Hope of a Tree, Frome Museum stairwell. Photo by Jack Robson
This past month has been full-on, eventful, punctuated with thrilling news, exciting outcomes and new possibilities. At times, I’ve felt the strain of too many things on the go at once. It’s been a test of endurance, but I’m just about keeping sane, and my passion for all things nature and art spur me on. I’ve been grateful for my garden, where I find joy and peace just being with the birds, and my supportive son and friends.
Two ongoing projects are about art on the move:
All The Colours
A community art project, part of Art First with Seed Sedgemoor and Buses of Somerset
The art on buses is now out and about and the online gallery of all submissions is now live.
I popped into Bridgwater bus station hoping to see a bus with our Art First artwork on, and was lucky to see the exterior panels on 21 & 21a (Bridgwater to Taunton routes). The buses were on the move, but I managed to get a quick video and depot manager Jason took a pic of me by one.
I was really pleased with the lenticular effect and think the t-section panel looks cohesive, considering the difficulties involved. We will be having a proper photoshoot soon…
If you’re in the Sedgemoor Somerset area look out for buses with these panels on them, and interior cove cards on bus routes: 21, 21a, 14, 75, B1, & college contracts.
Let us know if you spot one and please send a pic to: fionacampbell-art@sky.com
Inch by IN:CH
Last month we had a successful time at the Garages, Bath, next to the river and tow path. It brought many visitors who wouldn’t normally visit a gallery; we had lovely conversations with people and the work looked great in the transformed garage setting.
We have several more stops on our tour, now sited in Frome for the Festival. This week I installed my work beside the spectacular spiral staircase, Frome Museum - a space rarely open to the public. I’ll be there daily 10-4 during Frome festival. I’m offering free daily drop-in taster workshops. On Friday 9 June I’ll be doing a performative window drawing at Jude’s of Frome with Shirley Sharp. Come and watch us - 8.15-9.15pm.
Hope of a Tree, Spiral Stairwell, Frome Museum. Photo 2 by Jack Robson
After Frome we’re heading to East Somerset Railway, Cranmore - on my doorstep! (21-31 July, open Mon, Wed, Thurs, Sat, Sun) Events include Drawing from Cases: daily when open; Artists-in-Conversation: Sat 24 July, 11am - 1pm. With me and Philippa Edwards; Sculpture workshop with me: Sat 24 July, 2 - 4pm. Book via eventbrite. £5 for materials. (Suitable for 8 yrs-adult); Sculpture Workshop using recycled materials: Sun 25 July, 11am - 1pm. With me & Angel Greenham. Free, drop-in, all ages
I made a slideshow of our work:
11 artists have created artwork in cases. Integral to the exhibition, each case contributes to the work. Some are large, with work spilling beyond its frame; others are smaller, more self-contained.
Listen here for my radio chat with Jenna from Somerset Cool (first half).
International Biennial Exhibitions in Taiwan
I’m thrilled that Pyre has been selected for an international biennale exhibition in Taiwan. Transfiguration: From Nature to Art runs 12th November 2021 - 10th April 2022.
Further info can be found here: http://biennialartpaperfibre.com/blog/
Pyre is a response to the catastrophic Amazon and Australian wildfires last year. It is a collection of offerings, remembrances, wailings, grief bundles. The piece was initially created for Incendiary 2020, curated by Patricia O’ Brien.
It’s a real honour to be part of this exhibition!
WAC
I’ve been short listed for Wells Art Contemporary installations.. more news on this soon.
New work
I continue to feel deeply sad about wildlife wet markets that have picked up again, and the plight of pangolins (most trafficked mammal in the world). Millions are slaughtered each year for their protective scales, and their meat is a delicacy in Asia. I’ve started new work on this theme, weaving linear coiled bodily forms. ‘Nothing can hold on unless it puts out a line, and unless that line can tangle with others. Most if not all life-forms.. (are) combinations of blob and line’. Tim Ingold, Life of Lines
Solo/Residency
Coming up in August is my 2 month solo residency at The Loft, above Heritage Courtyard, Wells. It’s light, spacious, rich in ambient abandoned decay. I’ll be showing work made there as part of Somerset Open Studios (18 Sept - 3 Oct)
Windows on Nature Art Trail, Trowbridge Art Trail
Some of my earlier work is on show as a mini solo in an empty shop window at 51 Fore Street, Trowbridge BA14 8ES. The trail aims to raise awareness of endangered wildlife. My chosen charity for the event is Sheldrick Wildlife Trust.
Drawings continue at Sculptors Drawing Space, 1 hour online sessions with Royal Society of Sculptors members. A poem was written about the event.
Workshops
This week I spent 3 days in Bridgwater running workshops at Eastover Primary School via SPAEDA, creating elements for a giant Octopus being installed on a 5metre wall at the school.
On 14 August I’m running a free workshop at Five Trees Bowlish for Summer in Shepton. There are still spaces if you’d like to book.
Sculpture Course
This time last year I launched my first online sculpture course, which proved a success. I ran it again earlier this year, and will be offering an updated version in the autumn. If you’re interested in booking please get in touch.
Follow me on instagram to keep up with my latest news: https://www.instagram.com/fionacampbellartist/
Enjoy the summer!