john atkin

This artist accepts commissions

Mediums Used

Since leaving the RCA in London, where Henry Moore personally funded Atkin throughout his MA sculpture course, he has exhibited his work worldwide: e.g. the Guggenheim Museum in Italy, Museum of Modern Art Melbourne and New Orleans Museum of Art – are three such examples of high-profile venues worldwide. Recent publications on Atkins’ output focus on references to cultural heritage within the contemporary landscape. His work has been the subject of widespread media interest and editorials that focus on his work in public spaces, here in the UK & overseas.

He has worked extensively throughout China since 2008 when his seminal public artwork was included in the One World One Dream Cultural Olympiad in 2008. He has participated in conferences, lectures and symposiums at, Tsinghua University, China Academy of Arts, Changchun International Conference & Symposium, Fuzhou International Symposium, etc, as well as being the UK Rep for the SINO-EU touring exhibition, Dialogue with the Emperor Qin’s Warriors, 2012 – 2017.

In recent years, Atkin has been invited to present keynote papers at a number of conferences worldwide including The 16th China Sculpture Forum. DIAOSU- National Sculpture Magazine of China, where he represented the Royal British Society of Sculptors, and also Sculpture by the Sea Symposium at the Art Gallery of NSW, Sydney, Australia: in addition, he was invited to speak at the Understanding the Post-Industrial City: metropolis, urban renewal and public space: Joint PhD Seminar Faculdade de Arquitectura – Universidade Técnica de Lisboa Bauhaus – Universitat Weimar: and at the International Sculpture Centre Conference, Pittsburgh
Ever since Henry Moore personally funded Atkin`s period of study at the RCA in London, 1982 to 1985, Atkin has continued to develop his studio practice, which focuses on the relationship between drawing and sculpture. In recent years, an Award from the Rootstein Hopkins Foundation allowed Atkin the time away from academic responsibilities, at the School of the Arts, Loughborough University, where he is Reader in Fine Art, to concentrate on developing his long standing interest in collage, into a series of small and large scale digital prints that crossed boundaries between the hand wrought process and cutting edge digital technology. This body of work has provided the framework for further, extensive research into this practice as well as possibilities for his sculpture output. The studio continues to be the vital element in the development of his work that embraces gallery, museum and public re

My own background, the North East of England, and its reflected history of industrialization within the context of a dramatic landscape, plays a significant role in the way I develop my work. Industrial, and machine forms, reflecting on human ingenuity, and resonant of the human figure are also important to the development of my ideas.
The use of materials (as well as museum imagery), in my public art projects, which can comment on, or evoke the history of a site, has key educational benefits, which are at the hub of many new initiatives within urban developments and something I am keen to expand on further in future projects I am involved in delivering.
The progression of concepts into metal, contextualises these ideas into theories relating to industrial archaeology: specifically exploring the locale. Much of my output is fabricated in corten and stainless steel, using the resources of a highly skilled workforce with a proven ability to deliver works on time as well as on budget and fully H and S compliant. Corten references “history”, through its unique weathering process, and this has been key to public and private sector interest in my work. Stainless steel is durable and has vibrant surface qualities, very different to those of weathering steel. The contrast of materials is very striking.

Sculptures by john atkin

Credentials

Biography

Since leaving the RCA in London, where Henry Moore personally funded Atkin throughout his MA sculpture course, he has exhibited his work worldwide. Recent publications on Atkins` output focus on the notion of "industrial archaeology" with discreet references to cultural genealogy within the contemporary landscape. Publications include The Navigator ISBN 0-906688-40-X; Scorched Earth ISBN 1-900856-41-7; Distant Voices ISBN 1-900856-30-1; Cut, ISBN1-901560 -65 -1; The Made and The Unmade ISBN 0-9704605-0-3. His work has been the subject of widespread media interest and editorials that focus on his work in public spaces, here in the UK and overseas. Please refer to www.skyarts.co.uk/johnatkin and http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/7544159.stm as well as
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/7543272.stm for more details.

