Weather cafe interview

‘Megan, My apologies I went from project to project and only just finding my feet. I hope it is not too late.’ How did the Weather Cafe make people feel? What do you think caused this?

This is of course hard to say, we need to be careful not to make judgements of how all people felt as everyone has a different response. Generally, the mood is reflective, I explore mindfulness in my work which aims to offer people space for their own thoughts and feelings to emerge whilst experiencing the work.

Did you notice any specific changes in mood between people entering and leaving?

I’m interested in the transition between inside and outside and you mediate that experience.

Often there is a noticeable shift in tempo and rhythm. I think about it more like tuning into space.

To what extent did you consider the use of colour in the cafe?

The three main colours were green, grey and natural woods. I think dark colours allow a sense of intimacy. The green partly there because of the grass which offers a liveness to the space. Green and spring when we hosted the event went well together.

How did you think nature and colour married up inside?

I moss was framed with a green neon light which made the image more intense. I like the idea of nature / city / neon and organic materials. The aim was to consciously create a cycling of the ideas. Bring the city, participant and nature in to a dialogue with each other.

How did people react to the multi-sensory experience?

Some people are often unsure how to behave but I try to make it so materials invite engagement. I think people valued the time more than anything. Allowing time to engage is a big part of creating multi-sensory works.

What do you hope to achieve from creating immersive environments, particularly those that manipulate/use nature?

Ultimately, I hope to build more compassion through empathetic encounters with the space. I want people to consider their relation to their environment and not just take it for granted.

In terms of space, I think it depends on the audience who it is aimed at and also to consider how that space frames the emotion of work!

I hope that helps to some extent?!

Thank you for getting in touch Warm regards David