visual artist : observing the everyday, time and memory
about: caryl beach – visual artist
Inspired by landscape and nature
Exploring the past and present
Fascinated by the concept of time and memory
Her work acknowledges an appreciation and acceptance of the transient nature of our world and its simple integrity, with a beauty that lies in imperfection and impermanence.
working across multiple platforms including photography,
drawing, printmaking and film
Caryl graduated from University of Hertfordshire in 2009
attaining an MA in Fine Art
Awarded best video prize by Elstree Heritage in 2012 during
Eastern Approaches Open Exhibition.
A former fellow of Digswell Arts.
A former member of Memento Collective. https://www.mementocollective.art
An Associate Artist at Courtyard Arts Hertford.
Exhibited in Prague and London,
Selected for Derwent Art Prize
Exhibiting at the gallery Oxo Tower and Paris
later this year- now postponed.
Caryl works from her studio overlooking the Mill Stream
at Dicker Mill Hertford.
Caryl's current focus is time lapse video, photography, drawing
and print making exploring the concept
of time and memory.
'time : the indefinite continued progress of existence and events in the past, present and future regarded as a whole'
This is a continuing investigation.
I’m fascinated by the concept of time and memory. My work has always been my journey of the everyday, in the landscape, marking time. My recent investigations involve post memory. Thinking about childhood memories…how much is remembered, as opposed to recounted memories or images?
‘post memory is a powerful form of memory because it’s connection to it’s object or source is mediated not through recollection but through representation, projection and creation, often based on silence rather than speech, on invisible rather than visible’
Courtyard Arts are excited to announce that we are curating this year’s Hertford Art Trail. This respected and popular event once again works by local artists will adorn the streets of Hertford town.
From 8th – 22nd April, pop-up exhibition spaces will appear across Hertford – from retailers to bars and cafes; beauty salons to gift shops. Participating artists are each teamed up with a venue to display and sell their work for the duration of the trail.
May June 2023
Time Traces and Transformation
A group exhibition to be held at Parndon Mill Gallery Harlow 18th May – 25th June 2023
Six artists will interpret the themes around time, traces and transformation through the mediums of print making, mixed media and digital art.
Press release:
Time Traces and Transformation
18th May – 25th June 2023
The Gallery at Parndon Mill
An exhibition of current work by Caryl Beach, Mary Down, Jonathan Emmerson, Marian Hall, Declan Hoare and Sally Tyrie.
This exhibition brings together Six multi- disciplinary artists who met at Digswell Arts Studios in Hertfordshire. Each artist embraces and responds to themes of Time, Traces and Transformation.
With an emphasis on Printmaking this exhibition will reveal the artists interest in the more experimental approaches they have adopted in their practices. Innovative works that explore visual dialogues, layered meaning and a way to map time.
I have continued with the process of layered imagery to illustrate time and memory, traces of events and places, how time can transform memory of past experiences.
Jan 2023 digital image
PAST EXHIBITIONS AND EVENTS
The exhibition ‘Death Dreams and Desire” was held at Safehouse 1 in Peckham during September – October 2022.
Known as the ‘father of psychoanalysis’, Austrian doctor Sigmund Freud changed forever the way we see ourselves. Believing our adult behaviour is driven by repressed childhood experiences of love, loss, sexuality and death, he wrote extensively on these subjects. He practised psychoanalysis with many patients in distress and has left a lasting legacy, particularly with regard to how we understand the ‘unconscious’ mind. Nowadays, many of Freud’s ideas have been replaced with more rational, scientific approaches to human psychology. Within the arts however, the creativity and inventiveness of Freud’s theories continue to fascinate and inspire.
(Freud’s theories had a profound impact on the Surrealist Movement of the early 20th century. They brought his ideas into the public eye and made him more popular than ever. The iconic text, The Interpretation of Dreams (1899) was particularly important to the Surrealists. Freud believed that dreams could reveal hidden meanings about our innermost desires, which were often erotic or sexualised, and this provided a perfect backdrop to some of the most impressive artworks of the movement.)