In recent years, Atkin has been invited to present keynote papers at a number of conferences worldwide including the Sculpture by the Sea Symposium at the Art Gallery of NSW, Sydney, Australia and also Understanding the Post-Industrial City: metropolis, urban renewal and public space: Joint PhD Seminar Faculdade de Arquitectura - Universidade Técnica de Lisboa Bauhaus - Universitat Weimar

"Strange Meeting", was commissioned by Beijing Municipal Government, to celebrate the cultural emphasis of the Olympics "One World One Dream" exhibition in Olympic Park, Beijing. This 27-ton marble and granite artwork formed part of an exhibition of twenty-six artists selected from a global application of 2600 people. The popularity of the sculpture has eventuated in its permanent location adjacent to the Birds Nest Stadium.

Atkins` research interest lies in the interaction of people with artworks that change a space into a place. In this way the community secures a landmark for the area and a meeting point for all generations and cultures. He has recently completed a series of innovative artworks for Kent County Council, where his role as Lead Artist for their ground breaking Breaking Boundaries "shared space" highways project has won several major awards and is the subject of widespread critical acclaim. This award winning interdisciplinary project involved working alongside Landscape Architects and Highway Engineers to complete a range of innovative arterial structures, (such as roundabouts, terracing and street furniture), that reflect on Ashford`s cultural heritage within a contemporary context.

His most recent project in California focuses on the regeneration of the Fillmore District of San Francisco and collaborating with AXIS Architects on delivering a coherent public realm that addresses the locales indelible heritage as the home of West Coast Jazz.
The cultural and social legacy of this project has been fraught with decades of County Hall misplaced redevelopment that has fractured a once vibrant community famed for it ethnic mix and social inclusion. Atkins` involvement in this landmark project involved the delivery of a signature sculpture that successfully acts as an illuminated beacon for the areas regeneration. The use of water and lighting are key components of this project, allowing the space to be used year round and at all times of day.

In addition, Atkin continues to develop his studio practice, which focuses on the relationship between drawing and sculpture. In recent years, a grant from the Rootstein Hopkins Foundation allowed Atkin the time from academic responsibilities to concentrate on developing his long standing interest in collage, into a series of small and large scale digital prints that crossed boundaries between the hand wrought process and cutting edge digital technology. This body of work has provided the framework for further, extensive research into this practice as well as possibilities for his sculpture output. The studio continues to be the vital element in the development of his work that embraces gallery, museum and public realm.

Influences

Atkin`s major influences range from the Sleeping Shelter Drawings of Henry Moore to the plays of Edward Bond, (Saved: The Popes Wedding).
His interest in the confluence of drawing and sculpture has meant that a wide range of artists who use drawing have been influential, from Raphael to Oldenburg.
Artists who have used the found object within the framework of their oeuvre have also been of significant influence, particularly Edward Kienholz.

