FRASER SCARFE

Lincoln Cathedral

Lincoln Cathedral is one of Europes finest medieval buildings. The Cathedral towers above Lincoln and dominates the Lincolnshire landscape, being visible for many miles in all directions.

Early in 2008 Fraser Scarfe was awared the title of artist in residence at the Cathedral, this residency will run until August 2009. After moving his studio to Lincoln in 2007 Fraser was keen to find a challenge that would connect him with the histury and culture of the city and says:

"I feel that in Lincolnshire the presence of the Cathedral is un-avoidable. On a first level, leaving aside the religious importance and associations of the building, the sheer architectural beauty and scale of the Cathedral cannot help but engage with all people in a basic visual sense. The position of the Cathedral overlooking the county cements its status as a truly iconic building.

Then of course the huge importance of the Cathedral as a religious icon comes into play, as well as its important role within the community.

In creating art work associated with the Cathedral I would be very keen to look at the function the Cathedral plays within the city and from an artistic point of view the visual presence/symbolism of the Cathedral in relation to both the urban development of the city and the surrounding landscape. I think it is important to look at not just the bricks and mortar of the building but what it symbolises and what it means to members of the community, ultimately asking the question ‘What is a Cathedral for?’ and ‘What is its role in the current community?’ "

After being awarded the title, Fraser moved his studio into the Cathedral itself, setting up in the Tri - forium, a secluded area about 100ft up looking down over St Hughs choir. During his residency Fraser is keen to involve members of the community in his artwork and two ideas formed involve creating community art projects in the Spring, including a project which aims to bring together 2,500 small drawings of the cathedral completed by members of the public of all ages and levels of experience which will be mounted to create one huge image of the cathedral. Additionally, Fraser hopes that in the summer the public will join him in creating one huge piece of artwork with an enormous canvas divided into hundreds of small panels, on which members of the public can work.

"I am always fascinated by other peoples approach to drawing and painting and feel these projects would be hugely exiting from a visual point of view and would help promote art within the county. I also feel the projects would help people to look at the Cathedral with fresh eyes and reflect upon what the Cathedral means both to them personally and to the community as a whole. "

Following these projects, Fraser’s 2009 exhibition will begin in July, whereupon he will display over 30 drawings taken from his artistic study of the Cathedral, plus around 10 larger, more traditional canvases, and 20 looser preparatory studies, many of which make use of the diffused light which floods the cathedral from its soaring panes creating breathtaking highlights and deep, rich shadows.

For more information on Fraser's residency check the News page or visit www.lincolncathedral.com

Fraser Scarfe

'Cathedral'

Exhibition

 July 3rd - August 1st 2009