AN ACCLAIMED artist will create her latest sculpture with help from students and staff at Coventry University.
Charmaine Watkiss will work alongside students from the university’s Fine Art course to bring the artwork to life before it takes pride of place in a solo exhibition entitled The Things we Hold Sacred, which opens in October at The New Art Gallery in Walsall.
Charmaine, best known for her research-based drawing practice which focuses on plant knowledge passed through generations of Caribbean families, has work in collections in iconic venues such as the British Museum in London.
She will work as a resident artist at the university, where students will witness the development and production of the commission which will help prepare them for life as an artist after graduating.
Charmaine said: “I am super excited and thankful to be afforded this opportunity to create new ambitious works that would not be possible otherwise.
“I am really looking forward to experimenting with materials and benefiting from the university’s expertise to realise my ideas for the work.”
Dr Sam Vale, Curriculum Lead for Creative Practice at Coventry University, said: “This is an exceptional opportunity for our staff and students to collaborate with such an innovative and exciting artist as Charmaine.
“By being actively involved in the commissioning process – from early development through to production and exhibition – our students gain invaluable insight into contemporary approaches to making work, helping to prepare them for future careers in the creative industries.”
