visual artist : observing the everyday, time and memory
past present future
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 – Work in progress- 2023- 2024
Further development of themes of identity. A possible collaboration with fellow artists planned for 2024?
I am exploring self identity following my recent images along the theme of ‘the masks we wear’
Embracing issues important to me and my practice :
“Ultimately, my goal as an artist is to create a visual language that transcends words, inviting viewers to connect with their own emotions and experiences. I hope that my artwork serves as a catalyst for introspection, sparking conversations and fostering a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us.”
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!
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 (Veronica Grassi and Sally Tyrie) 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’.
In September 2010 Artist Residency at Luton Hoo Walled Garden:
For the residency we had access to the grounds of the walled garden. I chose to document artefacts in the grounds using macro photography. Broken windows, found objects, outbuildings etc. The images were then printed on metal and displayed in the old boiler house pictured above.
Luton Hoo Walled garden Artists’ residency present contemporary works inspired by the garden for visitors to view on site. Video, Installation, Mixed media 2D, Mixed Media 3D, Ceramics and Print making. Artists include Joanna Austin, Caryl Beach, Mary Down, Veronica Grassi, Suzanne Page, Nici Ruggiero, Abi Spendlove, Sally Tyrie and Chris Wilmot.
caryl beach Art 
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