Madi Acharya-Baskerville

For the Uncertain Edges exhibition, what came to mind were a series of works, 2 paintings and one wall based assemblage. All works are created on irregular found wooden surfaces which were salvaged from the coast. The found surface has its own past, with layers of paint, variable texture, its level of erosion marking time whilst the irregular edges suggest a continuation beyond what can be viewed. It is this aspect I feel relates to the theme of ‘Uncertain Edges’.

My process beginning by going for a walk, most frequently along the coastline. I return to the same places again and again and feel as if I have personal connection with the places I collect from. Over the last few years I have been going to the Dorset coast, particularly Chesil beach. Most of the materials I work with have been immerged in the sea, or sometimes rivers. I feel this connection with water is key to my work. It provides me with a connection with my South Asian heritage as I can imagine the waters where I frequent touching the distant shores of my motherland, India

In my work I explore a variery of these ranging from environmental concerns, migration and exile through to gender issues which are brought together in the found element. I am inspired by what I find in my environment that resonates with me and feel drawn to objects and materials that have had a previous life.Matter that already exists around us is an enduring reflection of the human condition, the idea that ‘we are what we keep’ but we are also what we throw away. Using objects, textiles, photographs, conversation and songs which resonate with me on some level I create works which move fluidly between different media.

The process of making work begins with going for a walk, finding and selecting objects and materials that resonate with me. These are then brought back to the studio and put into different categories, for example, wood of different shapes and sizes, plastic, leather , rubber. I spend a long time looking at these objects prior to creating anything. I then begin by putying 2-3 objects together. I also feel painting is an important part of my practice even when I am working more sculpturally. I also like to use textiles, beads and jewellery in my work and feel the act of adornment is something I enjoy.