Le projet 10° sera exposé au SAGE de Gatehead du 16 au 25 octobre inclus. Le SAGE a mis à disposition 2 espaces pour les ateliers du samedi 17 octobre. Voici une photo du SAGE et un lien vers un panorama de l’intérieur !

10º will be on display at the SAGE, Gatehead from 16 – 25 October inclusive.  The SAGE have also offered us 2 rooms for the workshops on Saturday 17 October. Please see photo below of the SAGE  and click on the link/paste it into your browser to see 10º exhibition space inside!

http://www.bbc.co.uk/tyne/content/panoramas/sage_concourse_balustrade_360.shtml

Une affaire de goût / Fiona Thompson

Joanne Mitchell / Sandra Villet

Nick James / Florian Méry

Phil Moine / Fiona Rutherford

During the initial meeting and dialogue with Une Affaire de Gout whilst on the research trip to St. Etienne, Nov 08, various areas of common interest were identified. The notes below were an edited version of initial thoughts responding to the meeting, and were communicated to Une Affaire.

Although we have completely different practices, and work in different mediums, I think there are several parallels within our work. The use of double meanings, references to very specific French phrases and meanings, especially those that were humorous/cheeky/’tongue in cheek’ were particularly of interest.  And additionally the multi layering of the work – seemingly decorative patterns with an additional conceptual layer to them. Subjects used such as animals, food, text, and other characteristics are common for both of us, with a lot of potential for development I think. My initial thoughts were to look at the theme of communication. I am particularly interested in how language, text and images are used to communicate, and how these are shaped by cultural differences and similarities. How images/objects are ‘read’ by different individuals, and how these can be very generic or specific (recognisable by all, or just a particular group of individuals for example), is something that might be a good starting point.

Fabienne’s initial ideas responding to this starting point were communicated, with a focus on the use of double-entendre and specific French expressions.

I am particularly interested in creating a complimentary piece of work that reflects a British version of the double-entendre, drawing on specific British language. It will highlight the differences and similarities between the two cultures; our different attitudes and approaches. There would be an element of humour, an emphasis on visual and textual communication and potentially multiple meaning. Currently research is underway to identify a phrase or expression that would form a starting point, and to identify a way to communicate ‘British-ness’. There is a long tradition in British ceramics of using the ceramic object to narrate political and cultural humour and satire, and to play with meaning. This tradition will also inform the development of the project.

I would anticipate two separate pieces being made, with mine being a ceramic object(s), and then two response pieces once we have ‘read’ and interpreted the first pieces. Surface imagery will play a important role in the work.

Joanne Mitchell

Sandra Villet

Le film de présentation du projet est disponible sur le site / You can watch the film introducing the project on :

http://renaison.univ-st-etienne.fr/get?k=zylfjeG7fv5iPRFfFEG

“From my point of view as curator, I thought the filmed studio sessions were very revealing.  Initially I had thought the filming could be intrusive and limiting for the development of good relations between the exchange partners but it proved to be the opposite.  The French designers were obliged to formally present and explain their work very obviously to their partner making their situation very clear in a very short time.  Also when the cameras were switched off, it was interesting to hear their unguarded remarks and to see the work put away that they didn’t want filmed (i.e. what they didn’t want to present publicly).  It was also noticeable that the filming situation engendered immediate sympathy between the exchange partners as they were equally subjected to the pressure of it.  Most of the interesting discussion that followed during the visit seems to me to have been initiated during these initial filming sessions.

It was very interesting to understand how the French designers keep their industrial design practice and their personal creative practice separate, in a way that designer-makers have no need to do.  Almost all the French designers we met pursued more artistic work privately and more than one of them explained that they feel a need to do this in order to inform and develop their commercial work.  On the other hand the British designers were amazed and impressed at the amount and variety of commercial work the designers were offered by businesses, as this something very rare in Britain which would normally be done by in-house designers and not on a free-lance basis.

Although initially the commercial focus of CD+ seemed to be slightly at odds with the designer-maker focus of Designed and Made, on closer inspection the designers seem to be even more alike than expected, with both sides beginning to appreciate that their differences can largely be explained by the restraints and opportunities engendered by the different cultural and commercial systems in each country.

All the designers from both countries remarked on the benefits of the collaboration in not only bringing them together with diverse designers from another country but also in introducing them properly to other designers from their own organization with whom they would not necessarily normally have any dealings.

All the designers, both French and English participated and cooperated very willingly and actively during the visit, despite some of the French designers being very busy with work during the biennial.  In spite of their differences in approach and practice all of them are excited and motivated to progress the project and develop work for the exhibition stage.”

CHARLIE ARNOLD

Nick James and Florian Méry

“The theme of ‘value’ has constantly arisen in our discussions.

For Florian- To make people value objects more, thus to throw away less, fitting his ‘Eco design’ sensibilities.

For Nick-  To make people value objects in their lives more, to enjoy them more and also to throw away less.

We have also talked of ‘heritage’ as a value and this could be a possible theme.

