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.