Autumn News

4 photos above by Andy Ladhams

Mycelial Landscape, botanical inks (oak gall, avocado pit, onion skin, buddleia flower) on paper

Open Studio

The past month has been largely dedicated to preparing for my Open Studio event, (part of Somerset Open Studios), and welcoming visitors in the opening week. Thanks to Nigel Evans and Jason Nosworthy for their help with the install of some of my work. There’s quite a lot to see, both inside and out.

I’ve so enjoyed having relaxed conversations with visitors of all ages, some from out of county, a few from abroad. I’ve been struck by emotional, visceral responses to my work: sadness, joy, empathy, discomfort, appreciation, recalled memories, and references to other artists’ work, for which I’m grateful. It’s been a great opportunity to see my work from different viewpoints, through visitors’ perceptions and my own, enhanced by various weathers and times of day. See some of the visitors’ comments below.

There is one more week left, so if you haven’t visited, please do if you can. My studio and garden are open to visitors daily until 1 October, 10-5 at SAW Venue 12, Laundry Cottage, Cranmore, nr Shepton Mallet BA4 4RH.  Follow the yellow signs!

Upcoming exhibitions and residencies

I’m thrilled to have been selected for a PADA residency next year in Portugal - more info to follow!

Delighted my piece ‘Roots’ has been selected for ACEarts Open ’23, Somerton, 14 Oct-11 Nov, 10-5 Tues-Sat.

Roots, reclaimed materials: wire, sisal, plant fibres, twine, cotton, 64 (h) x 47 x 35cms

I will also be taking part in Hatch, at a Secret Barn Exhibition, 27 Oct-12 Nov, 11-4 Fri-Sun.

My work is currently on show at Stone Lane Gardens Sculpture Exhibition 2023, Chagford, Devon, 1 June-31 Oct.

I ran a couple of eco sculpture workshops with scholars at Millfield School using recycled and found materials, related to the school’s current art and climate change theme. I loved the varied, imaginative processes and outcomes.

I’ve been making a set of copper bowls for Core by Clare Smyth. The 3 Michelin star restaurant in London, currently under refurbishment, has an emphasis on natural, sustainable food. Thanks to East Somerset Railway for use of their benchspace.

I will soon be teaching some Love2Learn Art courses at Bath College - Sculpture (Tues eves, Wed daytime, Life Drawing (Thurs) and Painting (Thurs eves), starting in the week of 9 October. If of interest, do get in touch.

Hope you get to some of these events and wishing you a happy autumn!

Flags, Crowns, Costumes, Giants

Flags of the Forest in progress

I hope you’ve been enjoying the May bank holidays (with extra coronation one for those of us in UK). I spent it with friends in North Cornwall (see pics at end). Flags, Crowns, Costumes and Giants have been recurring themes lately…

I’m working on my Flags of the Forest series - eco-flag pieces inspired by woodlands.   Some have different qulities/themes and hoping they’ll speak to each other.  I’ve used labour-intensive methods such as hand-stitching, weaving, and hand-made eco dyes to celebrate biodiversity, hopeful of nature being more cared for, and thriving. Placed in the landscape near Tremenheere’s woodland, and reflected in a water feature, the flags become way markers. The concept was inspired by Ursula Le Guin’s book title ‘The Word for World is Forest’. Woods and forests provide vital ecosystems - crucial to our survival.

The work’s being developed for Wander_Land. Follow our weekly instagram @wanderland2023 artist takeovers by Royal Society of Sculptors members leading up to our exhibition at Tremenheere Sculpture Garden and Gallery, 1 July - 5 August, (PV 30 June 6-8pm). 

