Three Faiths - New York Public Library

Three Faiths - New York Public Library, originally uploaded by Ross Ashton.

As part of the Three Faiths exhibition at the New York Public Library I was asked to create a piece based on the magnificent illuminated manuscripts that are on display within and which are drawn from the libraries own collection. The building itself is undergoing renovation so the surface was not ideal.

The Coexist Foundation seeks to promote interfaith harmony and is a major sponsor of the exhibition. This was my first outdoor piece of work in New York, and although I would have preferred to have been projecting directly onto the building, it was great to be asked to do it.

Stained Glass

Last week I visited the York Glaziers Trust researching imagery for 'Rose'. I spent the morning with Nick Teed. I spent a fascinating time as he explained in detail how the windows were made originally and the processes that they go through in restoration. The tools and methods that they use now are the same as they were eight centuries ago. I was able to hold in my hand a portrait of a man from eight centuries ago, a perfect miniature in glass. All the more incredible as these images can never be appreciated like this normally as they are 40m away in the minster windows. Anyone can see them in close up however, as the Glaziers Trust have open days for the public at which they explain their work. Fascinating! Visit the York Glaziers Trust website for more details of visits to their studios.


'Rose' will be a Son et Lumière artwork in which I am collaborating with Karen Monid. It is part of 'Illuminating York' and runs from the 27th to the 30th October 2010.

"Illuminata" Caerphilly Castle

Illuminata is the story of Caerphilly Castle told in sounds and images.
I really enjoyed working with CADW to create this.
We spent a lovely week wandering around this 13th Century building and learning about its history. I also got to work with Mike Cooper who draws for 2000AD. He created some of the bespoke images which we animated. Paul had a great time in the Pound Shop and we all discovered the real Welsh Rarebit.

More Pittsburgh Pics

Splendors

After creating 'Palimpsest' for the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust last year, they have invited me back this year to create a series of installations. This is 'Splendors' which is based on the artworks that are in the city at the moment which are part of the private collection of the Vatican. These cover the entire range from sculpture to architectural drawings, paintings and mosaics. I dont normally work with anything that approximates a flat screen so this has been an interesting exercise for me as all the walls I am using are basically flat smooth surfaces.

Pittsburgh is a good town to hang out in. Being from Sheffield (which was also a steel town), I feel right at home.

New Zealand Army Haka - Rehearsal

New Zealand Army Haka - Rehearsal, originally uploaded by Ross Ashton.

Its Edinburgh Tattoo time again, and I am back in sunny Edinburgh for the first shows of 2010. Probably my favourite look of this show is this one, the Haka performed by the New Zealand Army Band. I am projecting the black and white image and Gerry Mott lights the castle red to colour it. The combined effect is very pleasing. This is the Diamond Jubilee year for the Tattoo.

Next year they replace the stands with brand new ones with purpose built projection rooms. Excellent!

Lining Up

Lining up at Soccer City