Preparations for Somerset Open Studios. Photo: Seamus Nicolson
During the past few months, starting in the extraordinary silence of lockdown, I created a project LIfe in the Undergrowth. I’m excited to have just completed a film as the final outcome (watch below). In contrast to creating sculptural installations, I’m very much at the beginning of my crossing into digital technology and film-making. This film documents my isolation project and represents my first serious experiments with film-making.
Life in the Undergrowth, Digital Film - duration 10:33 mins. Audio: The Healing, Sergey Cheremisinov
Special thanks to Arts Council England/National Lottery Emergency Response fund, Richard Tomlinson (Ignite Somerset) and Jack Robson for their support.
Time Capsules, found objects: rusty nails, plastic, ceramic fragments, glass bottles, wood, chain, teeth, bones, plant debris, lead..
In advance of finishing the film, I created Time Capsules. The found objects are attached to each other with fine copper wire, like a net, suspended on a steel structure. They were excavated from the earth in my garden, each with a story - some known and others a mystery. During lockdown I dug up a lot of soil to make space for a studio bay. Some of the objects were buried quite deep... eg: giant molars from a large animal (horse, cow, sheep, rhinoceros..?!) I borrowed the title from a phrase Cornelia Parker used to describe her work. The objects represent a moment in time, and time passing. Everything is connected. I love the shadows, which enhance the concept of time, memory, drawings, space.
For more about the project visit Instagram @life_intheundergrowth.
My Life in the Undergrowth project will be showing alongside some of my other work during Somerset Open Studios, opening next weekend (19 Sept - 4 Oct). You’re welcome to visit by appointment. This sunny start to autumn is perfect for a wander in the fresh air of my garden, and safe measures will be in place in the studio: Venue 70, West Cranmore, BA4 4RH. T: 07515537224 or E: fionacampbell-art@sky.com
Glimpses of work for Somerset Open Studios. Photos: Seamus Nicolson
To see other venues visit the SAW map
My work will also be showing at Somerset Rural Life Museum for Somerset Reacquainted. The exhibition involves 63 Somerset artists’ responses to lockdown, and brings together digital images, films, writings, objects and artworks. Open 19 Sept - 21 Nov, Wed-Sat, 10-5 (pre-book, entrance fee applies). There will be a series of podcasts. I’ll be talking with other artists on Fri 2nd Oct, 6-7pm - hope you can join us.
I’ve been creating online resources and workshops for various creative projects, including SAW, Art UK and Make the Sunshine (image below). Links on my Workshops page.
Last month was taken up with running my 5 week Online Sculpture Course. I had an inspiring group of people from different parts of UK and Europe. I was thrilled with their responses, energy, imagination resourcefulness and enthusiasm. The range of processes and different outcomes was amazing (see below)! If you’re interested in doing the course next year please email me your contact details and visit instagram #onlinesculpturecourse2020.
Images (above): work by participants: L to R clockwise: Gina Glover, Nicky Oram, Jenny Graham, Sarah Herfet
Images (above) L to R: Nicki Davey, Louise Wood, Belinda Cooper, Nicky Oram, Diana Terry, Gina Glover, Sarah Herfet, Louise Wood, Trudy Smith, Karen Chard, Sonia Hulejczuk, Maxine Alexander
Quotes from participants:
My confidence has blossomed.. I've soooo enjoyed this course! Sarah Herfet
This course gave me the inspiration and… impetus to actually… create something. It also gave me ideas that I wouldn’t otherwise have thought about. Nicki Davey
It was a joy to find books and ideas which connected my experience as a maker within the context of contemporary fine art. Diana Terry
It has been a joy making and sharing. Nicky Oram
Brilliantly delivered by Fiona, through her weekly blogs/zoom and Whats App presentations. Gina Glover
It’s the last week of the Royal Society of Sculptors Summer Exhibition - if you’re in London don't miss it! The Exhibition has been guest curated by Robert and Nicky Wilson, founders of Jupiter Artland. I visited it in August and loved it! It’s a really vibrant, playful visceral show with a range of large and smaller intriguing works. My piece Accretion is a tentacular form - a metaphor for waste. The show is on until 18 September, Mon-Fri, 11am-5pm, Royal Society of Sculptors, 108 Old Brompton Road, London SW7 3RA
It would be great to see you at my Open Studio.
Keep well :-)