionate, and skilful one. A way of achieving that is to draw feelings and knowledge from my own experiences. Therefore, the main topics I shall be moving towards are motherhood, Christianity and immigration/Poland. Within the year I would like to explore as many techniques as possible to make a conscious decision on a specialisation/direction of my practice. Techniques I will be focusing on at first: printmaking, sculpture (specifically stone and woodwork).

Gabriela Proszowska

01/10/2021