Groundwork Residency

Purist Soap Box @ Eden Project

2009-07-29T05:05:00.000-07:00

Following the launch at Plymouth Arts Centre last summer Soap Box is available through Purist's Torquay Studio at Cockington Court and mail order www.puristnaturalbeauty.co.uk.

Developed as a collaboration between Purist and then artist-in-residence at Groundwork, Clare Thornton, this gift box of natural hand made soaps produced by the Purist team is now available at the Eden Project Shop in St Austell, Cornwall.

Sales have apparently been excellent with 300+ sold already.
Sweet.

'Soap Box' Launch Event 24th July, Plymouth Arts Centre

2008-07-20T10:02:00.000-07:00

nature@work goes PURIST

2008-06-21T05:11:00.000-07:00

Following a period of re-branding nature@work have chosen Purist as the new name under which they'll launch their range of natural beauty products. And we've now incorporated this into our design for the Soap Box limited edition.

Colour Works Ltd (a Totnes based 'green' print and design company who we sourced to handle the print job) are producing the Soap Box wrap as I write.

Ray, Dave and I recently started to cut, wrap and pack the soaps which Purist produced for Soap Box. To get our mini production line underway, we took over Groundwork's meeting room, and the fragrant aroma from the soaps began wafting pleasantly through the offices. Curious members of staff popped in over the course of the day and the feedback was really positive.

Other exciting developments for Purist include their securing a new workshop and outlet space at Cockington Court (near Torquay), a busy craft centre that offers a really great location to launch their new enterprise.

And they are currently developing their website: www.puristnaturalbeauty.co.uk

Soap Box - the story so far..

2008-04-16T10:10:00.000-07:00

I wanted to share this text as an update to how the 'Soap Box - sweet smelling social enterprise' project is shaping up. The launch of this limited edition object in early summer will mark the culmination of the Groundwork (South West) first Artist in Residence initiative......

"Sometimes good ideas come at unexpected moments and cunning plans are hatched in the most unusual places.

I wasn’t that surprised then when the Soap Box project first flickered into being in the ‘Ladies’ (toilets) at the Groundwork offices in Plymouth!

Way back near the beginning of my residency I’d attended the trust’s Business Planning day. During a ‘comfort break’ I’d tested out a sample of hand-made soap, wrapped nicely in grease-proof paper, left on the bathroom sink with note from someone called Jackie asking for user feedback. I sought Jackie out straight away – this beautiful blue marbled soap heralded the beginning of a small social enterprise project she was starting in Paignton, Devon. I was intrigued but before we could exchange further information we were called into the next session. As Jackie left for Torbay at the end of the day I called after her saying I’d be in touch – I was really curious about this enterprise and it felt like the hook I was looking for.

That evening as Ray and I digested the day’s proceedings I talked about my excitement about the soap making enterprise. I also had an idea I couldn’t get out of my head for a Groundwork packaging/letter design that somehow reflected the trust’s work around environmentally sound business practices etc. - Interested as I am in mail art and postal design I was curious to create an airmail letter inspired ‘landogram’ (not ‘par avion’ but par land – if u get me!)

Some weeks later after another jamming session with Ray we realised that these two elements should be combined – a limited edition box containing soap samples that would celebrate the launch of this sweet smelling social enterprise whilst at the same time creatively platforming Groundwork’s community and environmental ethos through a designed object. The tag line for the Soap Box project became – maximising local talent/minimising carbon emissions. Ray and I had already spoken of a multiple as a possible outcome of the residency. So it was game on! We had a plan – I hasten to add we hadn’t actually brewed up this plan in the Ladies toilet – rather a local watering hole! ;) The Soap Box project would also mark the launch of Groundwork Arts that Ray (as Strategic Arts Coordinator) would be pushing forward for the trust. Exciting beginnings….

Alex gave me some additional insights into the social enterprise project and also told me about Pat who runs a local launderette in Torbay called ‘Washing Well’ (just how fab a name is that by the way!) Pat is an important network/contact for Groundwork in the area and helped establish links with potential participants. The ‘Washing Well’ will naturally be one of the local outlets for the soaps in due course…..

