Summer Sale and Support

Photo by Jason Bryant

I am fundraising to help pay for 3 events, amounting to £2000. The funds will enable me to:

• build a new shed for art storage, easing workspace in my studio

• support the development of Riot into a performance, by working in collaboration with Melanie Thompson towards a transient happening at Tout Quarry during One Island - Many Visions.

• film documentation of the performance by Andy Ralston.

Donate

The latter two will be part of a new body of work which I plan to show in a future solo. You will be invited to visit all 3! Your patronage will be hugely appreciated and acknowledged. Just a donation of £10 can help me reach my goal!

Riot is a site-responsive intervention at Tout Quarry for @oneislandmanyvisions, and also wearable sculpture. Inspired by Maritime Sunburst Lichen growing on the rocks at Tout Quarry. Created from recycled materials including ocean waste & textiles (some home-dyed with natural pigments), Riot is a reflection on ‘troubled beauty’, Arts Precario, beauty tinged with sadness. Currently working on Riot (part II). Thanks to all who have donated materials including Weymouth and Portland Litter Marine Project, Jane Fox, Caroline James, Victoria Grinter, Marilyn Keemar, Linda Staines, Nigel Evans, Vanessa Lloyd-Jones, Gill Sakakini.

Part of my fund-raising is a SUMMER SALE of work. I’m offering a discount on drawings in my online shop.

Large Moth

COURSES

I recently ran an Eco Sculpture course via Frome Community Education, see below results

New courses start in the Autumn: Please visit these links: Drawing & Creative Sketchbooking 

UPCOMING WORKSHOPS

Drawing in Space with 3-d Materials: The Sherborne, Tuesday 5 August, 10.30-4.30pm with luchbreak.

TUFTED DUCK

I invited the community to take part in creating a Tufted Duck sculpture at Collett Park Day, Shepton Mallet, for an Eco-Arts Festival Trail ’25. Delighted with lots of engagement. Themed ‘Flock, the trail is about water life and takes place in Shepton Mallet, Cranmore & Doulting during the summer holidays. Look out for sculptures made from re-purposed materials & pick up a trail map from the Art Bank, library, One-Craft  Gallery, Shepton Mallet, or Station Cafe, Cranmore.

Article of interest:

Donald Trump’s Cultural Revolution

Follow my instagram channel for more regular updates

Stilt Structures, As Old as the Hills

A year in the making, As Old as the HiIls has now ended, and with it, my series of Stilt Structures - for now anyway. The project prep began in November ‘23. I became more and more immersed in the project, which I co-curated. It’s been exhausting but exhilarating. So heartened by the quantity of visitors, level of engagement and feedback during our final exhibition and events, part of Somerset Art Weeks Festival ‘24. We had a fantastic Exhibition Launch, incredible turn out with Mayor Lokabandhu opening the event. Entrancing performances by Di Milstein aka Miss Smith, and dance/vocal performance by Katherine Ashworth/Melanie Thompson. We closed last weekend.

Photos above by Jo Hartley

My series of Stilt Structures imply precarity, adaptability and resilience; the work responds to the Zig Zag’s history and Bauhaus architecture. Over the past few months I developed several large site responsive pieces, and smaller sculptures, collages and drawings.

Stilt Structure III, Found, discarded, recycled materials: chicken wire, steel, paper, cardboard, wood, leather, fabric, jute, bark plastic, plant debris, sheep wool, and glue, 365 (h ) x 185 x 185cm. Photo by Jo Hartley

Stilt Structure II, Found, discarded, recycled materials: wood, steel, jute, handmade naturally dyed & recycled fabric, leather, plastic netting, polyester stuffing, old sponges, copper, wire, coir, sisal, wool, thread, nylon tights, vegan leather scraps, 175 (h) x 80 x 65cm. Both photos above by Roger Spear

Photo by Russell Sach

Photo by Russell Sach

Stilt Structure I, Found, discarded, recycled materials: wood, bark, coir, copper wire, leaves, pod, grass stems, charred feathers, fabric, plastic netting, polyester stuffing, jute, sisal, khadi paper, wool, thread, coffee beans, cardamom seeds, nutmeg pods, rice, nylon tights, oil, 108 x 48 x 78cm. Photo by Jo Hartley

