Artist: Bernard Fairhurst, UK

Work: Magellan, in search of fame and fortune

Like much of my recent work I propose to make a one-off handmade book which could then be converted into an online digitally reproduced short print run edition. I am planning an A5 landscape piece that can be reproduced at A5. I would offer the original handmade book for sale at £50 and the digital edition at £5 each. The working title is “Magellan, in search of fame and fortune”, the subheading is: ‘Exit west and off the map (hic sunt diacones)’. The book will be composed of chapters or internal headings to focus on underlying themes. I want to consider the personal, internal motivations for seeking fame and fortune, leaving behind a wife and child, reflecting on the battles fought with the Portuguese navy and the experience of coordinating five vessels round Cape Horn. This will be contrasted with the global, international, political and religious dimensions, at a crucial time for the locus of control of trade from east to west after the Portuguese fleet beat combined forces from

Western India, Egypt and Venice at the Battle of Cannanore in 1505 and the Battle of Diu in 1509.

ARTIST’S STATEMENT

The content of my work reflects my previous employment as a psychologist. My approach reflects my training in Fine Art. I like to work in collaboration with other artists and I am involved in a long term research based project with a local printer exploring the impact of family experiences and the things we carry with us. I have had a five year working relationship with a Spanish artist working on environmental issues through our collaboration FCF. My artists’ book work is developed in partnership with Anwyl Cooper Willis: we make work separately but show together and feed ideas off each other.

CONTACTS

Website: www.bernardanwyl.wordpress.com
Other work: www.bernardfairhurst.co.uk
(Historical information) www.f-c-f.net

Here is a selection of images of works in the exhibition. Scroll down this page for comprehensive individual Artist submissions, including descriptions of their work, more images, artists’ statements and contact details.