~ Poster I made for the exhibition
it sounds just like escape… was a joyous magical expounding of a lifelong obsession with forests, nature, and escapism - an obsession that was only encouraged further after a month long residency in the Finnish countryside @artelescreativecenter back in August of 2022.
For me forests possess such profound beauty, characterised by their towering trees, the dappled sunlight that shines through, they provide a rich tapestry that one can so easily get lost in. Quite happily I might add. Within one can find sanctuary from the chaos of modern life, of the outside world - in my opinion they really do feel like a wholly separate world. The gentle rustle and crunch of leaves, the birdsong, and the soft oddly pleasing squelch of moss underfoot create a soothing soundtrack, allowing for a deep connection with nature. The forest offers a retreat that rejuvenates the mind and spirit. In this tranquil setting, one can truly escape...
It was this that I sought to recreate and bring to the work for all who came to see the show whilst it was on.
From a young age, fantasy and fairy tales captivated me, each story a vivid tapestry of magic, adventure, and morals. Exploring mystical forests with heroes or whimsical lands sparked my imagination and provided an escape from reality. As I grew older, the allure of these realms influenced my perspectives, enriching my understanding of the human experience. The themes of love, bravery, and transformation in these tales remain an enduring source of inspiration.
In addition to the sculptural and illustrative works, I also included an audio piece as part of the exhibition. This consisted of a roughly 12 minute reading I did from a book of Scottish fairytales, the specific story I read is called “The Witches of Fife”, mixed with audio recordings taken from two different forests in the area that I grew up in. Which combine to create an immersive experience for the listener, transporting them on a journey, one in which they can get lost in the story being told, and escape in peace to the woodland realm alongside all its inhabitants.
As the title suggests, I ultimately aimed to create a form of escape for all who came to see the exhibition whilst it was on.
it sounds just like escape… - installation & mixed range of media, with illustrative works and 12 minute audio work - chicken wire & papiér mâche, moss, fake lichen, gilded walnuts, string, leaf litter, tree stumps, A2 oil pastel works — Dimensions variable.
Above photos taken by myself
