H A L T W H I S T L E R E S I D E N C Y - E A R T H M O T H E R B A N N E R
OVERVIEW
I had the utmost delight to take part in a residency at Field Shelter, “an artist-led creative studio and project space on Hadrian’s Wall, near Haltwhistle, Northumberland.”
For my time at the studio and local area I wanted something that captured the stories, folklore and history of the area alongside multiple occasions where people could get involved.
The final result was a banner ceremony with accompanying poems which told of the long rich heritage of the Haltwhistle Burn and its impact on the communities over the eras.
It is with huge thanks to Lydia, Ed (and their little ‘un) for being such exemplary collaborators and hosts.
WORKSHOP ONE (May) - STORIES AND COLLAGE
The first preliminary workshops saw a fantastic collection of humans from all walks of life passing through the door, full of good vibes, interesting conversations and creative pizzazz.
This collage workshop was intended to start collecting stories, folklore and legends of Haltwhistle ~ and everyone had some funny, spooky, surprising and charming tales and information, of which I’m very very appreciative for their time and brains!
One of the over arching themes was everyone’s passion for nature and in particular Haltwhistle Burn. I enjoyed a walk back into town through the aforementioned nature sanctuary.
WORKSHOP TWO (July) - PRINTMAKING FOLKLORE
A free print making workshop in the centre of Haltwhistle, the second of my prep sessions as part of my residency.
Another really interesting and varied group of people attended this one and tried their hand at the printing sponge. Some folk were walk ins off the street and others wonderfully traveling in to get involved.
Community, creativity and conversation felt vibrant - and hopefully people left feeling more confident about approaching DIY print making too.
The visuals were inspired by the first workshop, where a passion for flora and fauna shone through. I loved seeing how everyone experimented with the stencils and also created their own designs!
Eventually these prints were used in the final result as a connecting umbilical cord to the main banner the ceremony attendants could hold.
RESIDENCY (August) - research and making
part one : explore / absorb / ponder / converse / time travel
An enjoyable time spent roaming the beautiful landscapes and historical centres around Haltwhistle. Elements seen include = Mare & Foal standing stones • Vindolanda Roman site and museum treasures • Haltwhistle Burn • Holy Cross Church • Field Shelter’s golden field. And then also some sketchbook bits … a ditty about industry and a token from meeting a hare (by the standing stones!).
part two: collect / vessel /distill / apply / revere
Placing all my found elements together towards the banner ceremony taking place as the full moon approaches. Physically - a hand painted banner with its connecting cord featuring the community prints. 5 small poems documenting the history of Haltwhistle, and how the use of nature has influenced this, which shall act as stopping posts of reflection along the nature walk of the burn. An opening and closing small ceremony shall activate the work and bookend proceedings.
Elements included in the final banner :
mill wheel icon
fossilisation as fuel
studio spider - powerful women
Earth Mother provides
the mighty burn itself underpinning everything
old local church font visage
quoits and community
ancient flora and fauna
from natural resources we can make industry
Romans and concept of invasion
holding a loft in reverence
Earth Mother as vessel or relic
click an image below to enlarge.
RESIDENCY - community interaction
part three : engage / community / action / install / move.
An absolutely fantastic evening was spent leading our banner ceremony and nature walk. What an honour to receive an intimate group who brought a lovely warm energy to proceeding as well as lots of interesting local knowledge and nature appreciation. With ceremony at the start and beginning we pootled through the burn, stopping for my dittys, noticing nature (some major tree shout outs) and to discuss all that is magical.
The banner, book of poetry and workshop bunting was on display in the window of the wonderful Haltwhistle Film Project, overlooking the market square, as part of the Hadrian’s Art Trail - which sees great art in interesting spaces along the wall.
click an image below to enlarge.