My work and statement for the exhibition:
Caryl is an interdisciplinary artist, using photography, drawing, printmaking and film. She is inspired by landscape and experience, exploring the past and present and is fascinated by the concept of time, memory and post memory. In the process of researching for this exhibition, Freud’s 1910 essay ‘Leonardo da Vinci, A Memory of His Childhood’ triggered an early memory for Caryl. This was the starting point for the works in this show which depict buried memories of childhood trauma as well as glimpses of happier times whilst growing up. She investigates the impact and meaning of childhood memory as well as questioning possibilities around false memory.
Childhood MemoriesImages taken in situ – Safehouse Peckham- Death Dreams & Desire. September 2022.
Urban-Impossible Landscape Series Mixed Media 39″ x 59″ Shown at Art Van Go Solo Show.
Sunflower and City multi monotype print
Postponed : date tbc
‘Across’ mixed media: exhibited at The Old Biscuit Factory.
Feb 7-13 2020 Exhibitor at Contemporary Fine Art Exhibition.
Stills taken from time lapse II video. Shown in Prague.
‘time lapse II exhibited in Prague
Time: Memory:Derwent Art Prize- to be shown in Oxo Gallery London.
Shortlisted for Derwent Art Prize Exhibition
Drawing time:memory
Gallery@OXO
lockdown image
Working in isolation
Time lapse video exhibited at HY B4 Galerie Kampus Hybernská Prague in January 2020. Also shown at Hertford House Hotel April 2019 as part of Hertford Arts Trail. https://vimeo.com/327532555
Stream awarded 'Best Video' at Eastern Approaches 2012
2020 February 7th - 13th The Old Biscuit Factory Bermondsey. Contemporary Fine Art Exhibition.
2020 January 10-30 th Seen Forms HY B4 Galerie Kampus Hybernská Prague.
2019 December 1st Open Studios at The Forge Digswell AL6 0BU
2019 May 10-11 Digswell Arts Open Studios and Print Exhibition at The Forge Digswell Hertfordshire AL6 0BU
2019 April 11th Herts Visual Arts Big Showcase New Maynard Gallery Welwyn Garden City.
2019 April 9th Courtyard Arts Open Exhibition Hertford.
2019 January 23rd to February 23rd Thin Places (Revisited) at Art Van Go Knebworth
2018 September Courtyard Arts Auction Courtyard Arts Hertford
2018 October 13-20 Thin Places Wynd Gallery Letchworth
2018 September 25th Group Exhibition Wynd Gallery Letchworth
2018 June 25th 2018- Group Exhibition at Wynd Gallery Letchworth.
2018 May 30-June 23 'Time and Tide' with Cathy Smale at Courtyard Arts
2018 June 1-3rd Open Studios at The Forge Digswell Herts AL6 0BU
2018 April - Courtyard Arts Open Exhibition Hertford Herts.
2017 October Hertford Art Society 20th Members Exhibition Cowbridge Hall Hertford.
2017 September 23-24 HVAF Open Studios at The Forge Digswell AL6 0BU
2017 September 8 Group Exhibition of Co Operative Members at Wynd Gallery Letchworth
2017 May Open Studios at Digswell Arts Digswell
2016 November 20th Digswell Arts Open Studio Christmas Sale Digswell AL6 OBU
2016 November Courtyard Arts Members 20th Anniversary Exhibition at Courtyard Arts Port Vale Hertford Herts.
2016 November Hertford Art Society Members Show Cowbridge Hall Hertford.
2016 May 21-22 Open Studios Event at The Forge Digswell as part of Digswell Arts
2016 April 8-May 8th Hertford Art Trail my work displayed in Cafe Bebo Hertford.
2015 October 30-November 1 HAS Members Show Hertford.
2015 May 21-June 28th Praesentia group exhibition 'Encounters' Parndon Mill Harlow Essex
2014 October 31st-November 2nd HAS 17th Members Show Mill Bridge Rooms The Wash Hertford Herts.
2014 May 10-11 2014 Print works exhibited as part of Digswell Arts Trust Open Studios Digswell Herts AL6 OBU
2014 April 25th - May 10th 2014.Three of my unique mono prints to be exhibited as part of Hertford Town Council Art Trail in Peter & Susan Brown Interiors St Andrews Street Hertford and The Castle Hertford.