Anyhow - Some weeks later Jackie and I made contact again by phone and we settled a date for me to come down to the Foxhole Leisure Centre to meet the women who were starting this local soap making business. Jackie, Claire & Claire warmly welcomed me into their soap making kitchen and they showed me all the wonderful batches of soap they’d already produced and talked about plans for their enterprise – possible names for the business, product ideas etc. All this was getting me in a creative lather and I really wanted to tap into their energy and offer any creative support I could as Groundwork artist in residence. I proposed the limited edition soap box idea and asked if this was something that might be of interest. The group was really enthusiastic and we chatted on about how it could work. We also started exchanging emails about possible company names and I was delighted to get Jackie’s call announcing the group had agreed a name for their enterprise:

nature@work – a sweet smelling social enterprise

The following week Ray joined us in the kitchen and we continued to cook up some packaging ideas. Mock up samples and sketches were now on the table and it felt quite exciting. I am also happy to report we have been joined by Dave, a final year art student at the University of Plymouth, who Ray and I met via our ‘Context and Collaborative Practice’ lecture. Dave is one of two students now receiving mentoring and getting hands-on project production experience at Groundwork. Dave is collaborating with us on the Soap Box project offering layout and design support – all hands on deck this is indeed a collaborative effort!

To stand back and reflect on the process thus far it’s perhaps useful to say something about my approach to making in general and how I develop social collaborations in the public realm.

It’s fair to say I am ideas led, responding in each instance to the people and places that I encounter.

In my public art practice I aim to produce pieces that are well researched, visually strong and provide an environment/context for engagement and entertainment. The processes and conversations leading to these events are as crucial as the final products or outcomes. I am curious about people & place, local histories and the investigation/representation of personal narratives.

I work with objects, text, images and performance, presenting mixed media installations, live interventions and printed matter in art spaces and public contexts.

I’ve only previously created one multiple – a machine embroidered leather wrist band called the ‘Rambling Rock Band’ for Pingo, piCOt’s touring art vending machine, so the Soap Box is an exciting project outcome for me. I hope both nature@work and Groundwork find it a useful way in which to celebrate their respective activities. And that 200 unsuspecting individuals will enjoy receiving and using their Soap Box! We are planning a series of Soap Box launch activities in June so keep your eyes peeled for the e-invite!"

Soap Box Design

2008-04-16T09:45:00.000-07:00

Working away on the Soap Box design layout:

Dave on Adobe
Clare on Cutting Board
Ray on Accordion

A short presentation

2008-02-25T13:43:00.000-08:00

Still in catch up mode...
Also in January I screened a short documentary (made by film maker Mike Patterson) about a collaborative project I developed in Wednesbury last year. I was keen to share documentation of this socially engaged endeavour with interested Groundwork folk, and I must say thank you to those that took a chunk out of their lunch break to view this short film and stay to chat afterwards.
The session threw up some useful points about documenting work, revealed some interesting examples of projects that staff were currently/previously involved in and also evidenced how ideas can spring up from the most unlikely sources - for example, if i remember correctly, Ray and I got excited about waste audits/filing cabinets and skips (no really! In response to something Alex from Envision had said). I think it linked with our interest in archives and swap shop - go figure!

By the by: This project in Wednesbury came about through an invitation from Multistory. In response to my trips there, talking with local people and researching its history (industrial and political) I proposed a trade union style banner which i produced with a small team of talented local residents. For more info and images visit:

http://www.multistory.org.uk/?page_id=78

A big thank you also that week to Anne, Jocella and Alex for meeting with me to discuss their project areas and their pre-Groundwork escapades. I learned for example about Anne's involvement in 'Past on your doorstep, future in your hands' - a participatory project about Plymouth's naval, military and maritime history. (Anne's getting active in the Swilly at War project - must get an update on how that's developing!)
I was interested also to hear from Jocella about the on-going Horticultural Healing project based at Royal William Yard. And with Alex I discussed social enterprise, as you do. In particular we focused on the soap making initiative in Foxhole, Paignton (this you'll be hearing more about in due course). Its a peach!

Sporty Saltmills

2008-02-25T12:22:00.000-08:00

Way back...
on the 1oth January I joined Ray and the Groundwork's team down at Saltmill Park in Saltash, Cornwall for the opening of the new sports pitch. Bad weather did not effect play and coach loads of school kids and local VIPS arrived for official 'kick off'.
The park, a former landfill, has undergone a massive regeneration and walking around the site with Ray (checking out the public art works and skate park) its hard to believe this beautiful spot overlooking the Tamar was once a rubbish dump.
Looking good!

