Close up image of gold leaf being applied to an orange section of the hand-printed infinity loop

Making a flowing Infinity Loop

by with No Comment Behind the ScenesNew Work

For the Flow exhibition at Brixton Library, I decided to create a new site-specific installation piece, linked to my series of Fragile Structures. I developed a small scale test infinity loop, or Mobius Strip, to explore the idea of an infinitely fragile looped work, with cut out sections, handprinted on both sides of fine Japanese paper. I wanted to take advantage of the interaction of both sides in the sunlight of the large bright gallery space in Brixton.

‘Infinitely Fragile’ by Carolyn Murphy, an installation view

Previous works in the series have been self-supporting sculptural pieces, such as Towers of Strength, laser cut monotype structures. With this work I wanted to return to the monotype process I used in my Fragile Structure series of 2D prints, but taking this to a different scale and form.

Towers of Strength, by Carolyn Murphy

This post gives some background and process images. And flags some of the challenges too.

I decided to make the work in two sections. Taking on board the idea of infinity, I chose to transition each side of the paper from blue to orange and match the patterns at the two joins. For ease of transport, I only joined the loop on site in Brixton. I used Japanese rice paste as this can be unstuck with water, allowing for de-installation.

Printing the Japanese paper

I learnt a lot in the making, including the following:

  • My small scale maquette was one eighth the width, which turned out to be 61 times smaller in area! Maths…
  • Japanese paper loves to crease – I decided to embrace this by adding gold leaf, that had been donated to me by a friend, referencing the Japanese art of ‘kintsugi’.
  • The monotype stencil process I used requires a degree of ‘going with the flow’, which seemed appropriate tothe them of the show. You are never 100% sure of the outcome, although you can move it in the direction you want.
  • Follow my instincts to do something different – and, as usual, far more complicated than I set out to create!
  • The many ways of displaying a fragile work, in a busy well-used space.

Overall, I was delighted with the outcome and will continue to develop works in this Fragile Structures series.

Adding gold leaf

AA2A Artist Residency

by with No Comment Thoughts

For the full academic year of 2024/25, I was an AA2A resident artist at the University of Chester. It was a fantastic experience and one I thought I’d share a bit more about, in case you’re tempted to get involved in the scheme another year.

Background

AA2A is coming up for its 30 year anniversary. It supports artist development in partnership with FE and HE educational institutions across the UK. The University of Chester has taken part for 11 years and last year I was selected as one of six resident artists on their Kingsway campus, a hub for the university’s creative programmes and home to the printmaking and workshop facilities I was able to access.

The Kingsway Campus

How does the scheme work

Broadly speaking, this is a fantastic scheme based on exchange. Artists gain access to facilities and expertise for 100 hours over the academic year, and, in return, they may be asked to give a talk or demonstration, or show their work, as they take an active part on campus. Universities gain practising artists on site, adding value through interaction with the students they work alongside. This is all supported by AA2A webinars and events to enhance employability for arts students.

Artists apply and are selected based on their project proposal and portfolio.

My own experience

I’m sure every residency is different, as each institution will bring its own culture and approach. I found a very welcoming and supportive environment at Chester.

Working on structures at Chester

I proposed a project to develop the installation side of my printmaking practice, by integrating digital processes, like laser cutting. Through the university I was able to access laser cutting facilities, the print room and the software I needed to learn to bring things together. I started in October 2024 and completed my project in July 2025. Along the way:

  • I met some great people: university technical staff, other artists, students…
  • I took part in 2 exhibitions: one to introduce my work at the beginning and another to showcase my project work at the end
  • I created new laser cut work, which I have exhibited so far at the OXO Gallery in London with the Printmakers Council
‘Towers of Strength’, monotype and laser cutting, by Carolyn Murphy
‘In the Balance’, monotype and laser cut paper structures by Carolyn Murphy

Find out more

To learn more about AA2A and their residencies, check out their website. I would highly recommend the programme and its partners. Thanks for a wonderful year!

To see more from our final group exhibition in Chester, check out my News page on ‘Threads of Expression’.