2014 March Wallace 100 Framed Mono print exhibited in Palace Green Gallery Stable Yard Hatfield Park AL9 5NQ
2013 November 8-10 HAS Members Show at Millbridge Rooms Hertford Herts
2013 November 10th Praesentia's one day launch of Art Trail for Wallace 100 at Courtyard Arts Centre Port Vale Bengeo Herts
2013 November 7-21 Art Trail for Wallace 100.Various locations in town centre of Hertford.
2013 September Print Exhibition for Open Studios at DAT Digswell Herts AL6 OBU
2013 June New works installed at Palace Green Gallery Stable Yard Hatfield Park AL9 5NQ
2013 May 5th Open Studios at The Forge Digswell Arts Digswell Welwyn AL6 OBU
2013 (May) Hertford Art Society Open Exhibition at The Cowbridge Halls, Cowbridge, Hertford SG14 1PG
2013 March Palace Green Gallery Stable Yard Hatfield Park AL9 5NQ
2012 December Eastern Approaches St Albans Hertfordshire Open Exhibition. Awarded 1st Prize for Best Video by Elstree Heritage.
2012 (October) Members Show Hertford Art Society Millbridge Rooms Hertford Hertfordshire
2012 (September) Open Studios at The Forge Digswell as part of The Printmakers Group.
2012 (September) Open Studios Unit 3 Dicker Mill Hertford Herts SG137AE
2012 (May) Hertford Art Society Open Exhibition Cowbridge Hertford Herts
2012 (March) praesentia at Courtyard Arts Hertford Herts
2011 (December 10- January 4 2012) Hertfordshire Open Exhibition Museum of St Albans Hertfordshire
2011 (December 7-21) Courtyard Arts Members Show Hertford Herts
2011 (November 11-20) praesentia at Caffe Yum Hertford Herts
2011( April-May) Courtyard Arts Open Exhibition at The Castle Hertford
2010 (December) Open Exhibition @ Margaret Harvey Gallery St Albans
2010 (December) Courtyard Arts Members Show Bengeo Herts
2010 (October) Artists in Residence at Luton Hoo Walled Garden
2010 (September) Open Studios at Luton Hoo Walled Garden Luton Beds
2009 MA Show in Gallery at University of Hertfordshire
2008 Open Studios Unit 15a Dicker Mill Hertford Herts SG13 7AE
Selected for Derwent Art Prize Exhibition was to be at Oxo Gallery. Exhibition postponed rescheduled : Date tbc.
'In Our Garden' Group Exhibition of Digswell Artists at New Maynard Gallery WGC to celebrate the WGC100 Thursday April 2nd 2020 Private View @ 8-9.30pm. Now postponed, date of exhibition tbc.
LOMO Bar - work exhibited as part of Hertford Art Trail April 2020, now. cancelled.
Open Studios at The Forge Digswell AL60BU June 6/7th 2020 postponed until further notice.
Open Studios at my studio Unit 15A Dicker Mill Hertford SG137AE as part of HVAF Open Studio Event September 2020 - uncertain it will happen now.
Her work acknowledges an appreciation and acceptance of the transient nature of our world and its simple integrity, with a beauty that lies in imperfection and impermanence.
working across multiple platforms including photography,
drawing, printmaking and film
Caryl graduated from University of Hertfordshire in 2009
attaining an MA in Fine Art
Awarded best video prize by Elstree Heritage in 2012 during
Eastern Approaches Open Exhibition.
A former fellow of Digswell Arts.
A former member of Memento Collective. https://www.mementocollective.art
An Associate Artist at Courtyard Arts Hertford.
Exhibited in Prague and London,
Selected for Derwent Art Prize
Exhibiting at the gallery Oxo Tower and Paris
later this year- now postponed.
Caryl works from her studio overlooking the Mill Stream
at Dicker Mill Hertford.
Caryl's current focus is time lapse video, photography, drawing
and print making exploring the concept
of time and memory.
'time : the indefinite continued progress of existence and events in the past, present and future regarded as a whole'
This is a continuing investigation.
I’m fascinated by the concept of time and memory. My work has always been my journey of the everyday, in the landscape, marking time. My recent investigations involve post memory. Thinking about childhood memories…how much is remembered, as opposed to recounted memories or images?
‘post memory is a powerful form of memory because it’s connection to it’s object or source is mediated not through recollection but through representation, projection and creation, often based on silence rather than speech, on invisible rather than visible’
Courtyard Arts are excited to announce that we are curating this year’s Hertford Art Trail. This respected and popular event once again works by local artists will adorn the streets of Hertford town.
