Doctor Mark Sowden

Mark supports staff and students using the Plaster, Casting, Ceramic and Metal workshop. He demonstrates materials and processes that are used to make models, sculpture and other three dimensional work. Mark is also responsible for maintaining the workshop so it is a safe environment to work in.

Mark first trained as a sculptor in the 1980s at North East London Polytechnic and then at Manchester Polytechnic for his M.A. Since 1990 he has worked at University of East London as a Technical Demonstrator managing a casting and fabrication workshop.

In 2014 Mark completed a Professional Doctorate at University of East London. It was during this time of study that he began working with digital photography.

Mark has shown in many group exhibitions in London and has opened his studio for the last nine years as part of the E17 Art Trail. He has also shown in Berlin at the Emmerson Gallery and completed a residency at Artoll, Bedberg Hau, Germany.

Mark Sowden

Selected Exhibitions

2015                    Things that are there. Pie Factory. Margate

2014                     Possible Object. Professional Doctorate Exhibition, University of East London, Docklands Campus.

2013                     After Image. 8th Summer Festival of International Art, Emerson Gallery. Berlin.

2012                     Directional Forces. Residency and exhibition at Artoll, Bedburg Hau. Germany

2006 -2016           E.17 Open studios, Walthamstow,London

           

Employment

1990-2016            Technical Demonstrator at University of East London managing a casting and metal fabrication workshop

Education

2009-2014             Professional Doctorate in Fine Art at University of East London

1984-1985             M.A. Fine Art Manchester Polytechnic

1981-1984             B.A. Fine Art North East London Polytechnic

Mark continues his practice as an artist and this informs his interest in the found object, the relation between the object and photography. Mudlarking on the River Thames has deepened an interest in the curation and interpretation of archeological fragments. Sculptural and mudlarking experience combine to form a deeper understanding of objects and the landscape through an understanding of materiality and process.

Further information about Mark’s practice as an artist can be found by visiting his website.