I’m involved in an ACE funded project to create a processional giant puppet ‘Sovereign Nature’ via Spoken World, for upcoming Somerset festivals in June/July.  ‘Built by a professional giant maker Jem Dick, Sovereign Nature’s costume will be created with textile artist Fiona Campbell, project director/storyteller Sharon Jacksties and community groups. ‘ I’m creating parts of the costume using recycled/found materials.  Currently working on the oak copse crown/headdress comprising handmade leaves, and eco-dyed fabric.  We are holding several community workshops.  These start in May - one at Create@#8, (8 Town Street, Shepton Mallet BA4 5BG) on Tuesday 23 May, 6-8pm, run by me and project leader/storyteller Sharon Jacksties.  This free community workshop is to help make a large recycled fabric river train.  The making process will include storytelling and sharing stories about Nature - reviving the age-old practice of telling/listening whilst making.  The more hand-stitchers the merrier, so do join us!  We’ll also be doing some drawings of Somerset's endangered creatures on fabric for the giant’s dress sleeves   Book: eventbrite

Listen to a BBC radio chat about the project (3:16-3:36)

Sovereign Nature Events: 10/6 Taunton Green Fair, Castle Green, Museum of Somerset, Taunton; 11/6 The Green Scythe Fair, Thorney Lakes; 15-16/7 Pitchfolk Festival, Sedgemoor. Plus various residential care homes..

I led a flower-crown workshop for Jack in the Green via The Old Stores Studio on May 1. High Wire Mystic Chris Bullzini was the master of ceremony, always a pleasure to witness. The cloak he wears was made last time by me and the community.

I also made a crown for my local village church (St. Bart’s) for the coronation, and installed the work with Gill Sakakini.

Yesterday I installed my piece House on Fire at Stone Lane Gardens for Stone Lane Sculpture Exhibition, part of the Ashburner Prize. It opens 1 June and runs throughout the summer. The theme is ‘Sense of Place’. Thanks to Jason Nosworthy for his help with the install!

House on Fire, reclaimed materials: found wood, wire, steel, twine, fabric, plastic..

Other news:

Honoured to have been invited to join the board as a Trustee at Somerset Art Works. I was a Rep ’13-’19.

A few sketches done on my mini break in North Cornwall. We did some gorgeous coastal walks around Rock, The Rumps, Padstow, and Daymer Bay.

Pics below include a heart-making workshop I ran for a Community Spirit giant - to be installed in Shepton Mallet this summer; prepping work for Flags of the Forest; and London exhibitions (Mike Nelson at Hayward & Souls Grown Deep.. at RA)

Many Happenings

So much happened in April, it flew by and we’re now a third through May!

Materiality

In late April I showed my work in Materiality, an exhibition at Walcot Chapel, Bath, alongside Kate McDonnell, Kelly O’ Brien and Nicola Turner. It focused on the importance of materials through contemporary sculpture and installation.  There was real synergy between the works.  The exhibition ended last Sunday after an incredible week. We were thrilled by so many visitors, and had fun interacting at our various events. Clare Whistler intrigued audiences with her sensitive performative responses to our artwork. Her movement activated the space, and her poetic interpretations of our use of materials offered wonderful insights. 

Snakes and Ladders II, 2022, Materiality

Materiality. Of Bones in foreground

Materiality, Walcot Chapel, Bath. Photo by Kate McDonnell

Of Bones (detail). Photo by David Bird

Materiality, Walcot Chapel, Bath. Photo by Kate McDonnell

As part of our events I ran a sculpture workshop. I loved seeing how intergenerational participants explored the materials in a different way.  Our Materiality Salon involved a candlelit dinner one evening, surrounded by the installations. We had great food, service and conversations around materiality. The evening closed by reflecting on the etymology of materiality - mater (mother). On the last day we held our Artist Talks with Q&A.

Photo credits above: 3 Lou Baker; 4 Juliet Duckworth; 6 Kate McDonnell; 11, 14 Nicola Turner; 15 Rebecca Newnham; 20 David Bird

‘I think this is probably the best exhibition I have seen in this space with the work of all 4 artists making the most of this beautiful building.’ (Anya Beaumont)

‘Spectacularly meaningful and nourishing work… a really inspiring and informative show, fascinating talks, beautiful performance and great workshop! I thoroughly enjoyed immersing myself in sustainability and materiality for the day…. Being with the work and working in the space with you was such a tonic and pivotal to my own practice’ (Karen Goonewardene).