Reviews

0. John Atkin. Sculpture Journal. ISSN Pages 50 to 54
2008 Gathering Dreams 100. Beijing Olympic Sculptures Collection. Culture and Art Publishing House, China. ISBN. Gathering Dreams 100. Beijing Olympic Sculptures Documentary. Culture and Art Publishing House, China. ISBN978-7-5039-3608-1/J.979
Art and Architecture Journal. Number 66/67 Autumn 2008. ISSN 1360-3256. Page 85
BBC Articles. web sites available on request
"A Darlington sculptor is to have one of his artworks on show outside Beijing`s Olympic stadium."
BBC: Sculptor exhibits at Olympic site
British Council article. websites available on request
AXIS article. Web site available on request
Artists and Illustrator Journal. First out of the blocks by Carol Cordrey. Issue 265. Page 11-12 Sculpture. ISSN: 74851 64837, The Sculpture Olympics 2008 by Zhu Yilang. Pages 54-55.Vol.27. No. 9
Hard Bop. City Arts, 7X7 magazine. Page 135. San Francisco.
Hard Bop. News article. Interview with Don Sanchez, ABC 7. San Francisco.
Hard Bop. Review of public art and regeneration project. San Francisco Chronicle
Hard Bop. Fillmore Center Plaza. ISBN 1 900856 76 X
2007. Public Art for Beijing Olympics- City Sculpture Proposals p 89 (The Competitor) p 134 (Strange Meeting) ISBN 7-5074-1794-8
Art and Architecture Journal. Commissions and Projects; Pound Mill, Staines, page 57
Commissions in the North East of England, 2003-2007, by Arts Council England, part financed by the European Union, European Regional Development Fund and One North East. Section 12, Tees Valley, featured article on NZ323135, Morton palms Public Artwork by John Atkin
2006 Green Place Journal. May 2006. ISSN 1742-3716. Page nos. 2. Land Use article, News. Pound Mill public sculpture commission review. ISSN. Author Sutherland Lyall
2005 Art and Architecture Journal. Page 56. Number 63 Autumn 2005. ISSN 1360-3256 Commissions. Review NZ323135 (Public Sculpture)
2005 Arts Monthly San Francisco. Volume 15. Issue 9. Page 7. Review of group exhibition at Sculpturesite Gallery, San Francisco
2005 Art and Architecture Journal. Number 61. ISSN No. 1360-3256. February 2005. Public Art-Urbanism-Architecture. Missions and Projects. Review of Dal Fabrro`s Chariot, Liverpool
2004 A-N Magazine. June 2004. ISNN No. 9-770261-342034 Review. Man and Machine. Review of exhibition, Chappel Galleries, Colchester
2004 Arts Quarterly. New Orleans Museum of Art, Volume XXVI Issue 2.
2003
The Architects Journal. 26/06/03. ISSN. 0003 8466. Metal Works Cor-Ten. Under the Weather, by Sutherland Lyall. The Navigator, Ipswich is a featured artwork
"The Navigator", Navigation News, ISSN 0268 6317. Review of public sculpture by John Atkin
Art and Architecture Journal. No 59.ISSN 1360-3256.Page 48. Review of two new sculptures, The Navigator public artwork and The Signaler public artwork.
Galleries. May 2003. Tim Fargher, "John Atkin", Galleries, May Issue 241 ISSN 0265-7511 Review of exhibition at Christchurch Mansion Museum, Ipswich

Daniel Smith, "Salute to The Rushes" Loughborough Echo 24th October
"Pointing to the future", The Echo, 31st October
Darren Beck, "Big Day", Leicester Mercury, 27th October
Romeike, "Pride of Place", 22nd October
Tim Fargher, May Issue 241 ISSN 0265-7511
Cheryl Markosky, "A Massive Remodelling Job", The Independent, 4th June
Sutherland Lyall, "Under the Weather", The Architects Journal, 9-770003 846080
Sonia Carvill, "Maritime Art on the Waterfront", East Anglian Daily Times, 21st May
Amanda Cresswell, "What is it?", Evening Star, 16th May
"The Navigator", ISSN 0268 6317
Thinking Big - Concepts for Twenty First Century British Sculpture. Introduction by Thomas Krens, Director, Soloman R Guggenheim Foundation. Essay, `Thinking Big` by Tim Marlowe, Broadcaster and Creative Director for Sculpture at Goodwood. ISBN 09537794-3-2

2002
Thinking Big - Concepts for Twenty First Century British Sculpture. Introduction by Thomas Krens, Broadcaster and Creative Director for Sculpture at Goodwood. ISBN 09537794-3-2
Sculpture Magazine. Vol. 21. No 7. Published by International Sculpture Center. Scorched Earth. Review of Exhibition at Philadelphia Art Alliance. Philadelphia PA.
Roberta Fallon, "On Again, Off Again" Review of Scorched Earth at Philadelphia Art Alliance, Philadelphia Weekly
2001
Sculpture Magazine. Forum. Issue 8. Vol. 20 page 7. October 2001. ISSN 08989-728X Public Art Competitions in Sculpture Education. John Atkin in conversation with Carol Sterling ISC Officer.
Review. February 2001, Volume 3, No. 4. Published at 1427 W. Ninth St. Suite 203, Kansas City Missouri 64101. USA. John Atkin: The Made and the Unmade by Leesa Fanning. Review of solo exhibition at Sherry Leedy Contemporary Art, Kansas City
The Kansas City Star. Preview/Art. Friday January 19th. The Show. A Kinder, gentler side to British Art? Review of solo exhibition at Sherry Leedy Contemporary Art

2000
Marian McLellan, "Scorched Earth" Review of Scorched Earth Drawings at Sylvia Schmidt Gallery, New Orleans Art Review
Bookhardt, "On The Walls" Review of Scorched Earth Drawings at Sylvia Schmidt Gallery, Gambit Weekly, New Orleans
"Gt. Eastern Hotel" Review of commission work for Conran Hotel, London.
"The Gt. Eastern Look", The Sunday Times, London
Robert Smith, "Distant Voices", Davis Gallery, MA, Art New England

