young people's project

Myself and colleagues from the Creative Practitioner team at The Hepworth Wakefield are currently planning an intensive three week programme of creativity and experimentation for young people inspired by Richard Long's exhibition in the gallery. Artist Rooms: Richard Long continues until Sunday 14th October 2012.

richard long

On the opening weekend of Richard Long's exhibition I ran drop-in workshops for families using pebbles, cobbles and slate to create spirals, circles and sinuous lines that traversed the learning studio floor. The seriousness with which the children took in decision making, arranging and careful positioning of stone next to stone delighted me and led to interesting conversations with parents sharing our own memories of absorbing childhood play. 

The particularly wet June meant we worked indoors but I dearly hope we can use the marvellous outdoor green space that runs the length of the gallery (near to Long's grass work) in future drop-ins.

space

In the peace and quiet before a workshop I take great pleasure in setting up the workspace, focusing on how to help my group feel welcome and considered within the studio. As I was doing this a colleague walked in and said Oh, your spaces. I like to think of this space as mine, it travels with me and I can make anywhere home for a while.

awards night

Date change to SATURDAY 9TH JUNE for the Woolgather Awards night and closing party.

talk

Enjoyed presenting my talk at the Woolgather show and the questions/comments that arose regarding making work in cemeteries, sharing my practice with my family and the sensitivities around this. Met the whole Woolgather team at last - John, Annie and Chris, and listened to Edwin Li and Dominic Heffer talk eloquently about their work.

Awards night next friday...

local paper

Dropped off some Woolgather flyers to the Hepworth staffroom today, and found this pinned on the noticeboard with vote for Karen scrawled next to it in green pen (my favourite colour). Thank you to whoever did that. This must have been in the Wakefield Express, but not sure when... Apologies for scan quality (and blob of jam), did try to find a link to the article online but no luck.

tea and ginger nuts

My work is safely delivered to Leeds for the Woolgather Art Prize 2012. Met the lovely Annie who brought us tea and ginger nuts and gave us a tour of the spaces that will be filled with art. Show opens friday 11th May at 1 Cross York Street. I’m intrigued by how the 25 artists work will be curated and can’t wait to see the show, very pleased to be a part of this.