GROWTH DEC
PART3 500 words
ILKLEY TAKE TWO December trip to Ilkley Moor led to more photographs, drawings, sounds, smells, feelings and I responded to these in different ways. Sketchbook began to feel stronger as I grew confident with my mark-making and colours. Embraced oil pastel and felt it effectively interpreted the experience of being in nature. The plants had changed, the colours evolved, I noticed new things. This showed me that although it was the same place as a few months earlier, the land had changed.
NEW SKETCHBOOK WORK
ILKLEY TAKE TWO What was made for the inside, I took back out to earth it and reconnect it. It was a revitalising experience, and not just because I personally feel rejuvenated after a walk in nature.
ILKLEY IN DECEMBER on the moors
H E A R T C E N T R E exhibiting Successfully pushed myself to get everything ready to hang on December 8th. Most pleased with fabric screen-print which I hand-stitched into a wall-hanging. Concerns: - Will people go up to it? Hopefully. I’ve done what I can to encourage them - The mixed media pieces doesn’t go as well as the others - something to think about more carefully next time - I struggled with this one - if I’d had more time I might have made something else - although independently, I think it feels calm and shows the vast scale of the landscape.
ILKLEY IN SEPTEMBER on show
H E A R T C E N T R E exhibiting I wanted to encourage engagement, as David Shearing had with his Weather Cafe, by offering the story for contemplation. Free postcards were also available to catch people’s eyes everyone loves a freebie - that featured snippets of my sketchbook and photos of Ilkley. I encouraged people to leave a comment/tally in return. I enjoyed letting nature guide the tones, materials and quality of light during this process - it makes it feel more organic and raw ILKLEY IN SEPTEMBER encouraging feedback
D A V I D S H E A R I N G response Heard back from David - his answers are honest and insightful. Key moments: - Don’t presume how people are going to feel - Displays an interest for the transition between inside and outside - Changes in tempo and rhythm - Invite engagement because people don’t usually know how to respond
A REPLY FROM DAVID SHEARING
DISCOVERIES Steady, continuous research has led me to research that effectively discusses relevant points. My question hasn’t been answered before, so research that relates is important because, by comparing and contrasting, I can triangulate to make conclusions. Judith Heerwagen - psychologist that works as a consultant to designers. She synthesis theory and practice relating to naturalising environments. Place Design by Sally Augustin - book that covers designing with nature to improve happiness and connect to evolutionary roots. Demonstrates the power of colour in interior design.
‘WE DIDN’T EVOLVE TO LIVE IN A SEA OF GREY CUBICLES’ Judith Heerwagen