The kids got to test out the 'astro-turf' pitch with a spot of hockey and rugby (check the photo of James showing us how it should be done!) I tell you, fake grass technology has come on in leaps and bounds since my hockey playing days back in the 80's - running around on the type of surface grocer's displayed their veg on down the high street! Wonder if this new stuff still burns as badly if you slip on it - you are surprised I didn't test this out!

Alex introduced me to one of the local residents Fran who has been involved in the sites re-development since the outset. She told me how back in the days of the site being a rubbish tip you sometimes had to keep your windows closed during the summer months because of the smell and flies. She pointed out her house overlooking the site. It was fascinating to hear about the scrapbook she kept documenting the process of change in the area. And her own process of change too, as she briefly described her own journey into community activism, local politics and her current role as Mayor.

Despite the grey day and bad light Ray and I filmed and photographed (there were almost as many cameras snapping as there were hockey sticks thwacking that day i can tell you!) Anyhoo I've chosen a few for your enjoyment - By the way the one of Nicola telling me where to go gives you an idea that perhaps I was just as bit too happy snappy ;)

Views of Plymouth 2

2008-02-25T12:19:00.001-08:00

On the hoof..I've been getting about a bit!

2008-02-05T05:35:00.000-08:00

As ever playing catch up! I've not blogged for a couple weeks as I've been dashing about
a) finding a new place to live and b) brewing up a few creative ideas.

I'll update you properly on the interesting chats i've been having with Groundwork folk a little later, not to mention the sporty opening event I attended in Saltmill's on the 10th Jan (some nice photos to follow!).... but for now I wanted to mention my trips to Foxhole in Paignton.

Jackie, Claire & Claire welcomed me at the Community Centre where they've just started an excellent 'soap making' social enterprise project that's got me in a creative lather! This is total watch this spacer! The samples they have produced are really top notch and we are jamming about the possibilities of developing a limited edition - more on this later when plans firm up.

In the mean time I'm off to Glasgow for the National Review of Live Art.........

Views of Plymouth 1

2008-01-24T03:49:00.001-08:00

Visit to North Prospect & Plymouth Arts Centre

2008-01-11T04:49:00.000-08:00

20/12/07

Off to meet Danny Simmonds, Youth Works Programme Co-ordinator for Groundwork...

Ray & I enjoyed a long (and slightly circuitious) walk from The Millfields upto the neighbourhood house Danny works in North Prospect. It was great to meet her and hear about the local centres and groups she works with in the area. In partnership with these organisations she supports youth activities/projects that take place on the estate every day/evening (sports/internet cafes etc)
It was interesting to hear her talk about territories and how many of the young people she knew chose to keep quite local and tight to their neighbouring streets - we chatted about borders and the challenge of stepping out of familiar/safe thresholds/zones.
The houses surrounding the neighbourhood office were just like the one my Gran lived in, in a place called Bearwood (Black Country) - 1920-30s council housing - felt a bit like a trip down memory lane.

Actually on that memory tip, Danny started telling us about a forthcoming youth and community project called 'Swilly at War' about the areas WWII experience. (Swilly, it transpires, was what the area was originally called. The name was changed apparently in an attempt to break away from the negative reputation it had got. That feels like a rather surface attempt at solving a serious situation - but to be fair I havn't asked any local folk what they think about this re-naming process)
ANYWAY - the Swilly at War project looks to be action packed with lots of opportunities for cross-generational contact and chat. Activities will include building an Anderson shelter, a 'digging for victory' allotment project and a youth drama project (which Anne Tillett has since told me a little about - more in later update). Danny also took Ray and I to one of the local community centres (3 Spirit?) and we briefly met a group working on carnival props and costumes for a forthcoming festive celebration. Really nice to get a flavour of the area and Danny's Groundwork activities in North Prospect.

I then nipped off to have lunch with Paula Orrell at the Plymouth Arts Centre where that afternoon G-work staff were invited for a tour of the Barbara Holub and Anna Best exhibitions.

So more on that - here is a copy of the invitation text that was emailed to all Groundwork staff:

"An open invitation to you, your friends/family and local GW collaborative partners to come on a tour of Plymouth Art Centre's latest exhibition with drinks afterwards in their restaurant - on Thursday 20th Dec at 3:30pm.
Paula and Caroline from the Arts Centre will take GW staff and their guests around the new shows by artists in residence Anna Best and Barbara Holub who have both created work in response to their visits to Plymouth over the past year.
(The tour will last about 30 minutes - more info below)

The Arts Centre have also offered Groundworks a few cinema tickets (for any film in Jan/Feb) - so the first 3 folk to RSVP to this invite will get 2 free cinema tickets (better than a poke in the eye with a sharp stick!)

