LEAVE THE CITY BETTER THAN YOU FOUND IT - Interventions & multiples

MEND*RS BLOG TOUR- PERSONAL REFLECTION AND OUTCOMES from the Mend*rs Symposium 2012.

There has been time to reflect on the time spent at the Mend*rs research symposium and to establish aims and suggestions for a Mend*rs movement and my personal input and manifesto as a ‘mender’, and as an artist.

  

MEND*RS was a Mending Research Symposium at Docker in South Cumbria,  was the first ever large-scale gathering dedicated to mending in the UK, with a series of events, publications and activist projects around mending. It took place from 29 June to 2 July, 2012 and was organised by Jonnet Middleton, Guiseppe Salva and Beck Collins to ‘bring about the age of mending‘! And to ‘bring together an emergent community of research around issues of repair. By research we include practice-based research, arts-based research, activist research as well as traditional academic inquiry. We want to establish a network of researchers and practitioners who are exploring aspects of mending’.

WHY AM I A MENDER?

I approached the Mend*rs symposium with an interest in the materials and processes that would take place there. I was to create practical signage to highlight the different locations and activities happening on-site, creating functional artworks with an aesthetic which was relevant to the site and notions of mending. 

The ‘Helping Hands’ series and pointing hands featured in the signage were printed from household and DIY manuals from 1920s-1950’s, harking back to a period where resourcefulness and skills were practiced daily.

I also worked throughout the symposium to document the practical activity taking place there within the ‘Menders Toolkit’.  My initial blog post outlining the activity at the 1^st Mend*rs Symposium can be viewed in a previous post HERE.

My artwork makes use of recycled materials. Paper based artwork is created using 100% recycled papers and card stock made from post-consumer waste. Other materials I salvage and re-work are wallpapers, fabrics, building materials, household/grocery packaging to name a few. From an environmental perspective my artwork aims to promote re-use and I do see this as a process of mending- in relation to one of the permaculture principles of ‘earth care’ and being resourceful with the materials (both natural and man-made) currently available on our planet.

To me mending extends beyond the realm of physical fixing of things, to conceptual outcomes, mindfulness towards materials and resources and our impact as individuals and the choices we make as consumers. The planet cannot support our mass consumerism, and issues about impending peak oil makes the matter all the more worrying.

We can make decisions now- to become menders and learn the skills to become more self-sufficient and resilient in terms of not relying on the production of new goods from factories and learning how to mend (and make) the items that we use within our daily lives and be resourceful with what we have. I believe these are vital skills which we all should develop now in 2012, more than ever. If we as a society can lessen the need/ demand for constantly new items- clothes, objects then we would save and conserve vital resources.

FURTHER IMPACT ON MY PRACTICE

The week was inspiring.  Jonnet Middleton’s talk in particular raised questions and issues that impact my daily life and work as an artist- dealing with the accumulation and consuming of stuff; mainly materials used within my art practice, household/domestic items and clothes. I do buy most of my things second-hand, but Jonnet’s talk has made me consider whittling down the amount of things I buy, and the stuff I gather- as it can become a burden and it is unnecessary.

I am therefore now putting into practice within my artwork the re-use of material, and how this impacts surface with an accumulated history of use. The ‘art suit’ and ‘art patch’ concept developed earlier this year had touched on these themes- using salvaged fabric patches and William Morris fabrics to patch people’s holes in a performance based activity. 

William Morris fabric- a re-occuring motif throughout my practice and seen on a chair at the Mend*rs Symposium

I am now entering into a project that combines previous themes; dealing with history of use, and patina of surface as narrative. Alongside the continued use of found and salvage fabrics and papers I intend to re-use my materials from project to project- these include papers and canvases which are used as prints and paintings. I like the idea of creating multi-functional artwork, which could exist as a painting, a shelter for example.This was explored in last year's Airspace Gallery Studio show in Margate where a hand painted parasol cover became a functional item on the beach front and then was removed and displayed as a painting on the wall. 