From 8th – 22nd April, pop-up exhibition spaces will appear across Hertford – from retailers to bars and cafes; beauty salons to gift shops. Participating artists are each teamed up with a venue to display and sell their work for the duration of the trail.
May June 2023
Time Traces and Transformation
A group exhibition to be held at Parndon Mill Gallery Harlow 18th May – 25th June 2023
Six artists will interpret the themes around time, traces and transformation through the mediums of print making, mixed media and digital art.
Press release:
Time Traces and Transformation
18th May – 25th June 2023
The Gallery at Parndon Mill
An exhibition of current work by Caryl Beach, Mary Down, Jonathan Emmerson, Marian Hall, Declan Hoare and Sally Tyrie.
This exhibition brings together Six multi- disciplinary artists who met at Digswell Arts Studios in Hertfordshire. Each artist embraces and responds to themes of Time, Traces and Transformation.
With an emphasis on Printmaking this exhibition will reveal the artists interest in the more experimental approaches they have adopted in their practices. Innovative works that explore visual dialogues, layered meaning and a way to map time.
I have continued with the process of layered imagery to illustrate time and memory, traces of events and places, how time can transform memory of past experiences.
Jan 2023 digital image
PAST EXHIBITIONS AND EVENTS
The exhibition ‘Death Dreams and Desire” was held at Safehouse 1 in Peckham during September – October 2022.
Known as the ‘father of psychoanalysis’, Austrian doctor Sigmund Freud changed forever the way we see ourselves. Believing our adult behaviour is driven by repressed childhood experiences of love, loss, sexuality and death, he wrote extensively on these subjects. He practised psychoanalysis with many patients in distress and has left a lasting legacy, particularly with regard to how we understand the ‘unconscious’ mind. Nowadays, many of Freud’s ideas have been replaced with more rational, scientific approaches to human psychology. Within the arts however, the creativity and inventiveness of Freud’s theories continue to fascinate and inspire.
(Freud’s theories had a profound impact on the Surrealist Movement of the early 20th century. They brought his ideas into the public eye and made him more popular than ever. The iconic text, The Interpretation of Dreams (1899) was particularly important to the Surrealists. Freud believed that dreams could reveal hidden meanings about our innermost desires, which were often erotic or sexualised, and this provided a perfect backdrop to some of the most impressive artworks of the movement.)
My work and statement for the exhibition:
Caryl is an interdisciplinary artist, using photography, drawing, printmaking and film. She is inspired by landscape and experience, exploring the past and present and is fascinated by the concept of time, memory and post memory. In the process of researching for this exhibition, Freud’s 1910 essay ‘Leonardo da Vinci, A Memory of His Childhood’ triggered an early memory for Caryl. This was the starting point for the works in this show which depict buried memories of childhood trauma as well as glimpses of happier times whilst growing up. She investigates the impact and meaning of childhood memory as well as questioning possibilities around false memory.
Childhood MemoriesImages taken in situ – Safehouse Peckham- Death Dreams & Desire. September 2022.
Urban-Impossible Landscape Series Mixed Media 39″ x 59″ Shown at Art Van Go Solo Show.
Sunflower and City multi monotype print
Postponed : date tbc
‘Across’ mixed media: exhibited at The Old Biscuit Factory.
Feb 7-13 2020 Exhibitor at Contemporary Fine Art Exhibition.
Stills taken from time lapse II video. Shown in Prague.
‘time lapse II exhibited in Prague
Time: Memory:Derwent Art Prize- to be shown in Oxo Gallery London.