It would be great to see u there! Really hope you can join us. These artists are making work about public space and local environments which many of you might find interesting.

Further Info about the exhibiting artists:
Over the last year artists Anna Best & Barbara Holub have been working on a residency programme at Plymouth Arts Centre, travelling back and forth from the city developing new ideas and works. Exploring the walled and inaccessible areas of the city the artists have been talking with local residents, planning departments, working with local artists and researching the history of the city.

Anna Best presents a new film Buddleia which responds to Plymouth's urban and marine landscapes, exploring the imperial nature of the city. The artist is interested in the surreal in everday experience and this film marks a new direction for her as she is better known for making live events in public contexts.

Barbara Holub's work addresses anthropological concerns and she explores social and personal identities through visual art and architecture. She has been spending time in Plymouth looking at the city's regeneration process. Her new work 'More Opportunities' relates to a city in search of a new identity. As an artist and architect she has spent time talking to local people, planning departments and exploring the areas of significant change such as Devonport.

http://www.plymouthac.org.uk/
PAC - 38 Looe Street - PL4 0EB"

OK so that's the background - it being so close to Christmas we had a few cancellations but it was nice to be joined by Alex, Anne, Karin & Ray and Paula generously laid on wine and mince pies and introduced us to PAC and took us around the works. Check out the pics :)

I was really struck by Anna Best's Buddleia film, it was captivating. The Wall, the wailing women looking out to sea, the masked fencers duelling. It suggested a whole raft of personal and collective narratives and it seemed to welcome multiple readings into the cities past and present - as a trading port, military base, a city both accessible and inaccessible (that Wall!) and an area undergoing the wrench/shift of change and massive redevelopment. I especially enjoyed the fencing elements in the work for v personal reasons as a few months previously I incorporated a section of fencing in one of my own video works (Run Away Bride - I'd filmed Jean & Isaac at St. Pauls Sports Centre - see pic). On this occasion i was exploring physical/sculptural and psychological concerns around tension, restraint, release...
Anyway back to the show!

Barbara Holub's white textile banner work 'More Opportunities' was a thought provoking installation. The banner was tied to the outside of the arts centre itself - like a giant sheet stretching over the facade and covering the gallery window. A closer viewing revealed the words More Opportunities (white text on a white background) sewn onto it. A blank canvas upon which to state our needs? A giant truce flag (surely not!)? Could this be marking some kind of cease fire? A minimalist union/protest banner? I reflected on its contrast to the brightly coloured trade union banners I had been researching. And the critical mass of members taking to the streets to declare collective union. Inside the gallery a video of the banner being carried up Looe Street by a small group of 'protestors' was being projected on a loop. Anne commented on the steep incline of the hill in the video, and after several viewings, thinking of the protestors as forever marching upwards. I thought about how this action might have played out if it were filmed on one of Plymouth's main shopping streets. It would, no doubt, have resulted in quite a different video work, possibly at odds with the artist's intention. But I'm always curious about potential responses of shoppers and/or unprepared passers by when making interventions in urban 'public' space.

Anyway that's enough of my ramblings and personal reflections for tonight!

PASW - Spike Island, Bristol

2008-01-11T04:02:00.000-08:00

11/12/07

Polly, Ray & I attended:

Public Art South West network event:
'How was it for you? The legacy for artists of PROJECT - engaging artists in the built environment'

If you are curious take a peek at:

http://www.publicartonline.org.uk/archive/project/index.php
http://www.publicartonline.org.uk/pasw/index.html

I enjoyed Patricia MacKinnon-Day's presentation - where she illustrated a year long artist residency she undertook at a shipyard in Liverpool. I liked the way she described getting to know the yard workers and teasing out the clues of the site through physical and psychological investigations - I like the detective feel to this approach and being curious about people and place. She had some beautiful images of a small team of people planting metres of small flowering plants within the track furrows at the yard..

We were sad that Tim Knowles was unable to present that day. He was lead artist at Canon's Marsh (Bristol Harbourside) curating and commissioning a series of public art works - I havn't seen these works mind you! Should investigate. Anyway Tim was going to talk about his current project on Plymouth Waterfront - we got to see some images and the host/chair did his best to go through some notes Tim had sent him - but we'll hear more on the local Plymouth grapevine soon no doubt..

