I was lucky enough to be invited along to two of these artist led, commission and collaboration opportunities, organised by the people at rednile, along with another Informal Art accomplice.
The first one was at the Dove Marine Laboratory, slightly different to the usual format, as scientists were also present, therefore encouraging a new kind of interaction between artists and scientists. The Dove is part of Newcastle Universities School of Marine Science and Technology, and has been in operation for over one hundred years.
Located right on the beach, a tour was given by the Deputy Director, Dr Jane Delany, (a specialist in the study of transferrence of micro-organisms and bacteria worldwide, in ships ballast), into the research facilities, equipment and hidden spaces. Glass tanks full of creatures such as lobster's, cod and crabs, and non-native species, like the very aggressive signal crayfish, bubbled away in the dank, gloomy surroundings.
Cath Keay, former artist in residence, gave a short presentation on the work she produced during her stay in 2008, a series of terracotta text works, one of which was 'Fecundity'. This work was crated up, and placed under the pier to be washed over by many tides, which caused the sculpture to be colonised by pest organisms (such as barnacles), to be removed at a later date, then placed in tanks on the roof of the lab. All this was recorded on film. Fascinating stuff.
It is always interesting to see how your fellow artists work, so, a short session of networking followed, sadly, all too short, but very informative, with several local artists working in many different mediums. Very inspiring.
More info on the work of the laboratory at; University of Newcastle, Dove link
The second night was at Martins The Printers at Spittal, run in collaboration with Berwick Film & Media Arts Festival. This was also located right beside the seashore, with a history dating back to 1892. Originally an old ironworks producing shovels and farm implements, for shipment to the Empire, (no, not the one in 'Boro...) it now houses a family run print business.
After a some very delicious home made sausage rolls and fruit cake, the Managing Director, Chris Hardie, took all twenty of us on a very informative tour, highlighting the old parts of the building, and the modern digital equipment. One of their specialisms is 'print on demand' books, which can be literally one book, hand bound on site in a variety of finishes. Sadly, much of the mainstream printing work can be done 30% to 50% cheaper in China, and Chris thinks that e-books will gradually take over the market, as they are already being used in schools and Universities up and down the country. Currently, they produce work for English Heritage, Letts, Collins and many other special interest companies.
Afterwards, we retired to the Stage Door Bar at the Maltings Theatre in town, for refreshments and further chatter. We will shortly receive proposal forms for work, inspired as a direct result of the nights in question.
rednile have been doing inspiring working sessions for about five years now, however, this particular project has come to an end. I look forward to new initiatives from Michael, Janine and Suzanne, rumour has it that a Teesside link up is in the offing.......
www.rednile.org for further information, and www.berwickfilm-artsfest.com/artist-trail for information on the festival.
No comments:
Post a Comment