Protest and Survival

The 'Creative process' has always had a role to play both as a means of protest and  of survival

 

 I love the fact that Sun  Engraving Co, (who produced Woman's Own) also developed fine pore screens for the Atomic Program.The cover making a proddy rug, thriftyness.

Dorothy Hodgkin finally solved the structure of Penicillin on VE Day in 1945. Her model above is a thing of beauty in itself. Both of these are at the Churchill Scientists Exhibition at the Science Museum.

At the V&A  Disobedient Objects closes on the 1st February.

I loved the concept of ‘Book Bloc’ – groups carrying protest shields painted to resemble book covers as they pushed through police lines; originating in 2010 at a student demonstration in Rome, these were rapidly adopted by groups in the UK, US, Spain and Canada.Knowledge and words symbols of power for people. The scope of the exhibition was wide and included  Chilean arpilleras – hand-sewn textile pictures documenting the harsh economic conditions, disappearances and torture during the military dictatorship of 1973-90.These often had poignant  messages stitched into the back

 My final visit Chinese artist Gu Wenda's "United Nations" made with human hair at the  
 Saatchi Art Gallery. If only we could unite not only for protest but as Nations.

Finally, my own little act of  quiet protest. Californian Poppy the flower of hope.

Word on the Bird Arizona

I am waiting at Sky Harbour on my way to San Diego.  I can only say there is so much to say about my time in Arizona that I cannot do it justice.  Thankyou to my friends and workshop participants (one and the same)  for sharing so much with me.
First of all Edger  the Raven who was introduced to me by Lynn our jeep driver at a wonderful day at the Grand Canyon

Grand Canyon at sunset

Red Rocks In Sedona. View from the house

Red Rocks The Sail and Crown

Botanical Garden in Phoenix with a lovely showing of the state tree Palo Verde and Cactus

Cactus in flower

What was really amazing was seeing this wonderful work by Chihuly. He also has the amazing piece at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. I just love the way the work echoes the landscape. 

This piece is called the Reeds. There is also a Chihuly piece in Harrods

The Gardens also had a wonderful wildflower section. It was really hot but great to see such a wonderful variety typical of the Sonoran desert,

Loved this little lizard

Also had to be very aware of fire ants. This detail is of a piece is now in the hands of  a collector..of my work, not fire ants! It uses an old handkerchief and tea towel.

Finally some images of work in progress from my lovely students in Pheonix. Mixed media drawing and mark-making exploring text and image and some sample pieces of work in progress.

These were fantastic and individual explorations of work in progress so many thanks to all for allowing me to show examples. Finally, but not least. I had this wonderful article in my local on line magazine. Inside Maidstone. so home is never far away. My last two weeks are in San Diego..more to come.