1999
C. Yannopoulos, "Say It With Feeling", Review of Abstraction 2 to 3, Cleveland State University Art Gallery, Ohio, Cleveland Scene
Maria Floyd, "Review of Abstraction 2 to 3", Cleveland Ohio
Steven Litt, "Abstraction is Alive and Well" Review of Abstraction 2 to 3, Plain Dealer Art Critic
"Cubist Assemblages" Review of Distant Voices, Grayson Gallery, Vermont, Rutland Daily Herald
"Out of the Crucible - An exhibition of bronze sculpture", catalogue, Loughborough University, China. ISBN978-7-5039-3608-1/J.979
Art and Architecture Journal. Number 66/67 Autumn 2008. ISSN 1360-3256. Page 85
BBC Articles. web sites available on request
"A Darlington sculptor is to have one of his artworks on show outside Beijing`s Olympic stadium."
BBC: Sculptor exhibits at Olympic site
British Council article. websites available on request
AXIS article. Web site available on request
Artists and Illustrator Journal. First out of the blocks by Carol Cordrey. Issue 265. Page 11-12 Sculpture. ISSN: 74851 64837

Public Works

Public Art

2017. Access to Justice: Public Artwork: McMurty Gardens of Justice: Toronto Canada
2017. Twister. Sandstone, 5m tall: Suide Int. Stone Carving Symposium.. Yulin: China
2017. Sundew: Large-scale stainless-steel public artwork and seating designs for Corby Borough Council
2017. Mechanomorphic Figure: large-scale bronze & stainless steel sculpture: Seoul. Korea
2016. Sacred Light (Working title) Design proposals for landmark sculpture: Suzhou Sports Centre: Suzhou: China
2015. The Silk Road: (Excellent Award) Production of large-scale stainless-steel sculpture: International Sculpture Exhibition, Fuzhou, China
2015. Concrete Innovation: Arts & Science collaboration: Design School, Loughborough University. The National Centre for Craft and Design, Sleaford: Lincolnshire
2014. Wheels of Time: Unlocking Stourport’s Heritage: Stourport: UK
Planning Suzhou: Expert Panel member: Suzhou: China (Inc. Laurent Le Bon (Pompidou Centre Paris) : Didier Schulman (Pompidou Centre Paris) : Jay A Levenson (MOMA NYC)
2014. Public Art Planning: Committee of Experts: including Laurent Le Bon (Pompidou Centre Paris) : Didier Schulman (Pompidou Centre Paris) : Jay A Levenson (MOMA NYC) Suzhou Centre: Suzhou: China
2013. Searchlight Beacons: London Southend Airport strategic link. Delivery phase
Powerhouse. Bull Inn Court. Site-specific artwork: Covent Garden, London
Wheels of Time: Urban regeneration & public art project: Phase 1: Wuxi: China
2012. Thames Gateway: London Southend Airport strategic link (design phase for landmark artwork, Searchlight Beacons)
The Tumblers. MTLE. Wuxi. China. http://www.china-asian.com/enmtle.htm
2011. The Road Not Taken. Ordos City. Ordos City International Sculpture Park. China
Arcs. 12th Changchun International Symposium: Speaker & Publication: Changchun: China
2010. Breaking Boundaries. Lead Artist. Kent County Council: Ashford, Kent. UK
http://www.johnatkin.net/ashford.php
The Clothier. Public Art commission: Friends of the New Walk: Leicester, UK
2009. Lead Artist-Kent County Council. Lead Artist. Kent County Council Notaroundabout Highways feature. Corten & stainless steel, Breccia paving
2008. Hard Bop. Public Art: Commissioned by Sculpturesite Gallery on behalf of LARAMAR Inc. Fillmore Plaza, San Francisco.
Strange Meeting. Marble and Granite: Commissioned by Beijing Municipal Council for Olympic Park: Beijing.
Public Art for Beijing Olympics - City Sculpture Proposals. Sculpture
Competition and exhibition: Beijing China. ISBN 7-5074-1794-8. The Organizing Committee of 2008 Olympic Landscape Sculpture Designs Contest.
Pluto. Corten and stainless steel: Two-part sculpture, commissioned by Wilson Bowden for the historic Phoenix Parkway site: CORUS, steel works: Corby
Lead Artist-Kent County Council. Member Champions Group
Shared-space Highway scheme: Collaboration, Jacobs (Highway Engineers) and
Whitelaw Turkington, (Landscape Architects), Ashford
2007. The Clicker. Bronze. Commissioned by The Friends of the New Walk
By Hook or by Crook: Public Art Commission: Corten steel and stainless-steel concrete, oak and slate: Wexford, Ireland Commissioned by Tesco Ireland. Collaboration with Murray & Associates: Landscape Architects; Johnstown Museum, Wexford Ireland.
Plumb Bob. Bronze: stainless steel. Goyne Adams Architects: PRC Architects:
Land Registry Building, Bedford Park, Croydon.
Lead Artist-Kent County Council. Member Champions Group.
Kingston Design Review Panel; Invited member. Royal Borough of K.O.T. London
Olympic Landscape Sculpture Designs Contest Exhibition; Exhibitions Venue:
Beijing Urban Planning Exhibition Centre; Group exhibition
2006. Pound Mill; redevelopment of historical location: “Meeting of the “Two Rivers”: Staines:
Breaking Boundaries. Lead Artist 2006 -2010: appointed by Kent County Council. Collaboration with Whitelaw Turkington (Landscape Architects) and Jacobs (Highway Engineers) on urban regeneration project in Ashford Kent
2005. NZ323135. Corten & stainless steel: Commissioned by Arts Council North on behalf of City & Northern (Developers) for Morton Palms Business Park, Teesside.
Bowes Moor. Wall-based sculpture. Systems Engineering Innovation Centre: Loughborough.
2004. Dal Fabrro’s Chariot: Corten & stainless-steel sculpture: Beetham Towers, Liverpool. Tate Liverpool’s audit of Public Sculpture, City of Culture 2008.
Sentinel. Corten & stainless steel. Invited Artist. Sculpture by the Sea. Sydney. Australia.
The Klansman. England Rep. Steel and glass sculpture: EMAAR. Burgh Dubai, Dubai, U.A.E
2003. The Signaler. Corten & stainless steel. 26 feet tall. Commissioned by Highland Metrobrook PLC. Collaboration with REID International (Architects) : John Rowan & Partners, for The Rushes Retail Park, East Midlands, UK.
The Navigator. Corten & stainless steel. 18 feet tall. Commissioned by Commissions East on behalf of Ipswich Borough Council, The River Action Group, Arts Council. Orwell Riverside Development. Ipswich
2001. Railway Rumble. 14-plaster relief sculptures. Gt. Eastern Hotel Lobby. London. UK

