Introduction to the Bradford Workshops
Artist Nikki Sheen worked with six students from Bradford College, in their first year studying a Fine Art degree course. Nikki worked with the students during the first week of July.
The themes chosen to work on were portals, doorways, outside spaces, abandonment and disquiet. The story of Sweet Fanny Adams was a background feeling, more than a theme.
The students initially took many photographs in old alloments around York, and made a decision that although they would be working spearately, as a group they would limit their colour pallette to a few colours only.
The methods used for the final pieces were photo etching, photography, and silk screen printing. The pieces produced were first exhibited at the Junction Mills foyer in the College, for three weeks from the 23rd September 2005. This gave the students the chance to exhibit and discuss the work produced.
Aimee Wellock
As the workshop in Bradford began, news came in that a young girl from the area, Aimee Wellock, had been murdered in a a fight between two groups of youths. She was due to start her GCSEs and had planned to go to dance college. This reality, mixed with the student’s own responses to the Sweet Fanny Adams text, made for a very intense week and a profound effect on the work produced.