Photo by Jo Hartley

Sack, Found, discarded, recycled materials (sourced mainly from marshes, rivers, beaches, industrial wastelands): jute, fabric (some harvested from local plants botanically hand-dyed), twine, plastic, nylon, polystyrene, sisal, rope, wood, wire, thread, 305 (h) x 275 (d) x 190 (w) cm. Photo by Roger Spear

Photo by Jo Hartley

Raft, Found wood and other natural debris, twine, sisal, wire

Photo by Jo Hartley

Nymph, Found, discarded, recycled materials: fabric dyed with botanical inks (2000yr old bog oak and yew, avocado pits, turmeric, onion skin, buddleia..) jute, teabags, paper, oil, rhubarb leaves, wood (incl 2000yr old bogwood), wire, wood, leaves, bark & other natural debris, hair, shoe inner sole (found by river near Zig Zag), copper, wax, thread, sisal, 151 x 60 x 60cms

Nymph (detail)

Nymph (detail). Photo Susanna Bauer

I approach my work as assemblages, using a sculptural bricolage of recycled and found materials. Maquettes and collages are a great way to work through ideas spontaneously.

One of our aims was to appeal to young people. We were especially pleased to have so many under 20’s join in and visit. It was such a joy to see participants visit the show and feel part of it.

Fossilised Fragments: Hangings I, II, III, Miscellaneous found debris (mainly sourced from local rivers & beaches), handmade papers, cellulose paste, linseed oil, Community collaboration, created in workshops with Fiona Campbell & Jan Ollis with children from West Pennard & St Benedicts Junior Schools, & participants at Collet Park Day

Foreground: Fossilised Fragments: Casts, Handmade paper, cast from miscellaneous found debris, mainly sourced from rivers, beaches and bogs - one piece 2000yrs old, Community collaboration, created in workshops with Fiona Campbell & Jan Ollis with children from West Pennard & St Benedicts Junior Schools, participants at Collet Park Day

It’s been wonderful working with such an exciting group of creatives and wider community. Thanks to all involved in the project: co-curator Jan Ollis, and other 8 artists Madi Acharya Baskerville , Nikki Allford, Duncan Cameron, David Kefford, Di Milstein, Penelope O’Gara, Catriona Robertson, Richard Tomlinson, venue owner Chris Black & team Zig Zag, patrons, volunteers (especially Jo Hartley, Andy Ralston, Roger Spear, Nigel Evans), participants, visitors & online supporters.

Thanks to patrons: The Arts Society, a local charitable trust, Gane Trust, Chris Black, Chris Lee, Shepton Mallet Town Council, Curator Space, Somerset Art Works, Paddy O’ Hagan, Chrisi & Simon Kennedy, Ben Malin, Blue Cedar PrIntworks, Red Brick Building, Dr Richard Brunning, Natalie Watson, SPARK Somerset

And steering group: Freeny Yianni (Close Ltd), Damon Bridge (RSPB), Carol Carey (Somerset Art Works), Paddy O’Hagan (WAC)

Listen to ‘Heart of the Art’ (Show 2), Be Somerset, and Rob Bayly Somer Valley FM radio show (01:05:15 - 01:19:24) for some behind-the-scenes insights, and see this lovely short film about my work by Gillian Taylor.

Comments from visitors:

‘..work was outstanding’. Dallas

‘Loved all of it.’ Sam & Imilia

‘..highlights the importance of our surroundings. Amazing, magical’ Susie

‘Absorbing, enchanting. Sue

‘Heaven’ Gill

‘Stunning Show. Magical performances..’ Kristen

‘Fabulous - everything.’ Rachel

‘Ambitious, very exciting to see all these creaturely beings emerging and receding’ Fiona

‘The best show in Somerset. Excellent’. Gary

‘Absolutely amazing exhibition and space. The most intriguing work I have seen in a long time.’ Deborah

‘..Great curation, all the works are converging and humming with life’ Elaoise

‘Absolutely superb exhibition - loved it’ Simon

‘Very interesting use of found materials’ Marietta

‘Incredible space, enhanced by a spectacular and varied show - perfect pairing’ Sue