I intend to take this a step further, re making and re-painting the same canvases, and repairing the wear and tear over the years. Stitch marks, creases, patches, cutting and re-stitching will allow a surface to build up as a result of re-use and repair. 

The Unstructured Material Tent, currently being exhibited at The Airspace Studio show '12, has once again made use of the same piece of canvas which was used for the 'Kiss me Quick' Margate work seen above. It was washed, dyed and re-stitched, given new function and aesthetic.

I have previously explored the links between lifestyle and art practice and debated how lifestyle is a creative process and question what constitutes creative activity? The Mending process is a truly creative one and I believe that our objects, clothes and surroundings become more meaningful as well as beautiful and tactile when we mend, repair and create a history of use reflective of our life. Within my artwork I explore history of use and process. I am interested in how the wear and tear of objects and theory subsequent repair reflects human experience and can act as a means of recording and documenting.

MY PERSONAL MANIFESTO AS AN ARTIST

How I am going to incorporate notions / issues of mending into my art practice:
Attending the Mend*rs symposium re-ignited some personal interests put a new slant onto sustainability and environmental awareness in regards to resourcefulness and consuming or even making of new 'stuff'. On reflection on some of the themes discussed at Mend*rs symposium I have realised I have an issue with the creation of yet more 'stuff' as an artist.

I am happy producing things out of otherwise waste or scrap materials, which have been developed throughout my Reconstructive range, but I intend this notion to extend into my art practice and an interesting project could be developed- re-using the same canvas and materials from project to project. 

Paintings and items will be created which reveal history of use, process, mindfulness, and context.

MY FUTURE AIMS & INPUT TO MEND*RS

RESOURCE PACKS & POSTCARDS

I am interested in creating resources and skill sharing methods and solutions. And would be keen to develop resources for DIY kits and postcards, based on some of the techniques share at the Mend*rs Symposium, which are featured in the Mend*rs toolkit. These could be developed further to create a series of collectible mending cards that each contain a simple yet practical method, from darning a sock to repairing an inner tube on a bike.

Content would be gathered from the Mend*rs network/practitioners from the 1^st Mend*rs Symposium, and I would propose to design and illustrate instructions into a series of collectible postcards. Postcards would also allow the info to be accessible and exchangeable- send a friend a postcard...They would act as good promotion for the Mend*rs network- propaganda style.

These are some of my reflections and ideas. I hope that other Mend*rs who were involved with the symposium feel these ideas are relevant and I hope a discussion can begin about making some of these ideas happen.

Thanks to all the Mend*rs at the symposium who have inspired my current practice.

This blog post is part of the Mend*rs Blog tour. Please visit previous blogs and future blogs involved with the tour, following the links below.

Tour Date	Blogger	URL
Tour Taster	Clare Thomas	http://cleaningbeaches.wordpress.com/2012/07/07/mending-objects-mending-roadsides-mending-lives/
Tour Taster	Flowering Elbow	http://www.floweringelbow.org/2012/invent/musings-on-mending-mendrs/
20/07/2012	Mend*RS	http://mendrs.net
25/07/2012	GUTmag	www.gutmag.eu
27/072012	Futuremenders	http://futuremenders.com/
03/08/2012	Keep & Share	http://www.keepandshare.co.uk/blog
10/08/2012	Venerable Clothing	http://venerableclothing.blogspot.co.uk
17/08/2012	tomofholland	http://tomofholland.com
24/08/2012	bridgetharvey	http://bridgetharvey.blogspot.co.uk/
31/08/2012	textilelives	http://textilelives.co.uk (NOT LIVE YET)
07/09/2012	KnittedGeographies	http://knittedgeographies.wordpress.com/
14/09/2012	lizparker	lizparker.org
21/09/2012	The Bunny Pile	http://thebunnypile.wordpress.com/
28/09/2012	Unstructured Material	http://www.unstructuredmaterial.blogspot.co.uk/
05/10/2012	The Blogging Phenotype	blog.spinningkid.info
12/10/2012	Logo Removal Service	http://www.logoremovalservice.com/news-log-etc/
19/10/2012	Caitlin DeSilvey and Steve Bond	http://smallisbeautifulproject.blogspot.co.uk/
26/10/2012	Stitched Up	http://www.stitchedupuk.co.uk