Other antics...

2008-01-05T05:24:00.000-08:00

02/12/07
To give you an idea of other creative projects I'm currently engaged in I thought I'd mention:

'The Performance Re-enactment Society', a Darkside Live Art event @ Arnolfini, Bristol

I developed this event with Tom Marshman, in collaboration with live art archivists Bex Carrington and Julian Warren, costume designer Pam Tait and director/research fellow Paul Clarke. Here's the blurb from the Arnolfini brochure to give you a flavour of the event:

"Bristol-based artists Tom Marshman (Spaghetti Club) and Clare Thornton are on a mission to breathe new life into your memories of performance through re-enactment and 'tableaux vivants'. Bring your performance memories between 4pm-8pm when they will be on hand to make them come to life once more before capturing them forever in a photograph. Return at 8pm for a glass of wine and look through this unique collection of images created over the course of the day. All the photographs will be collected in an album and added to Arnolfini's archive"

We met some wonderful folk that day who generously shared their memories of performances or live gigs they had seen from the past 40 years. As diverse as a fight at a Little Richard concert at the Colston Hall, to Yoko Ono's 'cut piece'. Each memory deposited with us was recorded via a detailed questionnaire/interview, the participant could choose from wracks of costumes and props to help re-create the action/scene and once the moment was set a polaroid and digital photo taken.

The event was supported by Theatre Bristol and New Work Network and 3 artists (Michael Pinchbeck, Tim Jeeves & Calum F. Kerr) received NWN bursaries to attend and participate in the gig. Michael has written a blog about his experiences and reflections upon the event.
Please visit:
http://performancereenactmentsociety.blogspot.com/

Also
check out the documentation (photos):
www.whiteboxphoto.com/prs

Its worth mentioning perhaps that I work part time as a research project assistant in the Live Art Archives at the Department of Drama, University of Bristol. I'm really interested in the documentation of performance/liveness and ways that ephemeral art experiences are recorded/captured, remembered/re-enacted.

Currently on the bookshelf: 'History Will Repeat Itself: Strategies of re-enactment in contemporary (media) art and performance'

PCAD Exhibition Opening

2008-01-02T04:08:00.000-08:00

28/11/07

I'd mentioned in an earlier log that Rachel & Hannah had been updating me on the exhibition/residency programme they curate for Viewpoint Gallery, Plymouth College of Art & Design. I was really excited to hear about the work of Dutch artist Robin Van't Haar, who had been in residence for 2 weeks developing his ongoing 'City Scripts' public art project.
check out:
http://www.cityscripts.com/engels/index.html
http://viewpoint.pcad.ac.uk

Robin spent his time in Plymouth recording the everyday behaviour of people using public spaces. He observed day-to-day city life and that of the immediate college environment, presenting the results of his research in the gallery through photography, installation and a web log. In the Gallery programme Robin speaks of his interest in the way people move and behave in (semi) public space and how in certain places people start moving unconsciously in a kind of group choreography. Observing the way people move in these contexts offers a new perspective and/or way of experiencing the nature of that place.

Personally I'm very interested in the body as a sculptural, social and political agent and was really struck by one of Robin's photos in the brochure. It shows two business men, dressed identically in suit/tie and macks, both walking in step down a street, hands glasped behind their backs. The photo captures their moving in unison - a kind of choreography of the everyday with the 'dancers' in this piece being two business men dressed in the costume of commerce. It made me think about Erving Goffman's 'The Presentation of Self in Everyday Life' - Goffman describes the character of 'Preedy', an Englishman holidaying in Spain, to illustrate how we are continuously assuming/performing roles in our everyday public and private lives. Right now u can tell I'm performing 'arty' Preedy. I'm off for a swim shortly and then i'll be performing 'sporty' Preedy...

ANYWAY! As we'd been talking about re-thinking notions of what public art might be within the context of Groundwork and particularly the role of temporary creative interventions in public space, I thought it'd be nice to forward information of this exhibition opening to staff. Its interesting to consider how one presents public art related works in a gallery context too. This evening offered an opportunity to see and respond to some artwork together and a chance to meet members of the Groundwork team socially away from the office (with free wine which always sweetens any invitation!)

