'The Treasure Nest' - Park Arts'11...

Even though it was nearly a year ago, I thought I'd write about Park Arts'11which took place in St. Andrews Park in Bristol. I was selected to produce an art installation for children which would be revealed at the Park Arts Festival on 10th July 2011 and would stay up in the park for a month after. As it was aimed at children I wanted to make it interactive and it had to be as sustainable as possible. I decided to create a pirate themed, scenic installation that was viewed through different leveled peep holes on a large 'treasure box'. The purpose of the different leveled holes meant that children of different heights could each see the scene from a different perspective - e.g. under water (where the waves could be moved from side to side), pirate ship (which could bob up and down) or parrots flying (which the children could move across the sky). In order to create a magical atmosphere and enhance the pirate themed scene; I made three, 3ft tall parrots which hung in the tree above 'The Treasure Nest'. The event was a great success and was featured in: the Bristol Evening Post, Bristol Radio and Bristol Points North...

This photo appeared in the Bristol Evening Post. The large parrots are made from a mixture of bubble wrap (for the main body), an old lampshade, empty drinks cans, PVC, Yeo Valley yogurt pot lids (pleated and stapled to make the wings) and other recycled materials.

The inside of the 'Treasure Nest' 

One of the other lucky artists - Lucie Smailes who also exhibit their work in St. Andrews Park. 

An example of children looking through the different people holes at the scene inside.

'Recent Illustrations'...

Here are some recent illustrations that I did for my Miao project. My favourite is of the three children in pink jackets. I named the girl on the left (with her brother on her back) 'Lu Choo Peng' as she is one of my favourite characters throughout the whole project. 

'The Happy People'

Titled 'The Happy People' by the Embroiderer's Guild exhibition, the Miao are definitely suited to the cheerful name and below are some inspiring photos that encouraged me to base my project around them (taken from the book Undiscovered China by Catherine Bourzat)...

'Miao Memoirs'

So...It's been a while since I last blogged but I'm turning over a new leaf, so be prepared for regular updates! My recent project (for my final degree show) was based around the Miao minority group in China. I originally found out about them through the Embroiderers Guild  and can't get enough of learning about their fascinating culture. Their costumes are amazing and I was lucky enough to see some of their textiles up close - thanks to Sally Sparks and Viv Young who helped with my research...

                              

                      

A child's jacket with embroidered figures...The jacket is probably suited to a child around the age of 5.

                       

                    

This is a close up of woven metal that's been incorporated with woven fabric. The design is done so skillfully and intricately that the photo is taken using a magnifying glass due to its tiny scale. 

                   

An adult jacket using a combination of different fabrics. As the Maio are a sustainable culture they recycle old embroidery and textiles; using it for the cuffs and collars etc of garments...

                    

Close up of woven embroidery. Some of the shapes found within this design are often associated with 'classic' Miao textiles.

                   

This is an example of a Miao's origami sewing 'box'. Each diamond/square folds out into a separate section and when closed; it is tied with a ribbon to keep it all together.