While we’re all learning how to live differently during this terrible pandemic - a worrying time for humanity - I’m trying to find positives in all this instability. It will undoubtedly change the world - let’s hope, in many ways for better.
On a micro scale, artists are having to re-adjust our practices and finances after cancelled projects and exhibitions. For me, a large amount of prep for future work may be wasted; several shows, public commissions and freelance workshops are now cancelled. Our Royal Society of Sculptors Gilbert Bayes Award Winners Show couldn’t tour to Grizedale and my latest piece Pyre - charred bundles of treasured finds created in response to wildfires - is in a ghost exhibition Incendiary. At least we managed to install, so it can be viewed digitally!
Pyre, 2020, 90 x 115 cms aprx. Photos above and below by Stephen Lenthall
On the upside, last week, completely unexpectedly, I was delighted to hear I’ve won the Red Line Art Works Award for my series of works Snakes and Ladders (created for B-Wing), Glut and Accretion! My trophy’s arrived in the post and I am extremely grateful to Red Line Art Works for the award - it comes at a timely moment. Red Line Art Works is an international organisation reflecting on global issues, the state of our world and global justice. ‘Our global audience is inspired by art with a conscience, art that reflects these big problems’.
David Attenborough recently said in an interview with Big Issue ‘In times of crisis, the natural world is a source of both joy and solace... we are part of the natural world. If we damage the natural world, we damage ourselves.’ Ironically, in this crisis nature continues, bird song seems louder and new life is bursting out everywhere. The message is profound. To re-focus and make sense of things, I’m taking life at a slower pace. I’ve been spending time gardening, appreciating what I have, sowing veggie seeds, mending, sketching, tentatively picking up loose ends and attempting new approaches in work. I’ve collected plant debris for hand-made paper and fibre works, and made dye from avocado pits. I gave my first Zoom live-stream artist talk online (recorded), in conversation with Richard Tomlinson and interactive viewers. It was part of Ignite Somerset's monthly Creative Network sessions. I’m also producing a series of simple art project slideshows that can be used by all ages (watch this space!) The savings in travel are great for the pocket and the environment. The sky has far fewer vapour trails. I’m in awe of hospital workers, all the committed carers, community support, and the creative resilience of artists. Through virtual chat we can still make connections and I’m finding this crisis brings us closer.
At the bottom of this blog, I’ve pictured a few of my artworks currently available for sale. Some of these (under £200) I am selling as part of #artistsupportpledge - an initiative by Matt Burrows to foster generosity and support among artists. My instagram details these artworks. Please contact me if you need further information.
Creativity Works posted 5 ways to wellbeing: connect, keep learning, be active, take notice and give. I’m trying to embed these in my routine.
In an essay ‘Against Interpretation’ by Susan Sontag, she says our ‘culture based on excess.. overproduction… material plenitude… crowdedness… dulls our sensory faculties… We must learn to see more, to hear more, to feel more’. And that was in 1964!
Look after yourselves in this testing time and let’s hope we learn many lessons in the process!
Prices range from £60 - £1950 + p&p
Drawing on Dorset, quality paperback book, £15 + p&p