‘Quite extraordinary’ Alicia

‘Just wonderful… love the contrasts and similarities in the work and the way they speak to one another. It’s like a conversation. Very thought provoking..’ Lou

‘Brilliantly emotional and ecological’ Barbara

‘Wonderfully creative and considered collection of work. Loved how it sits within the building, site and landscape and that you collaborated with the local community. Very inspiring and beautiful work..’ David

‘Utterly fabulous..’ Solange

‘Could have stayed all day’ Jinny

‘the light and historical patinas and surfaces have all chimed so well with the work’. Duncan

‘As Old as the Hills was an amazing show, totally brilliant’ Rebecca

If you didn’t see the show and are in/near Glastonbury later this month, pop in to the Mayor’s Dresses project, where you will see a few of our larger pieces still there amidst the dress on show!

Total participants/interactive audiences: 391; visitors during Somerset Art Weeks Festival: 1000

Further information: As Old as the Hills

Upcoming

Elemental Exhibition
Some of my smaller works will be showcased in Elemental, Sou Sou West (Symondsbury Estate, Bridport, Dorset DT6 6HG), opening Saturday 19 Oct. I’ll be showing sculptures, drawings, collages and maquettes alongside Jan Alison Edwards & Ali Matthews. Open 19 October-10 November, daily 10.30-3.30. Meet the Artists’ 19 Oct, 1-4pm.

As part of this exhibition, I will be leading some day and weekend Eco Sculpture Workshops with Jan Alison Edwards at West Bay DT6 4EL on 2/3 & 9/10 Nov - see eventbrite to book

The Landscape (Re)View II exhibition at Brewhouse, Taunton is now over. I enjoyed leading a taster drop-in workshop and taking part in an artists-in-conversation session. My work is still showing on The Wall at Landscape (Re)View I at Musgrove until 28 October.

I was invited for interview about my work by Textiel Plus for the Dutch magazine’s latest edition, themed up and recycle. See my press page to read the article..

If you’re looking for some creative sculptural inspiration and guidance, please take a look at my ongoing online sculpture course (self-directed) and visit my instagram feed for regular updates.

Elysia, collaboration with Dance Artist Vanessa Grasse

I’ve spent the past few days working with Dance artist/Choreographer Vanessa Grasse. I was asked to mentor and collaborate with Vanessa on her R&D Project Elysia, to explore the creation of wearable sculptures made from natural and recycled materials.

Based in Leeds, Vanessa has been staying with me in rural Somerset. We’ve been collecting natural materials on walks, hand colouring natural fabric remnants with homemade botanical dyes, exchanging ideas around contemporary sculpture and dance, slime mould and lichen, and working daily at our residency in a large empty shop space Create@#8, Shepton Mallet. The project name is inspired by the Elysia chlorotica, a sea slug with plant-like qualities - a living testament to hybridity and symbiosis. The themes are very much up my street.  See Vanessa’s newsletter here.

It’s been an incredibly refreshing and energising experience, working across disciplines, learning new ways of thinking, approaching art in motion - something I’d like to explore further.  We’ve had fun playing with materials, colours, cavities, lines and blobs, improvising with assemblages around the body in movement, hand-stitching…

We’ll be sharing the work in progress on our last day - Thursday 11 April, 4-5pm. Please join us at Create@#8, 8 Town Street, Shepton Mallet. All welcome!

Elysia R&D project delves into the profound interconnection between humans and the non-human world. It blends outdoor choreography, ecological sculpture, and Land Art processes, towards the creation of a visceral, sculptural, and playful outdoor performance, where hybrid creatures, bodies, natural materials, and the landscape are in metamorphosis.

Humans are intricate ecosystems of a multiplicity of species. Awakening an awareness of our inherent hybridity, has the capacity to alter how we perceive our place in the world and our connection with our ecosystems.

The creative research includes exchanges with academic researchers; sculptors, costume makers and land artists. Elysia is supported by Arts Council England, University of Leeds; Yorkshire Dance, Create@#8.

