A sense of place has been a feature of my work for some time now, and since moving to Thamesmead a few years ago I have created many opportunities to explore the area through the lens. I expanded my skillset with my latest work featuring local landmarks, and created an art installation for Thamesmead Festival which took place on 10th August. For more than two years I have been photographing the scene from my kitchen window at different times of day and in various weathers.
Image from Ever Present which is the name I gave to the art installation.
Each morning when I pull up my kitchen blind this is the scene that greets me. There is something reassuring about this ritual that connects me to my surroundings. When I started documenting the view I had no particular end-goal, but I knew that I would present the images as a set at some point. When the Visual Arts Open Call for Thamesmead Festival came about, I thought this would be a great event to show the images at. I wanted to incorporate the wind within the artwork somehow, and had been looking for a reason to print works onto fabric for a while: a quick swish of ideas around the brain and the idea was born! It was a steep learning curve, from sampling fabrics to re-learning how to use a sewing machine, to a nerve-racking (think 12 hours before the festival started) experience of fixing rivets to the fabric, so they could be attached securely to telescopic poles! The poles were positioned on a plateau, which allowed for a view of the real wind turbines on the horizon; repositioning the artworks firmly back within the landscape.
As well as creating the installation I had some Tote bags made which feature one of the images. These were on sale on the day at the Lakeside Shop stall, and I am still selling them, so shout if you want to buy one!
Just £15.00 + P&P if needed.
UPCOMING EVENT(S)
Lakeside Studios
Open Studios/ Open House event: Saturday 21st September 12 - 6pm
Over 30 art studios open to the public - Open Houses listed building - Painters, textile artists, photographers and sculptors showcasing their work - Free drop-in workshops - Family friendly activities - Interactive art installations - Roni Parker’s The Crony Club exhibition - Cafe on site
My Studio is in Block E on the first floor. I’ll be in my studio a lot of the day, but also taking pictures and having a nose around myself! Let me know if you’re coming down, and want to meet up :-)
Back in August I ran a trail marathon with my mate Charly in north Wales. This was just part of our training for a multi-day run which we will attempt to achieve over three days 16-18th September. We’ll be running from Bristol to Reading via the Kennet and Avon Canal towpath and will amass around 95 miles of running over three days!
Several people suggested this kind of event should be sponsored, and so, I have decided to raise money for Run Free charity, and here’s why…
I love running! The fact that I can pull on my running gear & hit the road whenever I fancy is part of it’s charm for me. This experience, and the feeling of freedom associated with running are not available to everyone... Free to Run supports young women and girls in areas of conflict to help them build leadership skills and improve their physical, emotional, and social wellbeing, through running. We provide the tools to help them become leaders who exercise self-determination, challenge negative norms, and boldly reclaim public spaces. Free to Run members are community leaders, advocates, and role models in their societies, bringing people together across cultural, ethnic, and religious lines. They change views about the roles that women can, and should, play in society.
Please donate if you can, thanks! Just click the 💥