Shortlisted for Derwent Art Prize Exhibition
Drawing time:memory
Gallery@OXO
lockdown image
Working in isolation
Time lapse video exhibited at HY B4 Galerie Kampus Hybernská Prague in January 2020. Also shown at Hertford House Hotel April 2019 as part of Hertford Arts Trail. https://vimeo.com/327532555
Stream awarded 'Best Video' at Eastern Approaches 2012
2020 February 7th - 13th The Old Biscuit Factory Bermondsey. Contemporary Fine Art Exhibition.
2020 January 10-30 th Seen Forms HY B4 Galerie Kampus Hybernská Prague.
2019 December 1st Open Studios at The Forge Digswell AL6 0BU
2019 May 10-11 Digswell Arts Open Studios and Print Exhibition at The Forge Digswell Hertfordshire AL6 0BU
2019 April 11th Herts Visual Arts Big Showcase New Maynard Gallery Welwyn Garden City.
2019 April 9th Courtyard Arts Open Exhibition Hertford.
2019 January 23rd to February 23rd Thin Places (Revisited) at Art Van Go Knebworth
2018 September Courtyard Arts Auction Courtyard Arts Hertford
2018 October 13-20 Thin Places Wynd Gallery Letchworth
2018 September 25th Group Exhibition Wynd Gallery Letchworth
2018 June 25th 2018- Group Exhibition at Wynd Gallery Letchworth.
2018 May 30-June 23 'Time and Tide' with Cathy Smale at Courtyard Arts
2018 June 1-3rd Open Studios at The Forge Digswell Herts AL6 0BU
2018 April - Courtyard Arts Open Exhibition Hertford Herts.
2017 October Hertford Art Society 20th Members Exhibition Cowbridge Hall Hertford.
2017 September 23-24 HVAF Open Studios at The Forge Digswell AL6 0BU
2017 September 8 Group Exhibition of Co Operative Members at Wynd Gallery Letchworth
2017 May Open Studios at Digswell Arts Digswell
2016 November 20th Digswell Arts Open Studio Christmas Sale Digswell AL6 OBU
2016 November Courtyard Arts Members 20th Anniversary Exhibition at Courtyard Arts Port Vale Hertford Herts.
2016 November Hertford Art Society Members Show Cowbridge Hall Hertford.
2016 May 21-22 Open Studios Event at The Forge Digswell as part of Digswell Arts
2016 April 8-May 8th Hertford Art Trail my work displayed in Cafe Bebo Hertford.
2015 October 30-November 1 HAS Members Show Hertford.
2015 May 21-June 28th Praesentia group exhibition 'Encounters' Parndon Mill Harlow Essex
2014 October 31st-November 2nd HAS 17th Members Show Mill Bridge Rooms The Wash Hertford Herts.
2014 May 10-11 2014 Print works exhibited as part of Digswell Arts Trust Open Studios Digswell Herts AL6 OBU
2014 April 25th - May 10th 2014.Three of my unique mono prints to be exhibited as part of Hertford Town Council Art Trail in Peter & Susan Brown Interiors St Andrews Street Hertford and The Castle Hertford.
2014 March Wallace 100 Framed Mono print exhibited in Palace Green Gallery Stable Yard Hatfield Park AL9 5NQ
2013 November 8-10 HAS Members Show at Millbridge Rooms Hertford Herts
2013 November 10th Praesentia's one day launch of Art Trail for Wallace 100 at Courtyard Arts Centre Port Vale Bengeo Herts
2013 November 7-21 Art Trail for Wallace 100.Various locations in town centre of Hertford.
2013 September Print Exhibition for Open Studios at DAT Digswell Herts AL6 OBU
2013 June New works installed at Palace Green Gallery Stable Yard Hatfield Park AL9 5NQ
2013 May 5th Open Studios at The Forge Digswell Arts Digswell Welwyn AL6 OBU
2013 (May) Hertford Art Society Open Exhibition at The Cowbridge Halls, Cowbridge, Hertford SG14 1PG
2013 March Palace Green Gallery Stable Yard Hatfield Park AL9 5NQ
2012 December Eastern Approaches St Albans Hertfordshire Open Exhibition. Awarded 1st Prize for Best Video by Elstree Heritage.
2012 (October) Members Show Hertford Art Society Millbridge Rooms Hertford Hertfordshire
2012 (September) Open Studios at The Forge Digswell as part of The Printmakers Group.
