Mark Beatty
Drift Junkie - The Things We Threw Away
29 January to 21 April 2018
Studio open to the public on Wednesdays and Saturdays and by appointment.

I plan to collect discarded coloured plastic material from the surrounding Cork coastline and use it to compose a three dimensional drawing. It is as much the ritualistic collection of pollen to make honey, as it is the honey itself that constitutes the life of a worker bee.

'The activity of drawing is a way of trying to understand who we are or how we operate in the world,'                                                                                                                                           William Kentridge.

It is my hope that, through the salvation and use of materials familiar to us all, I can highlight something happening locally and prompt conversation about making, what we value in life, and the things we throw away.

The Meaning is in the Making Workshops
Saturday 17 February and Saturday 24 March - 12 noon to 2.00pm
International Slow Art Day, Saturday 14 April - 12 noon to 2.00pm

Using a simple sun motif as a metaphor and starting point, this pattern-making workshop attempts to use drawing as a social activity. In an age where the winner takes all, increasing new media isolation and longing for a sense of place, The Meaning is in the Making aspires to provide a sense of community to its attendees through active participation in a common task. Influenced by the definition of motif and the potentially therapeutic qualities of colouring, knitting, weaving, etc. this workshop aims to be an antidote to screens, electronic vibrations and things that beep and flash. It encourages living in the moment with an emphasis on creating an inclusive and friendly environment more in keeping with warmth of natural light than the 'cool' of artificial light. All materials provided, free of charge.

Film Screenings and Conversation

Wednesday 7 March, 7.15pm to 8.15pm

Ghost Nets Pormpuraaw by Sum of Infinity

Midway - A Message from the Gyre (2011): a short film by Chris Jordan

Midway Journey - Plastic Beach: filmed and edited by: Jan Vozenilek

Thursday 29 March, 7.30pm to 9.30pm

Waste Land (2010): an award-winning film by Lucy Walker documenting the renowned artist Vik Muniz who travels to the world's largest landfill, Jardim Gramacho outside Rio de Janeiro.

A painting graduate of the National College of Art Design, I have shown work in various group shows in galleries and at independent locations in Ireland and overseas. Currently based in West Cork, I had my first solo show in the Clonakilty Arts Centre In 2016. My work uses drawing practice to give value to deliberately slowing down- I see it as quiet protest against the business of contemporary life.

Please contact me at bea33y@yahoo.co.uk

Image: Mark Beatty, untitled, ink on envelope.

Uillinn Residencies are supported by the Arts Council and Cork County Council.