So happily that evening I was joined by Alex, Colin, Jocella, Ray and Rupert. Robin spoke a little about the work he produced in Plymouth over the two weeks and we chatted and sipped away on a few glasses of red with our kindly hosts :) A very nice vibe.

Groundwork Buisness Planning Day

2007-12-27T06:31:00.000-08:00

22/11/07

Up before the sun to catch an early train down to Plymouth.
Not long underway and the sun rose over the frozen fields and burnt away the final whisps of mist...it was really stunning. This transition always holds a kind of magic.

But hold your horses, before i get too lost in the poetics of the everyday the purpose of today's trip was to participate in Groundworks Business Planning Day. In the morning I would join Alex, Anne, Colin, Ed, Karin, Polly & Ray on the Art workshop. The afternoon session called 'Land', which I was excited about as it would be more unfamiliar territory for me, would be led by Bruce and the group comprised: Alex, David, Ed, James, Jo, Mike, Nicola and Wayne.
(check the photos)

The morning session was a really useful starting point for me. I was happy and curious to meet the staff who had signed up for this art focused planning session. We discussed how art might fit into the 3 year business plan for Groundwork - how art might be used to support existing project work, raise the profile of the organisation, be a useful tool to engage people, maintain working relationships and creatively explore local concerns.

Something that Ray and I have oft discussed is the need to challenge traditional notions of art in the public realm/public art. To update notions of intervention in public space. Of course, public art need not be a permanent figurative statue or sculpture on a street or square. Art in public spaces need not be object focused but might instead, as the group discussed, be creative interventions that have impact, local significance yet are temporary (although the memories that such an intervention inspires might be long lived). The group discussed the role of performance/live action in public art/education contexts. There are numerous great examples of socially engaged art projects out there and we shared a few. E.g. The Complaints Choir in Birmingham devised by Finnish artists Tellervo Kalleinen & Oliver Kochta-Kalleinen in collaboration with the Springhill Institute - where local complainees turned their own complaints into a song for public performance with the help of a composer Mike Hurley*.
We discussed building/sustaining audience relationships by taking a holistic, interdisciplinary approach for example taking a sci-art direction (art - health & wellbeing).
Another point that grabbed my attention was the art activism/stunt ideas to raise awareness of issues such as dumping/pollution etc. - Totally gets my vote count me in!

* check out the publication 'Springhill Institute Report on Activities' ISBN: 0-9556107-0-7

Crikey! So lots of ground covered, lunch and coffee required to get energy injection for the afternoon's session. During lunch Ray, Ed and I booked in a day trip for the 10th Dec with the Cornwall team (Bruce, Polly, Tony, Ed). Sadly my tummy bug was later to skupper that beautiful plan.

The 'Land' session provided me with lots of information on the kind of build/landscape projects Groundwork are currently involved in (and it is really broad) - ranging from maintaining nature and park areas to project managing &/or designing playground spaces, sports fields, skate parks and activating these spaces with a range of activities and training opps etc. with a signifcant focus towards youth work. Led by Bruce the group listed their fields of work, graded themselves on strengths/weaknesses and discussed which areas they'd wish to actively push/develop and those that they'd take a more responsive rather than pro-active position on. It was a useful session for me to sit in and observe on.

That day I also got to briefly meet Jackie Francis (who works for Groundwork in Torbay). She is developing a really interesting soap making enterprise with a womens group. I'd like to visit her and meet this group if poss.

Sadly I missed the Community Development & Social Enterprise session that Jocella led. I heard afterwards that everyone had to choose from a selection of miniature toys/figures to help describe how they felt about the organisation and their role in it (I think I've got that right). I use objects (sometimes everday found objects) in my own art work. So I was intrigued by this creative workshop technique.

By way of another related digresssion - I'm currently working with artist and performance maker Tom Marshman on a project called 'The Invitation'. Following each performance from Tom's trilogy 'Everyone's Companion to Life & Love', which he is presenting to groups of older people in Exeter, Bristol, Colchester & London, we are workshopping with the groups about the everyday props and objects Tom uses in his shows. We invite the participants to bring and tell us about their own keepsakes and the memories they provoke. Everybody has a story to share and objects can sometimes unlock such powerful ideas and associations.

Anyway after the Buisness Planning Day, and meeting so many new folk, my head was fit to explode off my shoulders scannners style. As it is now re-capping on the days proceedings. So that's me for now.

