Last month was a whirlwind! I loved the energy of juggling seven projects simultaneously, but I’m now glad to be spending more time in the studio, taking a breath and rebooting.
My work featured in three exhibitions as part of Somerset Art Weeks Festival.
Flags of the Forest, Beyond Horizons. Photo Russel Sach
My installation, Flags of the Forest, was apparently the most controversial piece in Beyond Horizons at Stoberry Park Gardens, overlooking Wells Cathedral and Glastonbury Tor! I’ve enjoyed working with hosts Frances and Tim, meeting fellow artists and, above all, talking with visitors about the work.
Responses varied widely. One man described the flags as ‘washing on a line’, while others found a deeper, more personal connection. One particularly moving encounter was with a woman from Northern India, who told me how the flags reminded her of women’s lives there: the ceaseless labour of making, washing and mending, hands always busy, with so much effort for so little in return.
Her words brought into focus a profound depth to the worn, eco-dyed fabrics, ragged edges and visible patches. What might seem raw or unruly to some could speak to others of women’s labour, endurance and the quiet dignity of making do. A powerful reminder that art can speak to the soul, and holds different meanings for each of us, depending on our experiences..
Of Bones, Giulia Tofana
Of Bones featured in Giulia Tofana, a mesmerising expanded operatic performance, developed through open rehearsals and experimentation at Brompton Chapel, London, alongside artwork by Anousha Payne. Produced by Ushara Dilrukson and Anousha, the performance was part of London Design Festival.
I loved watching the dancers and musicians navigate around and through the sculpture. Of Bones became part of the performance, taking on a new life and revealing fresh interpretations.
Holy Island panel in the making, as part of The Gleaning, at Lindisfarne Festival. Co-created with the community, and our team: Gill Sakakini, Polly Hall, Rosalind Teesdale-Ives & me.
At the end of September, I travelled to Holy Island with The Gleaning team, where we installed our textile and paper hangings. We worked with the local community and visitors from across the globe to create a new site specific panel, now left there as a legacy of the project.
I’m still thinking about the huge skies, lapping tides, migratory birds and, best of all, the grey seals, whose extraordinary wailing filled the air day and night. I was also inspired by the many verticals jutting out of water - pilgrim poles, staithes, and refuge shelters on stilts.
Back in the studio - maquette in progress for a new stilt structure, using found and discarded materials.
I’m compiling a list of available works for the Christmas season. If you’d like to receive an affordable works list, please email me at fionacampbell-art@sky.com.
I also have two sculpture courses available: an online course starting in January and a self-directed course, both excellent value.
Gift vouchers will be available too, and I’d be happy to discuss bespoke options. Do get in touch!