Creating Place
it's starting to take shape
We went down into the silent garden. Dawn is the time when nothing breathes, the hour of silence. Everything is transfixed, only the light moves. - Leonora Carrington
look up photo by Barb Burwell
Hello everyone!
As promised, an update from my AiR at The Verdancy Project (TVP)!
In the weeks leading up to this project, I spent a considerable amount of time dreaming and conceptualizing what to bring to it. I knew I wanted to incorporate the ideas and shapes I had been working on in my Clothwork pieces, and had those in mind as I approached my journal and sketchbook. After all the workshopping, the installation is becoming an almost literal interpretation of fiber pieces, so I decided to lean into this.
Shape language!
A major element in my design has turned out to be a large branch that broke off one of TVP’s mature maple trees. I knew immediately this had to be a key component included in the piece! I wasn’t quite sure what form it would take, but I knew it needed to be included.
…it told me it wanted to stand up and become the focal point.
Here are some images and the sketch for the final site plan.
Over the course of this residency, I aim to take time each work session to immerse myself in the physical space, connecting it to the art-making process by setting up in different areas of the property and becoming part of my surroundings. I decided to call these meditations in place. I would sit, listen, and draw.
Here are some examples of ideas and questions I would bring to this task. What do I hear? Are they nearby or far away? Can I see them as a texture? If they were lines, could I imagine how they look? Thick, thin, short, or long? Can I describe what kind of energy the sounds have? Do they sound slow or fast, expansive or surrounding?
I would try to distinguish as many separate sounds as possible and listen for layers of sound. This is definitely something that can be applied to any sketchbook practice, and would be fun to try in a busy café!
I’m very excited about this project and will send more updates in the weeks to come!
Stay creative!
Barb
