Stilt Structure II, found, discarded, recycled materials, 2024
An unexpected mishap in my studio/outbuilding knocked me back last week. A blocked manhole backed up into my studio loo, flooding the floors with foul sewage water. I managed to sort it with help from a friend, but it has taken me a week to clean up and salvage most things of value. A bit traumatic!
The up side is that it gave me a chance to reduce excess crap (‘scuse pun), now cleaner than ever! Sometimes it takes a setback to appreciate what we have. Today, as I write this, it is winter solstice - marking a turning point where darkness reaches its peak and the light slowly begins to return. Here’s to lighter days!
Good news - I’m thrilled that Stilt Structure II has been shortlisted for The John Ruskin Prize! Thanks to judges Julian Wild, Victoria Pomery, Neal Shasore, Mary Evans, and Nichola Johnson.
My Stilt Structures refer to fragile dwellings existing on the edges of safety, raised high on make-do scaffolding to avoid floods and other threats. Labour-intensive processes showing the hand of maker, and a truth to materials are key in this work. Fabric remnants, collected over time, have been slowly, lovingly hand-stitched into patchwork layers, built onto an intentionally precarious structure. I harvested local plants to dye fabric remnants. Bound, wrapped and hand-stitched, the bundles carry politics of textiles. Somali nomads carry their homes - elaborate bundles - on overladen camels (symbols of adaptability, endurance, trade routes). Growing up in Kenya, I have vivid memories of elderly African women walking many miles home bent over with heavy loads piled high on their backs. The work is about adaptability and resilience. Given my recent flood, it seems apt.
The John Ruskin Prize showcases talent in all media, encouraging interdisciplinary works responding to this year’s theme, Patience in Looking, Truth in Making. Out of almost 4,000 entries, 91 artworks by 82 creatives have been shortlisted. The exhibition runs from 29 January to 21 February ‘26 at Trinity Buoy Wharf, London E14 0JW. The exhibition will be open Wednesday-Sunday each week, 11-5pm weekdays, 10-5pm weekends, free entry.
Last chance to take advantage of my Christmas Discount offer - 10% off all physical products in my shop until midnight 31 December. Use code: CHR1STMA5SPIRIT. Final Christmas gift ideas: I offer bespoke workshops, gift cards, online sculpture courses, and more.
I’m so thankful to my friends, relatives, colleagues, galleries, collectors, curators, arts organisations, visitors, and supporters. The assistance and encouragement has been invaluable.
Wishing you a fabulous Christmas, happy holidays and a fulfilling creative year ahead!