Teaching Experience
eader2002 - present day R in Fine Art School of the Arts Loughborough University 1998 - 2003 Programme Leader in Sculpture Loughborough University School of Art and Design
Public Acquisitions
2011. The Road Not Taken. Ordos City. Ordos City Sculpture Park. China The Tumblers. MTLE. Wuxi. China. http://www.china-asian.com/enmtle.htm 2010. Lead Artist-Kent County Council. Delivery of seating and bench designs The Clothier. Marble. New Walk, Leicester. 2009. Public Art and Urban Regeneration Lead Artist-Kent County Council. Notaroundabout roundabout feature. Corten and stainless steel, Breccia paving. Plaza and highway system. 2008. Hard Bop. Stainless steel and granite.. Commissioned by Sculpturesite Gallery on behalf of LARAMAR, Fillmore Plaza, San Francisco. Strange Meeting. Marble and Granite: Commissioned by Beijing Municipal Council for Olympic Park: Beijing. Pluto. Corten and stainless steel. Two-part sculpture, commissioned by Wilson Bowden for the historic Phoenix Parkway site: CORUS, steel works: Corby 2007 Public Art and Urban Regeneration The Clicker. Bronze. Commissioned by The Friends of the New Walk By Hook or by Crook. Public Art Commission.. Corten steel and stainless steel, concrete, oak and slate. Wexford, Ireland Commissioned by Tesco Ireland. Collaboration with Murray and Associates, Landscape Architects; Johnstown Museum, Wexford Ireland. Plumb Bob. Bronze, stainless steel. Goyne Adams Architects: PRC Architects: Land Registry Building, Bedford Park, Croydon. 2006 Pound Mill; redevelopment of historical location: "Meeting of the `Two Rivers`": Staines: Breaking Boundaries. Lead Artist 2006 -2010: appointed by Kent County Council. Collaboration with Whitelaw Turkington (Landscape Architects) and Jacobs (Highway Engineers) on urban regeneration project in Ashford Kent. Landing Gear. RBS, London. South Kensington, London. 2005. NZ323135. Corten and stainless steel. Commissioned by Arts Council North on behalf of City and Northern (Developers) for Morton Palms Business Park, Teesside. Bowes Moor. Wall-based sculpture. Systems Engineering Innovation Centre, Loughborough. Conferences 2004 Public Art and Urban Regeneration Dal Fabrro`s Chariot. Corten and stainless steel sculpture: Beetham Towers, Liverpool. Tate Liverpool`s audit of Public Sculpture, City of Culture 2008. Commissioned by Beetham Organisation: Aedus Architects LTD: Liverpool.
Symposiums
Conferences & Symposiums 2018. Curating in Action-Art as Social Practice. Keynote Speaker. China Academy of Art. 2016. Sculpture in Context – Tradition & Innovation: Lecture “Sundew and other work by John Atkin”: International Sculpture Center Conference, Pittsburgh USA. 2012. Intrigue, uncertainty and humour. Why work in an Integrated Design Team? Breaking Boundaries Seminar. Loughborough University 2011. The 3rd China Changchun World Sculpture Conference. China Blue Symphony. NanDaiHe International Sculpture Conference. China Technologies of Drawing. Sculpture Network. University of Huddersfield 2010. The 16th China Sculpture Forum. DIAOSU- National Sculpture Magazine of China: Sculpture & Communication: The Public in Art conference paper 2007. Landscape Institute Award. London. Urban Design & street furniture: Breaking Boundaries: Ashford: collaboration; Whitelaw Turkington, (Landscape Architects) Olympic Landscape Sculpture Designs Contest for 2008 Outstanding Award. The Organizing Committee of 2008 Olympic Landscape Sculpture Designs Contest. Beijing. China. 2005. The Great Artistic Metropolis: Oxford House, London. Landor: Architecture Journal Sculpture & Design: Symposium. Faculty of Arts & Architecture, University of Brighton: Plenary panel member and exhibitor. Supported by the Henry Moore Foundation. University of Brighton 2004. Sculpture within the Urban Environment. Keynote speaker. Art Gallery of NSW. Sydney Australia.