2012 (September) Open Studios Unit 3 Dicker Mill Hertford Herts SG137AE
2012 (May) Hertford Art Society Open Exhibition Cowbridge Hertford Herts
2012 (March) praesentia at Courtyard Arts Hertford Herts
2011 (December 10- January 4 2012) Hertfordshire Open Exhibition Museum of St Albans Hertfordshire
2011 (December 7-21) Courtyard Arts Members Show Hertford Herts
2011 (November 11-20) praesentia at Caffe Yum Hertford Herts
2011( April-May) Courtyard Arts Open Exhibition at The Castle Hertford
2010 (December) Open Exhibition @ Margaret Harvey Gallery St Albans
2010 (December) Courtyard Arts Members Show Bengeo Herts
2010 (October) Artists in Residence at Luton Hoo Walled Garden
2010 (September) Open Studios at Luton Hoo Walled Garden Luton Beds
2009 MA Show in Gallery at University of Hertfordshire
2008 Open Studios Unit 15a Dicker Mill Hertford Herts SG13 7AE
Selected for Derwent Art Prize Exhibition was to be at Oxo Gallery. Exhibition postponed rescheduled : Date tbc.
'In Our Garden' Group Exhibition of Digswell Artists at New Maynard Gallery WGC to celebrate the WGC100 Thursday April 2nd 2020 Private View @ 8-9.30pm. Now postponed, date of exhibition tbc.
LOMO Bar - work exhibited as part of Hertford Art Trail April 2020, now. cancelled.
Open Studios at The Forge Digswell AL60BU June 6/7th 2020 postponed until further notice.
Open Studios at my studio Unit 15A Dicker Mill Hertford SG137AE as part of HVAF Open Studio Event September 2020 - uncertain it will happen now.
Caryl's current focus is time lapse video, photography, drawing
and print making exploring the concept
of time and memory.
'time : the indefinite continued progress of existence and events in the past, present and future regarded as a whole'
This is a continuing investigation.
present and future :
I’m fascinated by the concept of time and memory. My work has always been my journey of the everyday, in the landscape, marking time. My recent investigations involve post memory. Thinking about childhood memories…how much is remembered, as opposed to recounted memories or images?
‘post memory is a powerful form of memory because it’s connection to it’s object or source is mediated not through recollection but through representation, projection and creation, often based on silence rather than speech, on invisible rather than visible’
Marianne Hirsche
Current Projects April & May/June 2023
I am currently working towards taking part in Hertford Art Trail in April 2023
These are recent images I have been working on and some might be included in the art trail depending on how much space I am allocated. Watch this space for further updates!
Following the Art Trail In April:
Time Traces and Transformation
18th May – 25th June 2023
The Gallery at Parndon Mill
An exhibition of current work by Caryl Beach, Mary Down, Jonathan Emmerson, Marian Hall, Declan Hoare and Sally Tyrie.
This exhibition brings together Six multi- disciplinary artists who met at Digswell Arts Studios in Hertfordshire. Each artist embraces and responds to themes of Time, Traces and Transformation.
With an emphasis on Printmaking this exhibition will reveal the artists interest in the more experimental approaches they have adopted in their practices. Innovative works that explore visual dialogues, layered meaning and a way to map time.
I have continued with the process of layered imagery to illustrate time and memory, traces of events and places, how time can transform memory of past experiences.
Past Project September 2022
Memento Collective at Safehouse 1 139 Copeland Road Peckham SE15
The exhibition continues until October 2 2022
Artist Statement Death Dreams & Desire
Caryl Beach
Caryl is an interdisciplinary artist, using photography, drawing, printmaking and film. She is inspired by landscape and experience, exploring the past and present and is fascinated by the concept of time, memory and post memory. In the process of researching for this exhibition, Freud’s 1910 essay ‘Leonardo da Vinci, A Memory of His Childhood’ triggered an early memory for Caryl. This was the starting point for the works in this show which depict buried memories of childhood trauma as well as glimpses of happier times whilst growing up. She investigates the impact and meaning of childhood memory as well as questioning possibilities around false memory.
Layered images of childhood memories:
Layered digital images
Past projects
A themed project is a great way to stretch your practice and leave your comfort zone.
During my two year MA I teamed up with two other artists and we formed the group ‘praesentia’
Our first project was in 2012 : In celebration of the rich heritage and landscape of Hertford, praesentia are exhibiting new work in response to this theme to include drawing, painting, print-making, photography and sculpture. Fine artist and photographer, Caryl Beach is particularly interested in the landscape and often overlooked evidence of human occupation. For experimental printmaker and fine artist Sally Tyrie, the fine line and traces of nature’s presence inspire her unique mark-making. Veronica Grassi will explore the delicate balance in the local environment using the mediator of stitch, soluble film and iron wire.