Two different designers will approach the same global theme – yet to be decided -and make 2 objects addressing same theme.  Hopefully we will see personal and cultural differences/similarities.  This will lead to another piece(s) where we may combine each others approach.” 

NICK JAMES 

Joanne Mitchell and Sandra Villet

“Whilst our collaboration is only at the early stage of exploration and time is needed to fully take in and evaluate everything I saw during the exchange, there are some strong initial staring points for the collaboration.

As Sandra’s response can be in any material I think it is important that my initial response is in glass. Several similarities have become apparent in our approaches and also several differences. In my work I often explore contrasts, balance and identity. The material itself is my substance for expressing my ideas. Sandra creates work using many different materials and the starting point can come from found objects through to the most appropriate material for an industrial brief. Key themes that have surfaced are around urban nature, manmade/organic, texture and tactility, repetition, and concepts exploring the interior and exterior, concealment.

How the work is realised will come with concept development through further discussions between Sandra and myself. I would like to take the opportunity to create a contemplative piece that questions the relationship between design and making, as this is a subject around which theory and practice are quite divided in French design: the exterior veneer is cold, studied and disciplined whereas perhaps the interior is uncultivated, raw, exploratory and artistic. It will be interesting to explore these themes both with my signature piece and a piece which we will both be involved with, perhaps incorporating both glass and another material.”

JOANNE MITCHELL

“En discutant de notre travail avec Joanne il semble que formellement nous ayons une approche assez différente. Joanne travaille le même matériau, le verre, et produit des pièces uniques qui sont autant des sculptures que des objets. de mon côté je dessine plutôt des pièces destinées à être fabriquées industriellement, même s’il ne s’agit pas d’une production en série.
Pourtant, si on creuse au-delà de cette différence nous nous retrouvons sur plusieurs points.
Dans la façon dont nous organisons notre travaille nous avons toute deux une “double activité”. D’un côté nous travaillons pour des demandes concrètes extérieures, des commandes, des projets d’aménagement…D’un autre côté nous développons une recherche personnelle plus ou moins détachée de la notion d’utilité tourné vers le plaisir de l’expérimentation de la matière.
La question de savoir comment nous pouvons concilier ces deux domaine au sein d’un projet me parait être une première piste beaucoup débattue peut-être mais toujours intéressante à explorer.
Nous nous retrouvons aussi dans nos sources et ce que nous mettons en oeuvre visuellement. Je crois que nous faisons toute deux appel à un monde très onirique inspiré du végétal, de l’organique, de l’animal. Les notions de transparence/opacité, de peau, de texture et de reflet, d’intérieur/extérieur sous-tendent je crois nos travaux et pourraient être un bon point de départ pour une réflexion commune.”

SANDRA VILLET

Fiona Rutherford and Phil Moine

“Philippe and I didn’t come away with any firm plan on our collaboration but we do have some ideas to work on and develop. I think we have developed an understanding of each other that is a very important starting point.

Philippe gets little personal creative time and so he wants to make a piece himself. This may be a piece of furniture or a sculptural piece. I like the idea of working on the contradictions in our use of materials and bringing these together in an unlikely combination under the theme of “opposites attract”.

I’m looking forward to his visit next year and I hope a lot of other French people. It has been a really stimulating visit and we’ve just started what I think is going to be a very exciting project.”

FIONA RUTHERFORD

Voici le programme définitif de la semaine du 24 au 27 novembre à Saint-Etienne : visitefr 

Here is the final programme for the week of November 24th to 27th in Saint-Etienne : visiten

Background
10ºN/10ºS is an interdisciplinary collaboration between 4 diverse designers based in The Rhône Alpes region of France and 4 from Northeast England. Joint work  produced during this ‘design exchange’ will be presented as a cutting edge showcase exhibition at Design Event, Newcastle (16 – 25 October 2009) and subsequently at the inauguration of the Cité du Design (International Design Centre), St Etienne. Following a Research and Development award by ACE in October 2008, the 8 participating designers, selected by design curator Charlie Arnold, met each other in St Etienne during the international design biennial 2008 and have planned starting points for 8 new joint artworks, the first 4 of which are now in production .

« 10 degrés nord / 10 degrés sud » est un projet d’exposition collaboratif entre 4 designers aux productions diverses établis à Saint-Etienne et 4 autres designers venant de la ville anglaise de Newcastle.
L’objectif de cet échange de designers est d’aboutir à une exposition de design présentée sous forme de vitrines au Design Event de Newcastle (octobre 2009) ainsi qu’à l’inauguration de la Cité du Design pendant novembre 2009.
Suite à l’obtention d’une bourse Recherche et développement de l’Arts Council England, les 8 designers sélectionnés par Charlie Arnold (commissaire d’exposition) se sont rencontrés à Saint-Etienne à l’occasion de la Biennale internationale du design 2008 ; ils ont ainsi amorcé une collaboration sur 8 projets artistiques originaux qui seront réalisés entre les mois de mars et juillet 2009.