New Courses:

Vanessa and I met when she did my Online Sculpture Course earlier this year. If you’re interested in doing an art course with me, I’ll be running some new adult Love 2 Learn art courses at Bath College from 17 April:

Sculpture: (Wed am and/or pm)

https://www.bathcollege.ac.uk/course/view/3109/introduction-to-sculpture-23-24

Drawing and Painting (Wed or Thurs)

https://www.bathcollege.ac.uk/course/view/3069/drawing-and-painting-23-24

Please book asap as spaces are limited!

Winter News

A few more images of my installation Dust of Stars, made from scrap, reused and found materials, some from older work. It questions what is waste, dead, no longer of value. We throw away so much… Looking at the bigger picture, all of life is made from stars made billions of years ago: ‘The cosmos is within us. We are made of star-stuff.’ (Carl Sagan). Matter keeps on going… Loved watching the way visitors interacted with the installation. See my instagram page for video clips of the work. We had some great feedback: ‘one of the most exciting art exhibitions I have seen in a while’ (Jan Ollis, SAW Co-Chair). I gave a talk about Dust of Stars as part of the Hatch exhibition, which will soon be published online via their website.

Photo by Rod Higginson

I’m enjoying the speed and convenience of working at a small scale, trying out different versions of a general idea about precarious structures on stilt legs. The sculptural maquettes are made from repurposed and to-hand materials, treating the assemblages as 3d sketches. These and other sketchbook ideas are leading to upcoming projects, including one I’m co-curating with Jan Ollis (‘As Old as the Hills - working title) for next year’s Somerset Art Weeks Festival. We have some great artists on board and will be taking over the top floor of the Zig Zag building, Glastonbury. The project is rooted in local heritage and environment, linking community with social engagement activities highlighting issues of conservation and sustainability. Culture is an indispensable pillar of climate action. Currently fundraising for the project. More on this soon..

Maquettes: Found & recycled materials: (top left) grass stems, willow, pine, peacock feather, copper wire, wool, roots, steel; (top right) steel, copper wire; (mid left) steel, copper, aluminium; (mid right) sticks, grass stem, khadi paper, leaves; (above left) roots, cardboard, plywood; (right) wood, cardboard packaging, khadi paper

Collage

For many instability is the norm. Dwellings exist on the edges of safety raised high on make-do scaffolding to avoid floods and other threats. In ‘Planet of Slums’ Mike Davis highlights our increasingly unstable urban world. Nomadic Somali tribes carry their homes on camels. Shepherds in France used to herd on stilt legs in boggy ground. I’ve been thinking about resilience, making do. In order to adapt, change the narrative of consumerism and economic growth, imagination is key.

Teaching:

I’ve been running 6 courses at Bath College (3 sculpture, painting, drawing and life drawing). Loved getting to know and working with students on their work - see pics below of students’ work.. ↓ (from top to bottom: Maureen, Mandy, Nick, Cath, Juliette, Sarah, Lynette, Sarah, Martin, Sally, Cath, Fran, Cathy, Pat, Juliette, Jenny, Suzanne, Sally, Judy, Jenni).

Squeezing in my own studio time has taken a concerted effort, and I have been treasuring that.

My next online sculpture course starts in January ‘24. If you’re interested please get in touch, or buy the course direct from my shop. I have other goodies you can purchase too, if considering arty Christmas gifts!

Upcoming events:

My work will be showing in Casting Shadows, Royal Society of Sculptors group exhibition at ACEarts, Somerton, 2 March - 6 April ‘24.

As part of the Snowdrop Festival (February ‘24), I’ll be running a free workshop with writer Polly Hall to create a long scroll-like collage with text, on 20 Jan, 10am-4pm, at Create@#8, Shepton Mallet. The artwork will be installed in the Baptist church for the festival. Get in touch if you’d like to join us.

Really enjoying reading The Golden Mole and other Vanishing Treasure by Katherine Rundell, sent to me by Faber books. As part of the book launch, I was commissioned to make a small Pangolin sculpture, now on display at Hunting Raven Books, Frome. If you haven’t yet, do read the book! Each chapter tugs at your heart with enthralling details about wonderful but endangered creatures.

I’ve been selected for a PADA residency, Portugal in February, and am fundraising for this great opportunity. If you can support me (for travel and accommodation costs), I’d really appreciate a donation via the link below.

Donate

My next blog may be post-Christmas, so here’s wishing you a wonderful festive time wherever you are!

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!