Happenings
HAPPENINGS is conceived as a programme of action and events, performance and making, workshops and discussion that will make every day feel different. Some will present the unfolding process of making artworks, others will engage members of the public in a process of discovery, but there will always be a sense of movement through time and space. One of our central aims is to reach out to publics beyond those who see art activity as a vital part of their lives. We wish to encourage people who may be puzzled by art, even intimated by it , and invite them to join in the action themselves.
Contributing Artists, click or scroll to discover more:
Happenings
“INDIVIDUALLY AND COLLECTIVELY, WE ARE ON A JOURNEY FROM A STORY OF SEPARATION TO A NEW YET ANCIENT STORY OF REUNION: ECOLOGY, INTERDEPENDENCY, INTERBEING.”
— CHARLES EISENSTEIN
Victoria Bone - Restriction 1
Victoria Bone is an interdisciplinary artist with live art at the centre of her practice. Bone look's at the paradox in themes such as submission & control, strength & vulnerability and considers the social and economical restraints placed on the female body. Bone's work involves physically exploring and responding to materials that embody these themes, from this she creates items to move in, sometimes on the edge of wearability. The items are influenced by ceremonial costume and ritual, and the movement by simple domestic and historical actions.
For Live Performance please visit https://www.instagram.com/p/CAz4SWXFMNQ/
Victoria Bone
Restriction 1
Luminara Star Florescu - Deepening into Self
A mediative dream journey to connect you with your deepest inner self, learning the wisdom of the wise Elder that lives within us all. This performance sound work, invites the listener to participate as they journey inwards. Relax, surrender and allow me to lead you to a magical place of healing and wellbeing.
It is a form of public engagement and an extension of the social practise element of my art practise.
Alyson Minkley - Haptic Traces
Haptic Traces is an on going performance drawing project exploring the relationship between myself and my experience of the space I move through be that personal, in interaction with others or environment or in some cases existential. In some works the theme is predominant whilst in others it may be an unconscious sub theme, explored more through the language of drawn or sculptural form in space / time. Understanding, through recent & late diagnosis, that I am dyspraxic has changed the lens through which I perceive this aspect of my work and increased the importance I see of my own innate ability to explore social-emotional responses through empathy and existential interaction with environment and “other”, translating to self-embodiment in creative outcomes.
Haptic Traces
Georgie Florence - Tactile Observation (videos)
h2>I think about the inner knowledge of nature and how this defines essential bodies. Bringing to consciousness and surface, the relationship between the body of tree and the body of me. How they extend each other; both physically, when our surfaces touch, as well as the constant roles we play within larger systems. How our bodies crossover, interweave. I think about the experience of navigating life through a body and I wonder about the traumas and sensualities of different bodies.
I am interested in sexuality as one of the most defining components to natural life in its bodily forms, and as something that links all earthly beings. My physical contact with the tree trunks is executed with gestures of sensuality and care, and I utilise this sexuality and sensuality as a means of exploring the crossovers and boundaries between nature and humanity."
Georgie Florence - Delicate Touch
This photographic series expresses a desire to be fully immersed in my natural surroundings and yet, leave only a delicate, temporary mark on the environment. The hand, trademark of intricate humanity, presents itself as a delicate shadow, offering - through soft and sensual motion - communication, care, and curiosity to the landscape it is placed within."
Lucy Large – ‘Shedding’
‘Shedding’ is the third in a series of wallpaper works.
Here the domestic space suggested by the wallpaper pattern is used to make hollow twig forms and transposed to the natural environment. Skin-like on the woodland floor they invite questions about Home/Safety; Wild vs Domesticated; Interior/Exterior landscapes; Strength/Vulnerability; Freedom
Peter Ward - earth painted faces
“…beyond "such unaccustomed periods of self isolation can lead us to look closely at ourselves. we may often be surprised at what we see…" i am having far too much fun to verbalise.
although... i really like the transformations and how i don't even see myself in some of them. i wonder if the process (of self portraiture/examination) has something to do with redefining who i may think i am because of the global situation (environmental and covid) we are experiencing or if it is simply an exploration of local materials. maybe I am trying to hide behind the mask, for a multitude of reasons, or trying to find some other power to help me exist more fully. there is obviously some earth culture connection going on. whatever...”
Peter Ward has been researching the creative applications and implications, history and geology of earth pigments from South West England since 2008. His work is shared through paintings, installations and workshops. During Covid-19 Lockdown Peter has enjoyed using materials to hand to create a series of face painting ‘selfies’ exploring ideas of earth connection, identity and empowerment. Peter will be running participatory earth pigment workshops at Walcot Chapel for Happenings 2020 later in the year.
peterward-artist-illustrator.co.uk
@peteward.artist
Peter Ward and Joanna Natalija - earth body painting
This ongoing project, cut short by the Coronavirus lockdown, came about through friendship and a simple desire to express our love and connection to Nature through our respective creative specialisms. The images presented are starting points to a shared journey, with each other and with Nature. Thank you to all who participated and to Nature for Her own very special contribution.