Conference
The idea for the project was initially presented at  conference during the International Biennale du Design St Etienne 2008, during the British designers’  research visit.  Charlie Arnold, in conjunction with Anne Béchard- Léaute and Eric Vandecasteele from the University Jean Monnet, made a presentation introducing the 10º project and championing the work of British designer-makers at La Cité du Design. This was one of a series of guest lectures organized for the biennial by the Design Consortium.

Le 26 novembre à 15h30, Charlie Arnold, commissaire du projet, donnera une conférence sur la notion de « design haute-couture » en Grande-Bretagne, un design qui produit en très petites séries des objets se situant au croisement de l’art et du design. Cette conférence, introduite par Anne Béchard-Léauté (Maître de conférences) et Eric Vandecasteele (Professeur) de l’université Jean Monnet, aura lieu dans le cadre des Conférences du Consortium design du département Recherche de la Cité du design.

The plan for 2009
Funding totaling £30,500 including £18000 for new commissions has now been secured from ACE, Design Event, The British Council, Designed and Made (Newcastle) and Collectif Designers + (St Etienne) and the 8 designers have started making their first commissions.  The brief is as follows:
<< According to the broad theme of ‘Politics and Play’ and after discussion and agreement with your foreign exchange partner, make a signature piece of work that your partner will either complete with a contrasting, integral component OR by creating a ‘response’ piece to be shown with it.>>

Des subventions à hauteur de £30 500 (dont £18 000 consacrées à des œuvres originales) ont été accordées par l’Arts Council England, par Design Event, par le British Council et par des collectifs Designed and Made (Newcastle) et Collectif Designers+ (Saint-Etienne). Mainentenant chacun des designers sélectionnés s’engage à répondre au cahier des charges suivant :
« En réponse au thème général de Design Event 09 (« Politics and Play », dont une traduction possible est : « Jeux et Stratégies ») et en accord avec votre binôme, vous réaliserez une œuvre personnelle que votre binôme viendra compléter OU BIEN une autre œuvre qui répondra à celle de votre binôme et qui sera exposée en même temps que celle-ci ».

On completion, the first pieces will be ’swapped’ between the exchange partners at the beginning of June 2009 and the finalizing/response pieces will be made before August 2008. This will culminate in 8 pairs of initial/response pieces that will be exhibited together in 4 (one for each design pair) specially designed and constructed transport/showcases measuring 60×60x200 cms. There will also be a series of 4 half day workshops led by the participating artists to accompany the exhibition. This installation will be secure and compact, therefore suitable to be located in an entrance space rather than in a dedicated gallery.
Chacun des 8 designers se verra confier deux commandes. Le cahier des charges pour le premier objet sera très ouvert, demandant principalement aux designers une création « personnelle ». Ces premiers objets seront ensuite « échangés » à l’autre membre étranger du binôme de designers au printemps 2009 ; à réception de l’objet et en regard de l’objet reçu les designers créeront une seconde œuvre.
Ces productions aboutiront donc à la création de 8 paires d’oeuvres qui seront exposées dans quatre vitrines d’exposition individuelles et portables de 60×60x200 cms spécialement conçues pour accueillir celles-ci (chacune des vitrines sera consacrée aux œuvres de chacun des binômes de designers). Cette installation sera sécurisée et peu encombrante de sorte qu’elle pourra s’intégrer à un hall d’exposition et ne nécessitera pas nécessairement un espace de type galerie. L’exposition sera accompagnée de 4 demi-journées d’ateliers organisés par les artistes participant au projet.

Filming
Students from the design and film departments of the Université Jean Monnet, St Etienne are filming the exchange project to create a didactic video for the language department. Additionally English students are acting as interpreters for the designers to facilitate the collaboration. The Université will show the exhibition and the video project together during the biennial St Etienne in 2010.
Angela Forsyth from Creativitiworks based at Sunderland University has now confirmed that her association will fund one of their member film businesses to create a reciprocal video documentary of the French designers visit to Design Event, Newcastle in October 2009 thus complementing the film made by UJM of the British designers visit to St Etienne during the biennial 2008.

Ce projet d’exposition est élaboré en collaboration avec l’université Jean Monnet. Des étudiants du département d’arts plastiques et du département de Langues étrangères appliquées y participent, sous la direction d’Anne Béchard-Léauté. Avec la collaboration du service d’information de l’université (DSI-C2M), l’ensemble du projet sera filmé pour aboutir à un film qui accompagnera l’exposition et qui servira, ultérieurement, à deux méthodes de langue (anglais / français) à objectif spécifique pour les matières artistiques.
Pendant le tournage, les étudiants de LEA serviront d’interprètes aux designers afin de faciliter leur collaboration. L’université présentera l’ensemble du projet sous forme d’exposition et de film à Saint-Etienne lors de la Biennale 2010.
Angela Forsyth de Creativitiworks, organisme de valorisation artistique de l’université de Sunderland, a maintenant confirmé le financement d’un tournage sur la visite des designers français au Design Event de Newcastle en octobre 2009. Ce film viendra s’ajouter au documentaire réalisé par l’équipe audio-visuelle de l’université Jean Monnet de Saint-Etienne consacré à la visite des designers britanniques en France à l’occasion de la Biennale du design 2008.