Surrounded by Weather 2003. Solo exhibition. The Old School Gallery and Orchard, Bleddfa, Knighton, Powys.
A reflection on the evocative space of a former school and garden and the relationship between weather, music and poetry.
A large sculpture consisting of four cast bronze shell like elements, cast branches and supported by slate props, appears to tumble across the gallery space. It is accompanied by four large cloud drawings, a set of twenty five small drawings and one short poem.
As in a piece of music, the different elements play a part. The main theme is introduced by the sculpture. The small drawings act as a set of variations on the text of the poem. The cloud drawings are distant muffled timpani and the quiet hieroglyphic drawing is there to record the far off beginnings of the idea.
Outside in the Orchard Nine Bean Rows
Nine Bean Rows* is a counterpoint piece, a celebration of gardening and an escape from the metropolis. Nine groups of very long painted aluminium straws form an interpretation of bean props and curve through the orchard garden. They are accompanied by a bronze beehive sculpture.
* From “The Lake Isle of Innisfree” by W. B. Yates.
Surrounded by Weather
to shift
to slant
to lean
to leave
to cloak in solitude
a point of departure
to encase
silence
This exhibition was made in memory of my mother.