Thanks to everyone who made it to the show and participated! 

Pyre is back from the International Bienale, Taiwan. This film (made by me and my son Jack Robson) gives some insights into the work.

I’ve been enjoying the ritual of stitch in my latest projects. My multi-form piece 'Martyrdom of the Ten Thousand’ (inspired by the pangolin plight) is in the final throes of its making. It will be part of an exhibition Together We Rise at Chichester Cathedral with Royal Society of Sculptors members, 27June-6 September, curated by Jacquiline Creswell. PV 1 July, 6.30pm. Would love to see you there!

I’m beginning to focus more on my next project The Gleaning, which I’m co-curating with Gill Sakakini. It’s a community arts project of immersive textiles installations, celebrating diversity. Large-scale translucent artworks will be suspended in front of clear glass windows in Shepton Mallet’s beautiful church.  Stories will reflect different styles and cultures using recycled and found materials, all made with the community. The final exhibition will be part of Somerset Art Weeks Festival (themed ‘Sanctuary’), 24 September to 9 October ’22. Preparations are in progress for our first workshop at Collett Park Day, Shepton Mallet, on 11 June. As the title suggests, this involves a lot of gathering - of ideas, materials, and people. It’s been fun working with Gill, compiling unwanted sheer fabric, used teabags, tie dyeing with indigo, oak galls and other plant inks, printing samples, collaging, and stitching. We’re seeking funding, so if you can help please let me know!

Prepping for workshops for The Gleaning, with Gill Sakakini

Workshops:

On Earth Day (22 April ) I ran a Greening the Arts workshop via Somerset Art Works, funded by SSL at Somerset Earth Science Centre. Participants used a range of 2d/3d found/recycled materials and objects, including home-made plant inks, made drawing tools from found debris eg feathers and grasses, experimented with processes and combinations, in between discussions about sustainability and the climate crisis.  Everyone made drawings, translucent fibre collages, and small sculptures.  As part of it I compiled a Greening arts Resource list, which will be live on the SAW website.

Greening Arts Workshop

Circle of Life was a project I worked on via SPAEDA, involving Churchstanton Primary schoolchildren making headdresses, masks and costumes using recycled and found materials, inspired by the Lion King production, African art and ecology. These came together in a final story/dance performance in early April. Covid affected the project as several of us went down with it, but still very pleased with results!

Photos (above, bottom row) by: 1, 2,3 Jenna Creasy, SPAEDA; 4 Steve Richardson, Somerset County Gazette

Below: colourful outcomes from a Birthday Party wire workshop I ran

In my voluntary role on the Black Swan Arts Programming Group, I helped Simon Hitchens curate his exhibition Beyond Body (Long Gallery).  The work explores the notion that there is the possibility of a state of being, sentient or otherwise, that is post-human.  His talk will be on 19 May 6.30-7.30pm.

Alongside, I’m showing Verticals in Black Swan’s Round Tower as part of Celebration, an exhibition which celebrates the people behind BSA’s community arts centre.  If you’re in Frome, do visit.

I did an Instagram Takeover for the Ingram Collection last week. Head over to their page to spot my posts.

Just spent a weekend in Devon and Cornwall, including a site-visit to Tremenheere Sculpture Gardens, wonderful tour by owner Neil Armstrong and picnic with Royal Society of Sculptors members.  It’s staggeringly beautiful, with lush tropical architectural plants, magnificent trees, many used to embrace or support the installations by sculptors including David Nash, Richard Long, Kishio Suga, James Turrell and fellow RSS member Seamus Moran.  We’re planning a group show there in 2023 - exciting!

See my instagram page for regular updates.  And do visit my shop for drawings, cards, gifts and more…


Thanks for reading this bumper blog, and hope to see you at a future event!

