Bradford School of Arts and Media   2008/2009

Brigitte Soltau

My MA in 2007 began a body of work exploring the idea of urban archaeology – traces and remains, the intentional and accidental layering of materials creating a physical memory of the city. The work draws specifically on my memories of the Hulme estate in Manchester and my photographic records of its demolition in the 1990’s.

The AA2A placement at Bradford provided me with valuable time and space to continue developing this work within a well-resourced and supportive environment. Most importantly it provided feedback and the encouragement to continue critical reflection. Whether given informally ‘in passing’ or in discussion following a presentation, this was the most important aspect for me.

My aim on the scheme had been to explore work on a new scale and to further develop techniques and ideas for combining clay and print, and clay and text. However, time flew by and these ambitions were only partially achieved. The feedback from the talk I gave in March set me thinking about future direction and also altered the work I decided to complete on the placement. I did explore work on a larger scale and new, more open forms using entirely handmade components, in the absence of a large-scale extruder. The decision to try and achieve a coherent group of forms took over from experiments with print and text.

I am grateful for being reconnected to some of my ‘forgotten’ MA knowledge and awareness and that Martin Hearne, (head of Ceramics) colleagues and students gave me their time and thoughts. Clare Lamkin and colleagues in the Yorkshire Craft Centre provided fantastic help and support. I could not have participated in the placement without substantial technician help so am extremely grateful to ceramics technician Mike Welsh for assistance throughout.

Brigitte's AA2A story was selected for our digital publication 'Time and Space - Celebrating 10 years of AA2A schemes'. Click to open Time and Space