AIRSPACE STUDIO SHOW ’12- UNSTRUCTURED MATERIAL TENT

The UNSTRUCTURED MATERIAL Tent is currently being exhibited as part of the Airspace Studio Show ’12- Airspace Gallery, no.4 Broad Street, Hanley. The exhibition will run until October 6th  - Tuesdays-Saturdays 11:00-17:00 - admission is free.

The Tent was first developed as part of the ‘Developing Small Encounters’ Research and development week which was facilitated by the Small Encounters Collective and Artist Adrian Howells, at MAC Birmingham in May 2012. The Tent is a transient and constantly changing piece, with content based on current research, intended to act as a physical ‘blog’ or sharing space.

Building the Tent framework

The Tent has become more structural for the Airspace Studio Show ’12, with a more solid framework, and hand stitched details. Future developments of the tent will aim to make the tent water and weather-proof for showing outdoors.

Hand-stitched details

The tent outdoors during a 'Small Encounter' performance at MAC Birmingham

Please click HERE to visit the Airspace Gallery Blog for a statement and more images of the work.

BANNERS & SIGNMAKING for the OPEN DAY at Farm2Grow

Earlier this month I ran a sign making & banner making workshop at Farm2Grow care farm in Staffordshire Moorlands.

On the day we learned basic sign writing skills and used experimental print techniques, and eco- paints (we also made traditional egg tempera paint using the eggs laid by the chickens on-site) to create various signage for the Farm open day, to direct people on site, and also made some smaller scale herb labels.

Herb labels made by particpants on the sign making workshop, using experimental print methods- now varnished and ready to be put out in the herb planters!

This week I have been working to complete the banners we started in the workshop ready for the event day on Saturday 1st September. I'm looking forward to seeing the banners up on the day, and promoting the Farm.

Yurt and signs- veiw from the permaculture forest garden

I am also installing and designing the new shop space, which will be opening to co-incide with the event day. The shop will contain local wares and hand made items. The shop will be opening regularly after the event day and we are currently looking for local produce and craft items to sell from the shop. Please come along to the event day or get in touch if you have items you would like to sell.

Completed banners in the shop space which is being developed

So, there's now less than 1 week to go to the FREE farm open day event on Saturday 1st September 10 - 4. Come along to see  rare breed animals, skilled craft demonstrations and craft stalls. There will also be live music and a fresh home grown food as well as a face painter and balloon modeller in the children's corner. Or just come along to sit and relax and enjoy the panoramic views. There are some wonderful raffle prizes on offer (purchase of raffle ticket required- which can be bought on-ste on the day). The main prize is a weekend away in a beautiful Mongolian yurt, and a prize for meal for four at the Famous Black Lion pub in Consall or entry to Consall Hall Gardens- these are just a few of the prizes to be won.

Farm2Grow is situated on the A522 Leek to Cheadle Road ST90AZ. Public transport is 32 or 32A Hanley to Cheadle (get off at blakely lane kennels) from cheadle same bus in reverse.  From Leek - No.16 Leek to Hanley- get off at plough bank wetley rocks and then follow the signs. If you have difficulty finding us or want to know more please call on 07766836006. Please come and help us celebrate the work we have achieved so far, and get involved with an inspring project.

