Shared Space

"Shared space" is a phrase that seems to be the buzzword of town-planning and a controversial element of the ongoing redevelopment of my local towns. The term resonates with me on many levels from topical news items and our newly shared space at HOFS. I was intrigued, therefore, when I saw this, approaching Southend seafront

Surely it's not for real? Is it art then? Or just a social commentary? Whatever, it has captured my imagination for some reason!

Hadleigh Art Trail 8th - 15th October 2011

Looking forward to participating in the very first Hadleigh Art Trail. All studios at Hadleigh Old Fire Station will be open to the public for the weekend 8th & 9th October 2011.

The trail runs from 8th -15th October.  More information at Visit Essex

http://www.visitessex.com/discover/cultural/summer-of-art/Hadleigh_Art_Trail.aspx

See you there...

Supermarkets, public art and a little bit of Yorkshire

As last weekend a little bit of London arrived and departed on the same day so, today a little bit of Yorkshire came to Hadleigh, Essex.

Morrison's supermarket, with it's roots and Head Office in Yorkshire, is well established in the town. One of many in fact: Lidl, Iceland, and now Costcutter which is set to take over the former Woolworth's store that has lain empty for a number of years. I wonder sometimes how a small town can sustain so many supermarkets.

Morrison's are redeveloping their existing site and the neighbouring (former car showroom) site next door as part of the Hadleigh's Regeneration Masterplan due to be completed in 2013. As part of the redevelopment, Morrison's have commissioned two artists to create two works of 'Public Art' for the store and car park. I met the Yorkshire-based artists today as they undertook a day's consultation with the people of Hadleigh, asking for their views and ideas.

Consultation with the public in Morrison's car park, Hadleigh

Graham Ibbeson chats with Morrison's architect

Graeme Willson's website describes him as "probably the UK's leading mural artist, with a distinguished track record which stretches back over 25 years" and Graham Ibbeson famous for his hugely popular Eric Morecambe statue created for the Tern Project in Morecambe. Two artists with an undeniable track record having worked together on similar projects for Morrison's elsewhere in the UK.

I chatted to both artists today as well as the architect for Morrison's and urged them to look beyond the London 2012 mountain-biking event and the ubiquitous iconography of Hadleigh Castle for inspiration. Whilst both undoubtedly important there is more to Hadleigh, the town especially, which is steeped in history with a strong sense of identity and community.

I am most interested in the role art can play in urban regeneration and I will watch with interest how the projects progress and how the people of Hadleigh engage with it.

I was put in mind today of Ian Yearsley's Hadleigh Past which proved a great source of information and inspiration for my own projects earlier this year. And yes, inevitably, it has a picture of Hadleigh Castle on the cover!

Olympic Posters

Can't wait to see the posters designed for London 2012.

Tracey Emin

Tracey Emin, Fiona Banner, Michael Craig-Martin, Martin Creed, Anthea Hamilton, Howard Hodgkin, Gary Hume, Sarah Morris, Chris Ofili, Bridget Riley, Bob and Roberta Smith and Rachel Whiteread will each create a poster.

Exhibition of Visual Art - Southend Central Library to 24th August

An eclectic mix of art from six local artists (that's Five-plus-one-more) in the newly created Central Gallery (formerly the cafe!). A real treat, described by the Southend Library team as 'the best and most professional show so far". Take a look - ends 24th August.


Central Gallery, First Floor, Southend Central Library, Victoria Avenue, Southend-on-Sea, Essex.


Well all the hard work paid off and our new show is up!

In case you can't make it here are a few piccys

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1873377633632.2093334.1216897336&l=166609f357&type=1

In search of inspiration - for #BT Storytellers

My first BT Storyteller contribution. Images from Hadleigh Farm Mountain biking event from a kind of 'arty' point of view. Not much use if you are after results or mountain-bikey-techy stuff!

http://www.btlondon2012.co.uk/storytellers/Article-Pages/Article-0028.html

...and BT use my picture as their website banner and story leader column.....

Back in the studio at Hadleigh Old Fire Station

Back to the studio today after a week's holiday. Still all to do as we are not 'moved in' just yet. Didn't get this shot yesterday but the former Fire Training Tower looking resplendent in the evening sunshine wrapped in London Prepares banner thanks to the Essex Legacy team, who are currently based on the floor above us in the Fire Station. Yesterday I chatted with Jason Fergus (Head of 2012 Legacy & Strategic Sport for Essex County Council) he was really positive and upbeat about how the test event had gone.

Main focus at the studio today was to take down the mini art exhibition in the former Appliance Bay. For the last two weekends the Fire Station has been a hive of activity as Essex County Council have run activity days, last week to coincide with 'a year to go' and this weekend to complement the Hadleigh Farm  event. Many sports and workshops have been available on a 'no registration necessary' basis. From Boccia (no, I didn't know what that is either but the organiser explained to me that it is a type of bowls and is an official Paralympic event) to a pinhole camera workshop and they even had my 12-year-old daughter trying out pitching and putting!!

So the works are all packed up now and off to our next exhibition at Southend Central Library which we will hang on Wednesday.