Maxine graduated in an MA in Fine Art from the University for the Creative Arts (2021). She works at the University for the Creative Arts in number of roles including as a visiting lecturer. Maxine’s work explores ideas relating to identity and ageing feminine subjectivity, in particular the relationship between the menopause and the maternal. She works in multi-disciplinary modes which includes soft sculpture, and multi-sensory installation using live materials. The changing states of the materials embodies notions of ageing and transformation aiming to challenge traditional perceptions of ageing, often viewed solely as a period of decline. Her work shares surrealist sensibilities and connects to a psycho-physical dynamic.
Maxine exhibits regularly including recent exhibitions at the Halpern Gallery, Nucleus Arts Centre, Medway and she has shown as part of the Power of Women Festival Thanet 2022. She also delivers creative workshops in a range of mediums. She presents papers on her practice and research at conferences, such as the ‘Missing Mother’ conference (Bolton University 2021), and the ‘Conflict and Creative Practice Conference’ (UCA, 2021). She is due to deliver a paper on the ‘Maternal and Creative Practice’ at SESAC Conference (US, October). Maxine is planning to undertake a PhD in her subject specialism this year.
Emotions, Collage and Creativity
Co-presenting with Bev Hayward
Visual presentations and storytelling, collage workshop
The contribution consisting of three parts will explore emotions and creativity by referencing materiality and using visual collage techniques.
Part one delivered by Maxine Chester is a short visual presentation positioning collage within an historical and contemporary context. The concept of materiality -vibrant matter – will be drawn upon for its focus on the agency of materials, the tactile and its ability to articulate emotional experience.
Part two delivered by Beverley Hayward brings together materiality and storytelling. The narrative weaves fact and fiction in the telling of a local event – the closure of the University for the Creative Arts (UCA). This will serve as starting point for part three; a hands on, collaborative workshop where participants are invited to express their emotional responses to the closure of UCA and to the impact this is could have on the community. Participants will be invited to use a range of materials, including fabric, yarn, printed materials and drawing materials, in the making of co-created visual collages. The collage making will also provide the opportunity for participants to put into practice some of the ideas and principles relating to materiality and collage covered in part one. The aim is to represent emotional responses to this local event and its broader socio-educational ramifications by engaging with the creative process.
It is estimated that the whole session would take 80 minutes .
Part one – Visual presentation – 20 mins.
Part two – Storytelling – 20 mins.
Part three – collage workshop – 40 mins.