Categories

This artists work is found in the following categories on site:
Abstract Contemporary Modern Large Monumental Public Art sculpture statues statuary Abstract Contemporary Modern Outdoor Outside Garden / Yard Sculptures Statues statuary Abstract Modern Contemporary statues sculpture statuary Angular Jagged Abstract Modern Contemporary sculpture statuary Fabricated or Forged Metal Abstract sculpture Focal Point Abstract Contemporary Modern sculpture statue Garden Or Yard / Outside and Outdoor Sculptures Minimalist Understated Abstract Contemporary Sculpture statuary statuettes Modern Abstract Contemporary Avant Garde Sculptures or Statues or statuettes or statuary Monumental Contemporary Abstract Modern sculptures Carved Abstract Contemporary Modern sculpture statue carving Columnar Pillar Upright Vertical Stele Abstract Contemorary Modern sculpture statue statuary Commemoratives and Memorials Sculptures Commission and Custom and Bespoke sculpture Statues Public Art Sculpture Uncatagorized Abstract Contemporary Modern Civic Urban sculpture statue statuary Conceptual Art Sculptures statues often Large or Monumental Abstract Art Monumental Sculptures Corporate Sculptures Stainless Steel Abstract Contemporary Modern Sculpture Abstract Water Droplets Sculpture Sataues Contemplative, Restful, Thougtful Sculptures Gleaming Shiny Highly Polished Stainless Steel and Precious Metals sculpture Light and Sound sculpture Military, Soldiers, Sailors, Marines Airmen and Military Equipment Repetitive Form/Shape Abstract sculptures/statues Spiral Twisted sculpture/statue/carving Peace sculptures or statues or statuettes Musician and Musical Sculptures

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