Sign Post to a New Space

Very good two day symposium in Harrogate last Thursday and Friday. I so nearly didn’t book ‐ juggling and justifying the expense to the last minute…but being there served to affirm the fundamental value and importance of such events in a creative life. The focus: “ 16 leading international practitioners, curators and historians discuss the possibilities for creative expression arising from the interplay between collections ‐ collecting ‐ collective memory ‐ collective constructions.” !! Excellent presentations from Japan, Australia, Europe, U.S. and U.K. delivered from a huge reservoir of knowledge and often with humour, provided insight into textile life around the globe. And given the context I find myself in now, it was fascinating to hear how other artists in different times/different places have worked with historic collections. I am including images of the Dutch artist Marian Bijlenga’s pieces partly because she gave us such a clear, uncluttered and heartfelt talk ‐ but mostly because I love her work. I admire the strength and integrity of her personal tactile language. One of the very best things about gatherings of this sort is meeting new people and the re-establishing of contact with contemporaries – feeling part of something… slightly indefinable ‐ no longer a fish swimming alone. So much was inspiring during the two days but particularly uplifting was the vision and commitment of Michael Brennand-Wood and Mary Schoeser, the organisers. I would never underestimate the amount of time and energy and sheer dedication to realise such a project.