Artist in Residence - Groundwork (The early days)

2007-12-26T11:28:00.001-08:00

I officially started as Groundwork South West's first Artist in Residence on 14th November 2007.
I've created this blog as a way of sharing some of my ideas and activities surrounding this project as it unfolds.

Who are Groundwork? I'd describe them as a trust engaged in environmental and community activism - working with groups and agencies to improve their local environment and public spaces and responding to site specific concerns and issues. To find out more about Groundwork visit: http://www.groundwork-sw.org.uk

Who am I? That's a work-in-progress! But if you'd like to see what i've been upto creatively of late check out my profile on the New Work Network site: http://www.newworknetwork.org.uk

OK, So I'll begin near to the beginning! That's a good place to start i'm told...

13/11/07
Arrived in Plymouth by train and spent several hours walking around the city to get a feel for the place and let initial impressions wash over me...I headed towards the water, as I always do when I arrive in a new town. Whether that's canal, river, sea, park pond or public swimming baths I have to get to water so I can 'land' in a place!

Related digression (they'll be a few of these!) - I'd like to mention a book for those of you that also have a passion for walking and swimming 'Waterlog - A swimmer's journey through britain' by Roger Deakin. Its well worth a look.

The Lido, which was shut up for the winter, looked amazing - definately something to come back and check out in the summer!
I'm a sucker for a good Lido (that 30's style architecture gets me every time).
Initial thoughts on this grey blustery day overlooking the choppy sea and fenced-off diving boards "you are so doing this residency at the wrong time of year!"
But I've learned already of a local Plymouth group that take a sea dip everyday of the year so perhaps i'll brave it before the residency is out! (watch this space)

I also walked down through the Barbican area, which I'd visited once before when Duncan, Alex and myself had come down for the opening of the Ultra-red exhibition at Plymouth Arts Centre (part of the 'I say culture, you say...! programme).

14/11/07
After an fairly un-eventful night at the Travelodge (apart from some guy running down the corridor banging on doors shouting 'knob-head!' - charming!), I headed out to Totnes to have my first meeting with Ray White, Strategic Arts Co-ordinator for Groundwork, South West.
We talked about Berlin (Ray was just back from a trip there and its without doubt my favourite European city) and discussed projects we'd produced in recent years and jammed about the presentation we were going to make at the University of Plymouth the next morning. Ray and I had chatted over the phone and exchanged a few emails following my appointment in August so it was good to finally meet and talk F2F about how this residency might develop. The brief for the residency is very open, which was/is liberating and daunting in equal measure.

That evening back in Plymouth I met Hannah Jones and Rachel Dobbs (Low-Profile) for a pint. It was nice to see some familiar faces and they made me feel most welcome. I'd initially met H&R during the 'I'm your worst nightmare' performance platform at Arnolfini, Bristol back in April 07. They'd both taken part in my 'Girl Racer III' sewing machine contest and were 'great sports'. Our paths had crossed since at The Exchange, Penzance and Exeter Pheonix and it was so nice to catch up again. They updated me on their exhibition programme at the PCAD Gallery (more on that later!)

15/11/07
Ray and I arrived at the University's Main Hall to make a presentation to 3rd year media and sound students on the 'Collaborative & Contextual Practice' course. Following the obligatory technical problems (yeah yeah yawn!) we shared documentation from a selection of our own project work (undertaken in galleries/art centres, sited in public space, examples of collaborative/participatory interventions..) and Ray introduced the student mentoring opportunity that Groundwork had agreed with the University. A couple of students have since contacted us about this and Ray and I shall meet up with them in the new year (so more on that later too!) Before we left campus we took a peak at the new art school building - looked good and was a darn site warmer than the hall we'd just been freezing our buns in!

After lunch Ray and I headed back to the Groundwork offices at The Millfields (site of the former Royal Naval Hospital) and continued to talk about the organisation, the residency and how my role might begin to play out. Standing in the kitchen next to the hot water urn (I wanna say tea urn - Morecombe and Wise stylee!) I met and chatted to a few of the G-Work crew. Tea and chat, always a good way to start.

Back to Bristol that evening. Mobile phone connection really patchy on this train journey. Sit back enjoy the trip and pick up the current read: 'One Place After Another: Site Specific Art & Locational Identity' by Miwon Kwon (a critical history of site specific/public art since the late 1960's - its written really nicely and i've found it very useful.)