Hi Nedd, I've just had some work in an exhibition for the Sea of Lights festival at Lancing, which is a local Christmas festival that has just started up. I can't work out how to post more than one image at a time so if you would like to see more let me know. For this series I was interested in the interplay between light and shadow within the context of the Christmas festival, light being such an integral part of the Christmas story with Jesus being the Light of the world. Each individual piece creates its own mood and aura depending upon where it is placed and under what conditions it is lit, from the really subtle fuzzy light of overcast weather to the stark contrast and intense shadow play of a bright sunny day. I really like the idea of them being a form of very slow kinetic art, revealing new truths as the day goes on, a constant interplay between the fabric and its shadows where the shadows themselves can take centre-stage over the structure and vice versa.
Far from the traditional notion of crochet squares and blankets, my work pushes the boundaries of the craft not just technically but also conceptually (no Granny squares here! :-)). I am fascinated by the complexity and versatility of crochet as a sculptural medium and concept, for me it is the perfect medium for creating hyperbolic forms in imitation of natural structures. More than just the usual frictions between Craft and Art I think crochet has a uniquely undervalued representation in our culture. The exquisiteness of some traditional Irish lace for example is completely unheard of these days, so I guess I'm on a bit of a mission to redress the balance.
I can't really emphasize enough what a difference it's made to my life finding something productive to do that seems to bring joy in to other peoples lives. It definitely saved my sanity.
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Interesting - I never thought about Crochet as being art, but I can see & from what you say - that it can. I love it. Really worth expanding on. I was interested in your interpretation of the play of light and dark on your work, to me this is one of the joys and excitement of a work of art.
Recently I have returned to my art work. I have been in a lot of PD pain & have been using my art to release it. I write down words about my feelings in rough verse on my art paper, and then draw and paint over the top - it has resulted in some strange ways. One drawing/painting had the words Pain, Violence & Extremus written large on A2 art paper, & a lot of violent lines went on - but the strange result was - that the end result ended up a happy/jolly drawing/painting. That made me happy as it showed me - that the happy me is fighting back. At present I am having problems skanning stuff into my computer, I'll need to wait until my computer son-in-law comes to sort it out for me.
Yesterday on TV there was a short interview (on Flog it) where a weaver (I don't want to call her basket maker) makes the most wonderful elegant shapes out of the willow? she grows. And I don't know why but - the image of the type of shapes that she makes could equally be crochet shapes overlaid on maybe a outline willow shape. So the Crochet becomes - what's called 'An Installation' Like you I am finding art a great inspirer. All best wishes Helen
This has nothing to do with CP but I couldn't help hearing your mention of Lancing. Across the River Adus on the hillside just south of the bypass w my home!! Born and bred there and grew up on the beautiful South Downs long before the bypass was built. No family there any more as we all libe up in Scotland but I was back there a few yers ago with my best friend. Memories! In fact the view from out landing window was Lancing College - always lit at night.
Also was it you who mentioned theNGS? I open my garden under the scheme although up here it is called Scotland;s gardens. Small world!
yes it was, my Mum is a head gardener and they open every year. they do quite a few openings now and it seems to be getting more and more popular. it's a really good project, the garden she's in charge of is up on the Downs near Steyning...very beautiful. yes again, we were in sunny lancing at teh weekend. there is a regeneration project just starting up so it's really quite exciting. if you haven't been there for a while you won't know that Boundstone was put in special measures and is no called the Sir Robert Woodard Academy which seems to have really boosted the area. my partner's nephew goes there and it's great to see so much more of a buzz going on (especially as an ex teacher), although i don't think they will ever find another Aiden Kearney (ex amazingly fab head of music). Anyway, it was a really nice festival, very community orientated which i like
interested in seeing other photos. I wished that I lived locally I would check the light festival out. Found your ideas thought provoking. Shadow spotting can become absorbing. I saw a fantastic paper cut picture at the local art college end of year show. The wow factor came from the way it was lit and shadow play. This time of year can create all sorts of delights.
To find outlet for creativity can be fulfilling. It is a shame the arts aren't given more value within school. We have a saying in nursery. "It's not the end product but the process". Have you come across Julia Cameron The Artist way?
Re crochet. I was in Stratford on Monday and found an interesting use of granny squares.
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Some Help to manage pain
Could do with some advice...
Newbie hoping for some advice
Why r u unable to see MY pain?
Really need some help now