As my studio was located overlooking Hartham Common it seemed fitting that, as a landscape artist, I should explore this area close to home.
I made a video of the waterways that pass through and around Hertford and some large scale photographic images. Veronica’s installation explored 100 found and made objects relating to, and found in Hertford. Sally produced delicate print work again responding to the buildings and heritage of Hertford.
Our next group event followed in 2012 with an Open Studio exhibition at Dicker Mill Hertford. A large empty warehouse housed current work from all three artists and was the perfect space to create installations and large scale projections.
In 2013 it was the Centenary of the death of Alfred Russel Wallace. Following on from the Hertford exhibition this was a really inspirational research based project to work on.
Caryl Beach, Sally Tyrie and Veronica Grassi studied together at the University of Hertfordshire on the MA Fine Art course and are currently based at Digswell Arts Trust studios. Following on from a very successful show at Courtyard Arts in Hertford in 2012, which examined Hertford’s heritage, they have come together again to create work that responds to one of Hertford’s historical residents, Alfred Russel Wallace.
‘Wallace 100’ Art Trail coincides with nationwide events being organised by the Natural History Museum and partner institutions around the world to ‘commemorate the life and work of Alfred Russel Wallace on the 100th anniversary of his death in 1913’.
My contribution for this event was a video : The simple act of walking , which followed the pathways Wallace had trodden as a boy, living in Hertford, with a mocking call of the bird of paradise. The bird he unsuccessfully searched for in his explorations.
The Art Trail was very labour intensive as each venue had to be approached to take part in exhibiting our work, as well as a trail map being designed and produced, we had to make the work.
The venues who kindly supported us were:
Hertford Library
The Classic Barbers
Il Vino Restaurant
Fingertips
Leaf Café
Maxin Porcaro Salon
Wallace House
Colormax
Hertford Framers
Tourist Information Centre
Courtyard Arts (Sunday 10th- only)
The one day launch at Courtyard Arts and ensuing art trail was a great success and well worth all the work. This preceded an art trail the following year by Hertford Council and Courtyard Arts who continue to stage an event every year.
At various times praesentia also exhibited work at various Market venue, such as Duckpond market in Lauderdale House Highgate, and St Albans Museum, Watford craft market and St Albans Christmas Market. This was a valuable networking strategy and led to many good contacts being made, as well as a way of selling small works.
In 2015 we were delighted to be invited to exhibit at Parndon Mill Gallery with our exhibition ‘Encounters’ :
A body of new work by three artists, explores the relationship between object, memory, material and process. Whilst each artist uses different media, there is a narrative and cohesive theme to their work which has been described as ‘Fresh, fragile and emotive perspectives juxtaposing thought provoking use of multi media’.
Caryl's current focus is time lapse video, photography, drawing
and print making exploring the concept
of time and memory.
'time : the indefinite continued progress of existence and events in the past, present and future regarded as a whole'
This is a continuing investigation.
present and future :
I’m fascinated by the concept of time and memory. My work has always been my journey of the everyday, in the landscape, marking time. My recent investigations involve post memory. Thinking about childhood memories…how much is remembered, as opposed to recounted memories or images?
‘post memory is a powerful form of memory because it’s connection to it’s object or source is mediated not through recollection but through representation, projection and creation, often based on silence rather than speech, on invisible rather than visible’
Marianne Hirsche
Current Projects April & May/June 2023
I am currently working towards taking part in Hertford Art Trail in April 2023
These are recent images I have been working on and some might be included in the art trail depending on how much space I am allocated. Watch this space for further updates!
Following the Art Trail In April:
Time Traces and Transformation
18th May – 25th June 2023
The Gallery at Parndon Mill
An exhibition of current work by Caryl Beach, Mary Down, Jonathan Emmerson, Marian Hall, Declan Hoare and Sally Tyrie.
This exhibition brings together Six multi- disciplinary artists who met at Digswell Arts Studios in Hertfordshire. Each artist embraces and responds to themes of Time, Traces and Transformation.
With an emphasis on Printmaking this exhibition will reveal the artists interest in the more experimental approaches they have adopted in their practices. Innovative works that explore visual dialogues, layered meaning and a way to map time.