ARTea/ Backyard brew at OPEN YARDEN

The OPEN YARDEN event which took place on Saturday 4^th August 2012 officially launched the Airspace Creative Urban Yarden. See the previous blog post for more about our intentions for the Yarden in the year ahead, and visit the Facebook group here

OPEN YARDEN, AirSpace Gallery

The event was a perfect opportunity to share my ARTea project which aims to promote the use of selected herbs to promote creativity and provide a creative experience. I am interested in the use of organic produce and linking notions of growing, creativity and well-being. Performance, art & life as holistic practice.  I am looking at the concepts of ‘Teaism’ (which represents do much of our art & life) that is rooted in ancient Zen/Taoist practices.

Pick your own herb Tea! ARTea installation, Kate Lynch 2012
Image: Adam Gruning

The backyard brew originated in my own Yarden, it is a blend of three herbs Lemon Balm, sage and mint (sometimes with added nettle). The herbs were growing together in a planter for some time before I discovered how well they tasted together.

Lemon Balm, Sage, & Mint growing together

The ARTea herb planters have been planted and nurtured in my own Yarden this year and it was a pleasure to have visitors picking from them and enjoying their tea making & tasting experience. A herb patch containing a variety of herbs to promote creativity will be introduced into the design for the Yarden taking place this autumn and winter.

“Thus the art of making tea and the art of painting are direct expressions of mindfulness & practice’’ kakuzo Okakura- The Book of Tea

The three planters were installed on the 'Larch Bench' which fittingly, had 3 seats and provided a hub of activity and a space for conversation and for sitting, making and tasting the teas. The bench had  been created by AirSpace Artist Andrew Branscombe for the 'Stocktake' Exhibition which happened earlier this year. I liked the re-purposing of the bench, a lot of this type of re-using and re-purposing activity happens within the gallery- we have many fittings and fixures that appear in different incarnations in exhibitions and projects. We are a resourceful bunch.

Kids and adults alike enjoyed the herbal teas. I intend to roll this idea out in the Yarden and beyond, growing designated herb patched containing selected herbs that are linked to creativity,  offering visitors the chance to pick their own in a performance based  experience and having an ARTea to accompany their art viewing at Gallery…

''...an oasis in the dreary waste of existence, where weary travellers could meet and drink from the common spring of art appreciation'' - Okakura

The project also deals with issues of sustainability-especially in an artist lead space such as AirSpace, where funds are tight. We often serve tea and coffees to visitors here at AirSpace, and I would like to be able to offer visitors a fresh herbal tea which they can come and pick themselves. Growing herbs in the Yarden will save some cash, and perhaps generate a bit of income if we ask for donations for a fresh herbal cuppa. There is also potential to bag up dried herbs to sell or swap, or for individual use.

The copper plant labels were made using experimental print techniques. I will be making more of these labels to accompany the Yarden herbs.

I intend to create artists multiples in the form of a packaged tea experience. There are lots of projects in the pipeline with my ARTea ideas.

“The tea ceremony becomes Art. A ceremony performed not as symbol or allegory but as an ultimate expression of the here & now’ 

With thanks to Adam Gruning, Fiona Waddle & Ben Popple for providing some of the images featured.

SIGN MAKING WORKSHOP

I am currently working on preparations for the Sign making workshop day I am running at Farm2Grow care farm, situated in Wetley Rocks, Staffordshire Moorlands, this Thursday 9^th August.

This morning I have been cutting, sanding and painting the reclaimed wood for the allotment plant labels which we will be printing text onto on the day.

 

I have also been cutting the fabric banners to size which we will be painting text directly onto.

Designs for the Farm2Grow banners

On the day we will explore the Farm2Grow site and design signs that are needed to guide visitors to areas of interest. We will be working on some road side banners to promote the farm and the open day event happening on 1^st September 2012, to passers-by.

We will create a range of signs and banners using slate, wood and canvas, along with different experimental print techniques. We will mix some paints using natural pigments and use eco-friendly paints made from natural based ingredients such as clays and plant resins, along with some other interesting and unusual materials & techniques. You will learn how to create your own signs using scrap materials that you can go away to try at home.

The course is now fully booked for the day, I look forward to meeting those who are attending on Thursday.