On Saturday 22nd October I volunteered at the Longbridge Light Festival in Longbridge, Birmingham, the site of the former car factory. I was lucky enough to work alongside 3 artists under the name of Make/Shift/Space who had a 'production line' for participants to make a 'Longbridge Viewer'. With archive photographs of Longbridge and its residents, and absolutely tons of what most people would deem as 'rubbish', children built their very own viewer. Cardboard tubes, plastic tubes, corrugated card were embellished with thick red/yellow/white/black tape, together with items such as plastic caps, sticky back plastic, rubber and a lens through which to view the photographs. I was in my element as the type of items used were what I have been buying from Derby Play and Recycling Centre so I have now seen first hand (and been part of) how this stuff can be used. I enjoyed working with and interacting with the children and their respective adults; I was reminded of myself when some little ones waited patiently to be told what the project was about and what they had to do. I relate to much to those little people, which is wonderful. I am them still (just in the body of a 48 3/4 year old!) which is why I can do this stuff quite happily. It's the first time i've worked alongside artists away from Uni - Clare Hickey and Emily Warner and Gavin Rogers. They were all lovely and encouraging. Gavin gave me a packet of Snaps, a mini milky way and a kit kat and satsuma for my journey home!! He clearly knew I like my food:-) @makeshiftspace @emilykwarner @clairemhickey. @Gavin_J_R
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I can't believe it's been two months since my last post....
I had the opportunity to go a workshop at People Express in Swadlincote and I loved it. First workshop i've done since leaving Uni. It was a tie dye session with Kashmir Arts. It was my first time at People Express and it's a lovely, friendly, relaxing place so I shall hopefully be returning very soon to do more. I am also volunteering at the Longbridge Light Festival in Birmingham. Longbridge was famous for its car factories which are no longer there ..... instead brand new houses and a shopping development and Bournville College are there (amongst other things). The light festival is part of a 5 year art project on the site. The festival is on 22nd October starting at 6 pm and it's totally free. There are workshops, artwork and a roller disco. https://www.facebook.com/LPAP-1455782384658275/?hc_ref=NEWSFEED. Have had a further clear out of my creative space (aka my spare room). Sold a few items that I'll probably not use again and have more space and last night put the room in such a state that I can now work in there again and more importantly I want to be in there now it's clear!!. I want to get the expanding foam out again.... I did some sketches which i have already shared and they have been put onto fabric but a couple of them I want as sculptural pieces. They will be larger than the 'monster babies' (aka The Perpetual Child'). Watch this space.... The self employment direction is gathering momentum with an application for New Enterprise Allowance. If I'm successful in getting this, it will help pay for things such as subscription to a-n. This site specifically for artists has the added bonus of providing insurance for the artist i.e. me, and also has jobs advertised in creative industries. When i was at Uni, my goal and fantasy of not going to work 9 to 5 but instead, having part time jobs and creating art work is becoming real. And I don't like reality !! It means I have to budget, be responsible and turn up each day. But it's ok, scary some days, but i've looked for jobs over the last few months but my heart is just not in them. So I know this is the right to be doing. And part time work is on the horizon..... dog sitting/walking, being one of Santa's elves in a shopping centre near you(!), maybe a play worker. Whilst out cycling this week I passed a bungalow that was being done up and propped up against the wall was an old yellow door. Now, I have a thing about doors; I observe them and often photograph them but as yet done nothing with them. I so wanted to ask for that yellow door but I was on my bike... I may pop down tomorrow and see it it's still there. I have been out and about with my camera and have taken a few photographs ... they won't win awards but I love them. |
Author2016 graduate from University of Derby with a BA (Hons) Fine Art. Archives
October 2021
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