Ann Kopka, Jennifer Weston, Laurence Morgan, Trevor Coopersmith - Art of Caring 2020

Welcome to the Art of Caring 2020. Today we introduce the work of 4 artists who have contributed work to this year's exhibition.... Ann Kopka, Jennifer Weston, Laurence Morgan, Trevor Coopersmith. The Art of Caring is an annual inclusive international art exhibition celebrating Nurses, Midwives, Carers, and the NHS. Thank you to the School of Nursing at Kingston University for their support.

Trevor Coopersmith
"Nurses play a vital role in my life as a past social worker and special education instructional assistant. They are the backbone of healthcare and do the dirty work behind the scenes! Thank you for all your support keeping everyone safe and healthy during uncertain times."

Trevor Coopersmith is a multidisciplinary artist specializing in spray paint and oil pastels. Recently, Trevor got accepted to the University of London, Goldsmiths to complete his MFA but is currently residing in southern California where surfing, skateboarding, and the great outdoors serves as his muse and inspiration. Trevor also emphasizes social engagement within his artistic practice and started the Urban Art Scholarship to help young artists in need.
For more information please check out www.UrbanArtScholarship.com 

Ann Kopka
"I thank all nurses and carers for their amazing dedication, attention and kindness as they care for us in our most anxious and vulnerable times. I have been on the receiving end of their care and expertise on numerous occasions and I cannot praise them enough."

Ann Kopka is a visual artist and curator. She has exhibited in London, the UK, Denmark, Germany, Italy and the USA and her work is held in private collections in the UK, France, Spain, USA and Australia.
Ann studied Fine Art at Central St Martins College of Art and Design and The City Lit, and Museum Curating at The Tate Modern. She studied The Practices and Debates of Modern Art at the Open University and graduated with a First Class Honours Degree.
Ann is a volunteer project co-ordinator at the Heath Robinson Museum London where she is involved with organising and curating temporary exhibitions. Ann is a member of The Free Painters and Sculptors, an Independent artists’ co-operative and charity.
https://artcontemporary.co.uk/

Jennifer Weston
"Working in a caring profession is a calling and so many wonderful people fulfil these roles with courage, fortitude and love. Big respect and thanks to these individuals who provide a vital service especially in these difficult times. Many of us would not be alive without your care and support."

I am a multi-disciplinary artist currently using photography, print-making, object making, writing; and historically using performance and video.
I am drawn to creating both beautiful objects and radical disruption.
I create jewellery from gemstones and found objects; wearable aesthetic heirlooms.
However, much of my current exhibition work is women centric and also explores much darker political comment about gender-based violence and misogyny. I create as my awareness evolves within my experiences of seeing, hearing and feelings about living within a toxic patriarchal culture.
https://jennniferwestonuk.com/
Instagram @JenniferWestonUK
Twitter @Jennifer Weston UK ART
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/jenniferwestonUK/

Laurence Morgan
"During my life nurses and the medical profession have been a big part of my life, most notable would be my car accident, intensive care and ward staff, but ever since with physiotherapy, speech and language therapy, the neuroscientists I’ve seen, occupational therapy, plastic surgery teams, foot and leg specialties. Though-out I’ve received the best possible care and owe a debt of gratitude I can never repay. Then there’s the Cancer specialists who cared for mum for many years and gave us longer with our mum. The compassion, the extra miles gone to. I am in awe of the system that provides for all."

My journey with art started as a child, going through to my teens with Pottery classes. It consisted less of wheel work but more so free play and within the small group it felt very much like I was adventuring. In 1996 aged twelve I acquired a traumatic brain injury which still impacts me greatly. The focus in recovery was very much learning to use every muscle in my body and communication - initially without speech. I had to learn to solely use my non-dominant hand and arm.

Art was farthest from my mind in my mid twenties when I attended an art group. I needed interaction and to get out of the house. Owing, I believe, to the precision and concentration involved in merely holding a pencil and then marking paper my art quickly progressed and it became ""stylised"" by my difficulty presented from the quickly fatigued control of my hand and arm. For example creating obstacles to drawing solid lines.
I am untrained, and uncertain of what I intend when I start the process but I will find beauty, or gain intrigue with all my muses. An expression, a pose, an aura! I find beauty in life and people fascinate me. Everyone has a beauty and I love it if I can capture an emotion or wonderful thought.
https://laurencemorganart.bigcartel.com/