Fiona x

Materiality, Greening the Arts and more

Snakes and Ladders (detail). Photo (above) by Dominic Weston. Photo (left) by Geoff Dunlop

I’ve been working on several projects in schools along with prep for forthcoming exhibitions and new art projects. And pleased to have just recovered from my first bout of covid!

Materiality

I’m excited to be exhibiting with 3 other women artists whose work I admire. We met during our MAs at Bath Spa Uni.  The exhibition has been a long time coming, with cancellations due to lockdown etc…

Materiality (27 April - 1 May) is the first show at Walcot Chapel, Bath since it closed for lockdown 2020.  It features 4 women artists: Fiona Campbell, Kelly O’Brien, Kate McDonnell and Nicola Turner, and celebrates the importance of materials through contemporary sculpture and installation art. Large-scale objects and interventions will interact with the architecture of the Chapel.  We are each driven by our materials and engaged with sustainability in our practices. The exhibition runs  27 April - 1 May, 12-6pm daily at Walcot Chapel, Walcot St, Bath BA1 5UG. Private View Tuesday, 26 April, 6-8pm

Special Events: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/materiality-tickets-295143270467

Salon, Thursday 28 April, 7-10pm.  Join us in the candlelit Walcot Chapel to eat, drink and share thoughts on materiality, facilitated by Professor Alf Coles. Tickets: £10.

Sculpture Workshop with me, Sunday 1 May, 11am-1pm.  Focusing on flora and fauna, you will be creating a sculpture using recycled and found materials. For ages 10+ to adult. Tickets: £12.

Artist Talks, Sunday 1 May, 2.30-3.30pm. An informal, in depth look at the works and our practices.  Clare Whistler will be performing her work reflecting on the exhibition. Tickets: FREE!

Numbers are limited so book your place now! Hope to see you there:-)

SAW Greening Art Workshop: 

I’m leading a FREE workshop specifically for Somerset Art Works members, 22nd April (Earth Day), 10am-12.30pm, Somerset Earth Science Centre, Moons Hill Quarry, Stoke St Michael, Radstock, Somerset BA3 5JU. Parking on site, free teas/coffees.

The workshop will investigate artists’ environmental responsibilities, looking at key concepts of Climate Change and the role of the arts: how we can make our practice more sustainable. There will be a presentation, discussion and practical workshop covering a range of 2d and 3d activities using homemade, recycled and found materials.  You’ll be able to create something to take away, and have permanent access to an online resource pack full of relevant information around Greening the Arts. Funded by Somerset Skills & Learning.

It’s free of charge, but £15 deposit is required to secure your place. Full-refund after you attend the event. Book:  https://somersetartworks.org.uk/2022/03/saw-greening-art-project/ Do join me if you’re a SAW member!

International Biennale ‘Transfiguration' NCTRI, Taiwan

It’s the last couple of weeks of my exhibition in Taiwan, 12 Nov-12 April ’22.  I received 2 beautiful exhibition catalogues - see below and here. A short film about my work for the exhibition will be broadcast soon..

I’m still working on ‘Martyrdom of the Ten Thousand', inspired by the plight of pangolins, trafficked and slaughtered in thousands. The installation will be part of an exhibition Together We Rise at Chichester Cathedral with Royal Society of Sculptors members, 27June-6 September, curated by Jacquiline Creswell.

Here’s a film clip about the work:

Circle of Life

Circle of Life is a school project I’m involved in via SPAEDA. I’m working with primary schoolchildren making headdresses, masks and costumes using recycled and found materials, inspired by the Lion King production, African art and ecology. These will come together in a final story/dance performance later this week.

I’m taking part in the Artists for Ukraine exhibition and silent auction, at Black Swan Arts, Frome between 1 - 24 April. Do visit and bid!

New Beginnings, donated to Artists For Ukraine

Delighted to be featured on Art From the Heart winners in March: https://www.artfromheart.co.uk/post/artists-of-the-month-winners-march-2022

Do support by visiting and purchasing from my shop.

I hope to see you at one or more of these events, and in the meantime, warm wishes to you!

