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.