I have continued with the process of layered imagery to illustrate time and memory, traces of events and places, how time can transform memory of past experiences.
Past Project September 2022
Memento Collective at Safehouse 1 139 Copeland Road Peckham SE15
The exhibition continues until October 2 2022
Artist Statement Death Dreams & Desire
Caryl Beach
Caryl is an interdisciplinary artist, using photography, drawing, printmaking and film. She is inspired by landscape and experience, exploring the past and present and is fascinated by the concept of time, memory and post memory. In the process of researching for this exhibition, Freud’s 1910 essay ‘Leonardo da Vinci, A Memory of His Childhood’ triggered an early memory for Caryl. This was the starting point for the works in this show which depict buried memories of childhood trauma as well as glimpses of happier times whilst growing up. She investigates the impact and meaning of childhood memory as well as questioning possibilities around false memory.
Layered images of childhood memories:
Layered digital images
Past projects
A themed project is a great way to stretch your practice and leave your comfort zone.
During my two year MA I teamed up with two other artists and we formed the group ‘praesentia’
Our first project was in 2012 : In celebration of the rich heritage and landscape of Hertford, praesentia are exhibiting new work in response to this theme to include drawing, painting, print-making, photography and sculpture. Fine artist and photographer, Caryl Beach is particularly interested in the landscape and often overlooked evidence of human occupation. For experimental printmaker and fine artist Sally Tyrie, the fine line and traces of nature’s presence inspire her unique mark-making. Veronica Grassi will explore the delicate balance in the local environment using the mediator of stitch, soluble film and iron wire.
As my studio was located overlooking Hartham Common it seemed fitting that, as a landscape artist, I should explore this area close to home.
I made a video of the waterways that pass through and around Hertford and some large scale photographic images. Veronica’s installation explored 100 found and made objects relating to, and found in Hertford. Sally produced delicate print work again responding to the buildings and heritage of Hertford.
Our next group event followed in 2012 with an Open Studio exhibition at Dicker Mill Hertford. A large empty warehouse housed current work from all three artists and was the perfect space to create installations and large scale projections.
In 2013 it was the Centenary of the death of Alfred Russel Wallace. Following on from the Hertford exhibition this was a really inspirational research based project to work on.
Caryl Beach, Sally Tyrie and Veronica Grassi studied together at the University of Hertfordshire on the MA Fine Art course and are currently based at Digswell Arts Trust studios. Following on from a very successful show at Courtyard Arts in Hertford in 2012, which examined Hertford’s heritage, they have come together again to create work that responds to one of Hertford’s historical residents, Alfred Russel Wallace.
‘Wallace 100’ Art Trail coincides with nationwide events being organised by the Natural History Museum and partner institutions around the world to ‘commemorate the life and work of Alfred Russel Wallace on the 100th anniversary of his death in 1913’.
My contribution for this event was a video : The simple act of walking , which followed the pathways Wallace had trodden as a boy, living in Hertford, with a mocking call of the bird of paradise. The bird he unsuccessfully searched for in his explorations.
The Art Trail was very labour intensive as each venue had to be approached to take part in exhibiting our work, as well as a trail map being designed and produced, we had to make the work.
The venues who kindly supported us were:
Hertford Library
The Classic Barbers
Il Vino Restaurant
Fingertips
Leaf Café
Maxin Porcaro Salon
Wallace House
Colormax
Hertford Framers
Tourist Information Centre
Courtyard Arts (Sunday 10th- only)
The one day launch at Courtyard Arts and ensuing art trail was a great success and well worth all the work. This preceded an art trail the following year by Hertford Council and Courtyard Arts who continue to stage an event every year.
At various times praesentia also exhibited work at various Market venue, such as Duckpond market in Lauderdale House Highgate, and St Albans Museum, Watford craft market and St Albans Christmas Market. This was a valuable networking strategy and led to many good contacts being made, as well as a way of selling small works.
In 2015 we were delighted to be invited to exhibit at Parndon Mill Gallery with our exhibition ‘Encounters’ :
A body of new work by three artists, explores the relationship between object, memory, material and process. Whilst each artist uses different media, there is a narrative and cohesive theme to their work which has been described as ‘Fresh, fragile and emotive perspectives juxtaposing thought provoking use of multi media’.
caryl beach MA 
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