mindSCAPE group enjoy second session

Tuesday July 22, 2014

Getting into Cycle Art

SESSION 2

Today we are blessed with incredible weather.  My morning inspection of the log circle revealed a few unfortunate surprises!  It would seem that the log circle has been used to host a rather eventful campfire party.  Despite the fact that the log circle is for the use of the Wye Valley AONB and mindSCAPE specifically, it is situated in a very attractive woodland which is right next to a large family campsite and open to the general public who often walk their dogs in the woods and enjoy the area.  The fire pit in the centre of the circle is littered with the inevitable beer cans and used BBQ’s – but these items are easily removed… the 8 foot long log that has been dragged into the centre of the circle and used as firewood is less easily tidied away!  After some minor repairs to the site and huffing and puffing over the removal of the log, the site is just about restored to its former glory.  The use of the log circle in this way, especially during the school holidays is probably inevitable – I make a mental note to visit the site with an extra 10 minutes to spare at the start of each session!

Artist Rachel Shilston with her bounty of objects. 

Also Nikki Moore will design some new signage to encourage people to treat the site with a little more respect

The fabulous weather enables us to start the session with coffee tea and biscuits on the rolling grassy lawn in front of the Bracelands house.  Everyone gathers and is keen to get started, artist Rachel Shilston distributed the work created in the last session, she has laminated the tiny pieces of moss, flowers and bracken to make attractive book marks, and she hands out photographs of the natural sculpture work created by participants in the previous session. 

Today Rachel is continuing with the sculptural theme, but this week her focus will be on using man-made substances – a stark contrast to the work of last week, she shows the group how to weave plastics, canvasses and brightly coloured ribbons onto old bicycle wheels to make vibrant sculptures that look rather like giant Native American dream-catchers.  The group seem to really enjoy the challenge and split into three teams.   There is a rather excitable competitive atmosphere as people run off to grab their weaving materials and huddle around to discuss the design of their pieces.   The result of the session was three rather spectacular looking woven sculptures – two of which will stay at the log circle (hopefully they will be respectfully enjoyed by the next group of mid-night party-goers!)

One of the superb examples of cycle wheel art produced by members of the group

We returned to the house for home-made tomato and basil soup, sandwiches and cakes – the group chatted away for a full half hour past the session end time, a sure sign that people seem to be enjoying getting to know each other.   Artist Jane Spray popped in to meet the group, she will be leading the third mindSCAPE session – Tai Chi Movement For Well-being, on August 5.  Most of the group have never tried Tai Chi before, including myself, so Jane reassures everyone that the activity is gentle and can be carried out sat in a chair if necessary.  Let’s hope for nice weather – the immaculate lawn at Bracelands is private and surrounded with beautiful mature trees and flowers, a perfect and peaceful location for the workshop. Sarah Sawyer, Wye Valley AONB Community Links Officer and Gregg Dunn a PHD Research Candidate from Birmingham City University working on the geo-emotional and modern notions of the Picturesque and who is currently working at the Wye Valley AONB throw themselves into the session helping group members. Sue Manser and Sue Carruthers also give a hand with their enthusiasm and interest. Nikki is again taking photos and even a trial video, results later perhaps.

Gregg helps group members with their art piece

Participant Feedback:

“A really good activity today, even with my bad back I thoroughly enjoyed mixing the different colours of man made materials – excellent soup”

“Had a great day, fully relaxed amongst good company and in the lovely forest.  The back for a great lunch and the most wonderful cake (carrot cake especially).  Great fun, great company”

“Enjoyed the session and being able to take the completed wheel home.  Nice food as always”

“It was good fun – I enjoyed it all and especially the cake!  No seriously, it was a great day – the weather he