I completed my steel Bishop last month (see images) for Bishops Palace Gardens, Wells - to be unveiled soon! I was originally asked to create a topiary structure, but as he evolved it was decided the Bishop would remain purely a sculpture. I created him as a 3d linear sketch. He represents a myth about the medieval Bishop Jocelyn of Wells who slayed the Dragon of Worminster, saving the people of Dinder from further ravaging of their children and stock. The Dragon will be made later.
I’ve been involved in work behind the scenes at Black Swan Arts as a Trustee. The current Young Open Exhibition required lots of preparation – an impressive show of young talent including some of my students from All Hallows and elsewhere. Very proud that some of them were winners! Celebrations for Black Swan’s 30th anniversary this year include some exciting events coming soon at the centre – BBC’s Get Creative Day (Drop-in workshops on Sat 2nd April, 2-4pm), 1000 Postcards (exhibition & sale of mini artworks by artists/celebs), Secret Swans (trail as part of Frome Festival) and 30 Plinths exhibition. A chance to look forward to a great future for Black Swan and vital fund-raising. If you’d like to help or take part do visit www.blackswan.org.uk. We need 1000 postcard artworks by June!
My work for the Viking Cruises Chelsea Flower Show Artisan Garden, designed by Sarah Eberle, is now well under way. It is inspired by Cambodian floating gardens and fishing techniques of the Mekong region. I'm working on it collaboratively with Nick Weaver, who's making the wood boat/lounger, while I'm making a 4 metre textured fishing net/canopy by hand (see image), incorporating fine woven copper wires, twine, silk, wool and other surprising found materials like fish skeletons! I am avidly collecting lemon netting bags for it. It’s a long process and an exciting prospect – I’ve not produced work for Chelsea Flower Show before. I will be there on 24/25 May, so please come and say hello if you have tickets! Updates about this will be added to this blog in due course or visit here.
This June I will be exhibiting works in The Hidden Garden Art Show at Maureen Michaelson Gallery in Hampstead, London (June 4-12). On Sunday 12 June this Gallery is also hosting a day as part of Chelsea Fringe Festival where I will be demonstrating my sculpting techniques. For more information about these events, visit www.maureenmichaelson.com or www.chelseafringe.com.
Looking ahead, 'step in stone' - the artscapes-in-quarries project I ran last year - will be touring to Salisbury Art Centre in Aug/Sept. Artworks by all 14 artists will feature - a chance to see some of the work if you missed it last year.
Have a lovely Spring!