Work in progress. Photo by Richard Tomlinson
I’ve been working in the Zig Zag building, Glastonbury, constructing some of my stilt structures for As Old as the Hills, a project I’m co-curating with Jan Ollis.
I’m interested in placing art in unusual spaces that bring their own atmosphere. The Zig Zag is unique; an iconic example of Bauhaus architecture, light floods in through long banks of windows which span both lengths of the building. I’m thrilled to be using it as a residency and exhibition space, collaborating with such a great selection of artists, and community.
My series of Stilt Structures imply precarity, adaptability and resilience; treading the earth lightly. Stilt dwellings, built to avoid floods, exist on edges of safety around the world; precarious, fragile structures in unstable environments that might collapse. Somali nomads carry their homes - elaborate bundles - on overladen camels (symbols of adaptability, endurance, trade routes). The Landes stilt-walkers of 19thC adapted to their marshy environment. The work also refers to the ancient timber Sweet Track built 3800BC, Avalon Marshes. The walkway, constructed on diagonal sticks, was a way for humans to traverse boggy marshland, once submerged under sea.
My work responds to the Zig Zag building: its history as Morlands sheepskin/leather factory, the verticals/horizontals of its Bauhaus architecture and Bauhaus textiles. I’ve sourced materials from marshes, rivers and beaches, and harvested local plants to dye fabric remnants. Bound, wrapped and hand-stitched, the bundles carry politics of textiles: history of trade, colonisation, mass production, and wasteful fashion industry. In our increasingly unstable climate of floods, famine, extinctions, gyres of waste escalating in the name of ‘progress’, my hybrids - part vessel, house, creature - are past and future imaginings.
Thanks to my neighbour Roger Spear who has been a great help to me with constructing and installing, and Chris Black (Zig Zag) for all his support. Also to Nigel Evans and others who have dropped by to give a hand.
I’m really thrilled and so grateful to have been awarded a Curator Space Artist Bursary to support the development of my new work for As Old as the Hills.
You are welcome to attend our Exhibition Launch on Saturday 21st September, 10 - 5. After party from 5pm
The project and preparations for our Exhibition Launch are going well. Artists are now working on the final stages of work in residencies at the Zig Zag. One of our artists, Cat Robertson, has been staying with me, and it has been inspiring working and getting to know her. Our Launch opens at 10am with events happening throughout the day, starting with the opening by the Mayor of Glastonbury, a dance response to the work at by Katherine Ashworth and Melanie Thompson 11am , followed by a comedic performance by Di Milstein 11.30am, then a talk 2.30pm by Damon Bridge (RSPB/project partner). Or do come to the exhibition any day 10-5 between 21 Sept-6 Oct , part of Somerset Art Weeks Festival.
Upcoming workshops as part of As Old as the Hills:
Drop in or email: fionacampbell-art@sky.com
Book via Eventbrite
Artists in Conversation, Tuesday 24 Sept, 6.30pm,, £5
Layered books Workshop with Penelope O'Gara and Fiona Campbell, Saturday 28 September, 2-4pm, £12
Workshop working with found feathers, owl pellets, plant & river weed pressings with Duncan Cameron, Sunday 29 September, 2-4pm, £12
'Living on the Edge’: Talk by Zig Zag owner Chris Black, blurring boundaries between urban & rural, Sunday 29 September, 6pm, £10
Pyre is currently on show at Royal Society of Sculptors Summer Show: ‘Reality Check’, Dora House, 108 Old Brompton Road, London SW7 3RA, 22 July- 21 Sept,
I have an upcoming exhibition Elemental at Sou’ - Sou’ -West, Bridport with Jan Alison Edwards and Ally Matthews (19 Oct-10 Nov), so am making new work for this
I’m offering an online Sculpture Course (self-directed) - great value at only £40. Do share!
Hope to see you at one or more of these events!