ABI SPENDLOVE

Abi Spendlove is a Fine Art Graduate. After graduating in 2008, She did various part time jobs. Her work in video, photography, drawing and embroidery explores themes of memory, transition and communication. It reveals light through reflections, perforations and the use of light absorbent materials.

Spendlove’s installations of multiple pieces create poetic connections between different objects and materials. Layered drawings play with surface and narrative by superimposing related scenes. Her work embraces that which affects it, allowing and facilitating elements such as ice, time or weather to develop or decompose her work.

In 2010, She moved to Luton, and got involved in the local art community, where she received various opportunities.

Education

2015–present: University of Hertfordshire, MA Fine Art

2013–14: University of Bedfordshire, Post-Graduate Certificate in Academic Practice

2005–8: Central Saint Martins School of Art and Design, BA (Hons) Fine Art

2004–5: Byam Shaw School of Art, Foundation Diploma in Art & Design

Artwork

Installation, The Vinery, Luton Hoo Walled Garden.

During her residency at the Luton Hoo Walled Garden in 2010, Abi conducted research into the History of the Gardens, with a particular focus on the life of Lord Bute (who established the Walled Gardens in the 1770s).

The research culminated in an installation in The Vinery for the residency exhibition in September 2010. The work consisted of six collages, created to illustrate the six different places where Lord Bute lived and worked prior to settling in Luton. Fragments of images from each of these places can be seen between the delicate roots cut into the paper screen.

The image of roots is symbolic of Bute’s lifetime fascination with Botany, the same pursuit that inspired him to create the Walled Garden. The works on the floor were made from the residual cut-outs from the collages. These roots appeared as cracks in the tiles or small rivers spreading into the landscape of the floor.’

As part of my research, I looked up her work online.

Drawing