the photographer: “This series of work is a reminder that we are all part of Nature. The figure is adorned with paints from the earth and the canvas backdrop is painted with colours directly from nature. We are all but the dust, the mud, the elements. We are one and the same. It’s what we came from and what we will feed back into.” Joanna Natalija, photographer
the painter: “to paint with earth on flesh, it’s the real deal! forget canvas or paper, this surface actually talks! each person, each entity, the rocks and soils, plants and fabrics make a contribution to the work. work?! this is pure pleasure, connecting to life on so many levels. a reminder of where we come from, where we are now and maybe even where we are going…” Peter Ward, artist
the model 1: “I loved working with Pete and Joanna, very professional and inspiring. The mud felt very primal and the process really helped me into my body, with a sense of feeling connected to the earth and Her natural beauty. We are all a part of Her creation and it is wonderful to be inviting Her into this creative space in this way. Joining forces. Returning back to the complexity of Nature’s simplicity.” Kerri Tomlins, model and dance therapist
the model 2: “My only concern was that natural earth pigments might cause some skin staining, but I've always enjoyed getting my hands muddy at least; that's what makes gardening so satisfying, I think, the sensation of earth on skin and a primitive desire to be in contact with nature. As a performer as well as a model, I see body paint as a costume and the studio space as my stage; with those two in place, I'm ready to improvise and see where it leads. There was certainly something very satisfying about the raw, primitive connections that I felt during the shoot.” Sanna Kelly, model and dancer
the model 3: “You're going to have to bare with me! Brain fucked!” Sophie Dennett, artist
peterward-artist-illustrator.co.uk
www.soulsynergy.co.uk
www.facebook.com/SannaKellymodel/
www.sophiedennett.com
Dave Webb -Otherwhere, Elsewhen
A two minute journey into recent moments, nearby spaces that are neither here, nor now.
Enter the exhibit at https://cranbim.github.io/Fab20Happenings/index.html
A moment occupies a time and space that never exists again. When we observe it we are really examining our recent sense impressions and recollections, through a set of prior beliefs. In these times when video calling has become a norm for many more of us, there is that sense that here and now do not occupy a single objective point. That instant is divided between my blink and you observing it from another place a few milliseconds later. My now is your past. Your now is my future. What happens in the time between those two moments? Where did the blink, in fact, occur? Our common space is an assemblage of electron states and flows in servers, cables and routers, who knows where in the world. Here and now are no longer what they seem.
Dave Webb
Otherwhere, Elsewhen
Carrie Grainger -The Earth lives as we do
Materials: Wool felting, hessian, twigs, wooden post.
My work explores cultural superstitions, symbolism and ritual practice through multiple forms such as mask making, sculpture, performance and film. I draw on concepts from different belief systems with spiritual focus such as the shamanic, pagan and druidry. My practice addresses mysticism, mind, reservation and concealed societies.
The Earth lives as we do (2019) celebrates and makes reference to European folklore, community and solstice festivals and a connection to nature and archaic roots.
Carrie Grainger - The Fates
Carrie Grainger - High Priestess
Aimless Drift
Aimless Drift is brought to you by Electric Landscape.
This audio will be available on Sunday 24th, Sunday 31st and Sunday 7th June between 10.00 and 22.00 BST
For optimum enjoyment it is recommended that you listen to this audio experience through headphones
Prepare a warm drink of your choice before commencing.
In a world which constantly demands our attention, bombarded by sights and sounds, pestered by technology we ask the audience to take a moment out from the maelstrom and aimlessly drift.
You will be guided through a series of instructions designed to aid your relaxation and prepare you for a new audiowork by James Thornton infusing a sense of slowness.
Electric Landscape is a collaboration between James Thornton and Angel Greenham.
James Aldridge - The Ash Looks Back
The Ash Looks Back is a series of photographic and video works that are evolving out of my research into Ash trees and Ash Die Back Disease, originally funded by Arts Council England as part of the Ash Tree Stream project (www.AshTreeStream.com).
The images included here were taken using a camera trap attached to various Ash trees within walking or cycling distance of my home near Devizes in Wiltshire.
I see the work as a collaboration with each tree and the ecosystems of which they are a part. It is a chance for me to give a voice to the trees and the animals to which they provide a home. Ash trees are threatened with Ash Die Back Disease, which is likely to kill 80 - 90% of the UK’s population in the coming years, with a massive impact on our wildlife and landscape.
James Aldridge, May 2020
Theo Wood - The Box
Olive Leaff - ‘Women With Balls’
Join Olive Leaff for a live version of her podcast and go on a journey that will take you through Arthurian legend, Anglo-Saxon archaeology and Viking mythology as we talk about magical and powerful women with balls! It's history like you've never heard it before."
Tim Neath- Cardboard City Family Workshop
Help to create the City of Bath out of Cardboard. You could make a house, a cinema, a hospital, the possibilities are endless. To bring all these pieces together please send me photos via DM (by 7th June) so I can share them with you all.
Follow link to Tim’s https://www.instagram.com/p/CAfKrKJgtFb/
Happenings blog posts
