Suitcase & Shrines

My practice is supported by collaborating with other creative practitioners.  I visited Glen Mason, Leather Artist, at his studio in Corsham, to explore ideas of how to transform an old 1930's suitcase.  The Harrods vintage case had been found by a book artist friend Nancy, who had rescued the case from a bin and gifted to me.  Glen and I worked in his garden, to look at ways of transforming the case into a book/bag/travelling studio, the intention to use on 'pilgrimage' during my residency at Lacock Abbey.  The materials inspire narratives, referencing the nuns enclosed way of life, a love of archives and portable shrines.  I share another collection of materials, found objects discovered with textile artist Monica Hicks drawing upon the once upon a time women's worlds; antique embroidery from an old seat, a mangle cloth, children's blankets, some hemp and sacks.  As we work to bring the case back to life and consider how to make a one-off book/bag, I talk of a visit to Wiltshire & Swindon History Centre, looking at old books documenting Lacock life, and how the religious houses were once the keepers of the books, such as, at Lacock, the Brito. 

I had also been collaborating with artist Alex Madden, who had been generously sharing her outside studio space in her lovely garden at the National Trust village of Coleshill.  Every Tuesday we work and play together, exploring ideas, materials and process, experimenting with natural plants to print, arranging collections in temporary shrines.  It is interesting to take materials and transform their purpose to create a story in the making.  The organic process of undoing, folding, wrapping, laying out, becomes a mindful contemplative ritual.