John Heffernan

Artist StatementThe aesthetic I use commands the practice. Made up images, normally

influenced by a mixture of stories, patterns and travel encourage the final outcome of my work. I work consistently with paper, however I often explore the conditions of many materials before concluding my ideas in paper. The use of

paper has been consistent in my practice and reflects the fragility and condition of the works I have constructed, drawn, digitally encompassed and resolved.

The qualities of paper resemble a historicality which I wish to take part in. I find the uses of the material infinatly original and most importantly, the quality

always impressive.

Statement of Interest- Open Space Kassel

Open Space would provide me with a post graduate experience where I can consider myself an artist and instantly question my position amongst the other artists surrounding me. The workshop would place me in a situation of extended learing directly after graduating which I regard as a stimulating challege. It offers me a environment where the construction of work is not the dominating theme but the criticism is. Taking part in criticism is essential to the core of art practice and I hope that in Kassel I can extend my skills within the group projects. I want to take part in Open Space because it invites communities from all over the world to one place where another community can form amoungst the urbanity we will create. This is a motivation for me which I would wholly take part in. I would be keen to understand amoungst the newly founded community where cultural boundaries within art lie and where they do not and if any exsist in our temporary village. I imagine that the people taking part in this project will be competent and open to discussing art within there countries and I want to investigate that amongst the international ideas that we will collaborate on. I am sure that the benefits of taking part in Open Space would continue long after the workshop. The chance to extend networks would provide future collaborations and this is something that I would be thrilled to work on after the project.

Curriculum VitaeJohn Heffernan

07727174720john_heffenan@hotmail.co.uk

EducationEdinburgh College of Art 2003- 07BA (hons) Tapestry

Kyoto Saga School of the Arts, Japan 10/05-12/05Exchange

Edinburgh University, French Beginner level 2 08/06

Professional ExperienceExhibitions and Commisions‘DIORAMA’, Unit 22 Multrees Walk. Edinburgh

04/07-07/07‘Fire Banner’, Lothian & Borders Fire Head Quarters 04/07

-Commision ‘Annual Student Show’, RSA. Edinburgh 01/07-02/07‘WEEDS’, Royal Botanic Gardens Edinburgh 06/06 ‘Display’, Kyoto Saga School of The Arts. Japan 11/05‘TopFlat’, Group Collaboration. Edinburgh 05/05

‘OPEN’, Anualle. ECA

Work ExperienceEDUCATION CENTRE RBGE, Exhibition co ordinatorI was required to co ordinate the exhibition and to partly curate the works that were on display as well as arrange the lighting and layout of the space. This was a freelance position where I worked with the Education Centre for three shows.INVERLEITH HOUSE, Instalation AssistantI worked with Inverlieth House Gallery During the Roni Horn show. This exhibition comprised of free standing Sculpture and Framed work. During the installation of the show I worked under direct instruction from the gallery Director and the Artist. My assistance involved handling the art work, devising lighting concepts and space presentation. FRUITMARKET GALLERY, Information assistantWithin this position I had to provide free guided tours to members of the public of all ages and backgrounds to help them better understand the exhibition and contemporary art. I was the first point of contact within the gallery, which requires me to be confident, proactive and approachable. I was also required to supervise the gallery space and to ensure the work is safe at all times. I worked with the Gallery during the Simon Patterson show, where one of the works involved was a site specific project, ‘Landskip’.