Spring Blog

Martydom of the Ten Thousand (detail), work in progress. Photo by Martyn Sheppard

I invited Martyn Sheppard for a studio visit recently to document my pangolin-inspired installation, in progress.  The work will be part of a group exhibition Together We Rise with RSS members at Chichester Cathedral, 27 June-6 Sept, curated by Jacquiline Creswell.

Martydom of the Ten Thousand is inspired by the plight of pangolins, trafficked and slaughtered in thousands. Multiple forms will suspend, rising and pouring. Stifled, vulnerable, ghostly, they suggest pain, loss, death, but also resurrection. There is hope in their elevation. I’m using recycled materials that are wrapped, hand-sewn, tie-dyed with home-made plant inks, and waxed over woven structures. Stitch by stitch, the labour-intensive process speaks of care and repair.

Not only are Pangolins the most trafficked mammal in the world for their scales and meat, but they are also being killed through mis-understanding about their behaviour and ecology. Pangolins are ‘the politest of all wildlife species!’ (SWARA magazine). Pangolins are gentle and shy, they roll into a ball when under threat, and only eat ants and termites, but many people fear them. Awareness and education about them is vital for their survival, along with farming practices that promote healthy soils - non-toxic to insects - to support bio-diversity. There is no evidence that the keratin in their scales have any medicinal value.

I’m excited to be working with SPAEDA (Alice Crane) again for Circle of Life, a project at Churchstanton Primary, inspired by the Lion King production, which the whole school will be visiting. We will be making collaborative costumes/headdresses, and there will be dance and music. 

I’m also delighted to have been selected as a creative practitioner for Lifebeat's Art in Somerset Schools project later this month, with an arts and wellbeing focus.

Giant Snowdrops, Collett Park, Shepton Mallet, Snowdrop Festival

Last month my giant Snowdrop sculptures were installed for a week at the entrance to Collett Park, Shepton Mallet for the Snowdrop Festival. Thanks to Shepton Snowdrops for the commission, Gill and Steve Sakakini for helping me install them, and Jack Robson and Euan Wilmot for helping with the de-install.

I used recycled plastic, fabric, copper and steel for the 3 giant structures, addressing environmental issues of waste, over-consumption, and our plastic oceans.  

During the storms the wind and branches lashed against the bud, causing a bit of damage. But they survived fairly well and shone in sunlight.

As part of the snowdrop festival, I ran a workshop at the Art Bank with some amazing results from participants - most who’d never tried wirework before.
I was thrilled with responses to my sculptures in Gill Sakakini’s‘s Drawing On community drawing session. Gill introduced Georgia O ‘Keeffe to the group, so drawings were influenced by her work (and mine).

It was a pleasure to share my practice in an online talk with students at Art Academy London. I chatted about the trajectory of my art career to date - particularly residencies - and how they’ve impacted ongoing work.

Workshops coming up include one focusing on Greening the Arts via Somerset Art Works.  I’m looking into taking key steps to move my practice forwards in terms of sustainability, and in relation to Postgrowth and Degrowth. More news on this soon.

I visited Louise Bourgeois: The Woven Child at the Hayward Gallery recently and loved it! I spent a long time at the exhibition looking, thinking and sketching. Bourgeois’ juxtaposition of soft and hard materials and her tactile marks of making - particularly stitch, are so expressive of vulnerability, anger, pain. I was interested in her use of the needle as metaphor - sometimes gigantic.  And works that captured a pregnant pause:

I’ve always had a fascination with the needle… used to repair the damage… it is never aggressive (Bourgeois). 

My work is currently on exhibition at International Biennale, Paper Fiber Art 2021/22, Change: NTCRI, Nantou 54246, Taiwan; 12 Nov-10 April ’22.

Keep in touch with me via social media: 

Instagram @fionacampbellartist

Facebook @fionasculpture

Twitter @fionasculpture

Finally, as a valued follower, I’m offering you a special Spring discount of 10% off any item in my shop.  Use code FISPRING22 at checkout to claim your discount. Hurry - it expires on 31st March 2022!