In September 2020 I was set to be artist in residency at The University of Hertfordshire Arts Faculty. This residency went digital due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
In my studio working on Kelp Forest mixed media collage diptych on donated canvas, September 2020.
Find out more on my residency and the brilliant arts program delivered by UH Arts HERE.
Mid way through 2020 I began to think about ocean systems which are under threat and launched a deeper investigation into kelp forests as they are native to UK waters and provide our coastline with protection and breeding grounds as well as providing oxygen and storing carbon. Long fascinated with seaweeds and the diverse range of shapes and colours that exist I wanted to create a way for wide audiences to connect with the kelp forests as they would connect to trees which grow on land. To do this I began to make sculptural kelp out of recycled materials and incorporated living plants.
This residency provided a platform and dedicated time exploring ways of making and visualising these amazing forests which are normally hidden by our oceans.
Watch the studio tour and workshop that I lead.
Detail from Kelp Forest maquette. Plastic is woven into wire and spider plants hang form the canopy structure.
Then the project was put on hold... Shortly after finishing my residency in September 2020, I contracted Covid-19 and spent several months recovering.
Now back in action, the next step is to develop this project into a full size adaptable kelp forest installation, which will be toured around schools, museums and conferences. This will allow audiences to connect with the forests, which are often out of sight out of mind, and to realise the stunning beauty and importance that they hold from venues on dry land.
Thanks to The University of Hertfordshire for supporting my residency and commissioning two Create It + Share It recycled art activities. These have now been included in a pack for schools to help children access creative activities when learning remotely.