The Orcadian, Thursday, 24th October, 2013
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Reviews
Collection illustrates ‘dazzling technical skill’ Jerwood Makers Open Exhibition Pier Arts Centre The current exhibition at the Pier Arts Centre is rooted in craft, but addresses ideas more usually associated with “fine art”. It is curated by the Jerwood Foundation, an independent charitable body, which gives an annual award to five makers in the first stages of their professional practice, in the form of an open commission. The resulting collection this year beautifully illustrates both dazzling technical skill, and the potential of the materials used for the exploration of the concerns of the makers. From an infinitely fragile paper sculpture, so delicate it appears to have been cut by light itself, to the massive presence of a huge thickly thrown porcelain bell; from the thousands of tiny ant-like black stitches sewn into a vast cream woollen canvas to the steel, wooden and brass tools made to create shims (items used for repair or adjustment in the
building industry), and through a series of highly charged photographs accompanied by the specifically created props used in their staging, we are brought into the makers’ imaginative worlds and made to confront their intentions. The delicacy of the Japanese art of paper-cutting, Kiri-e, is used by Nahoko Kojima in Byaku to contrast with the power and strength of its subject, a polar bear. Carved from one vast sheet, it floats weightlessly in draped arabesque rhythms, a miraculous translation of the diving movements of this awesome creature. Scale is again used passionately in Adam Buick ’s Veneration Bell. From a series which the archaeology-trained ceramicist made for installation in sea caves around his native Pembrokeshire coastline, a single human-sized bell now hangs by a thick knotted rope to a steel girder in a darkened room, while a video recording of a bell in situ plays hypnotically against a distant wall, it’s
shape in silhouette and now vastly overshadowed by its tidal location. Linked with the previous two makers’ concerns is the stitched work, Sea of Faith, by Roanna Wells. Here, the scale of number is addressed, each stitch representing one person from the many millions who attend the religious festival Kumbh Mela held every 12 years in Allahabad, India. Seen from an aerial perspective, beautiful and intricate patterns reminiscent of a murmuration of birds or a shoal of fish emerge, yet still bearing witness to human gathering in its straight-edged, pathformed geometry. The photographic prints Other Allegories of Love and their intricate accompanying props by Maisie Broadhead, based on a series of the same name by the Renaissance painter Paulo Veronese, also beg for close scrutiny. Even without awareness of the originals, one is immediately challenged by the narrative drama in these overtly
Focus on Orcadian film-maker A series of events revolving around the work of Orcadian film-maker, poet and artist Margaret Tait are to take place in Helmsdale from October 30 to November 2. The exhibition is the result of the work done by
digital artist with Timespan in Helmsdale, Oliver Mezger, who has spent the last two years filming the villages of Helmsdale and Portgower, in an effort to shed contemporary light on the themes first addressed by Margaret Tait
in her films of the area 45 years ago. Aside from the films, the exhibition will feature talks and readings revolving around the work of Margaret Tait. For event listings, visit http://timespan.org.uk/
Installation view of Adam Buick’s Veneration Bell at Porth Lleuog 2013, mixed installation.
artificial compositions, with the allegorical titles and classical poses humorously offset by contemporary references. With her use of digital processing, and the strange juxtaposition of materials and symbolism in the props, Broadhead addresses the dynamics of family relationships, as well as questioning the reality of outward appearances. The work of Linda Brothwell in Acts of Care has many layers of connotation. The end result of her work is seen in photographs, showing steel shims inserted into the crumbling pointing of old brick walls, a testament to Sheffield’s
vanished industry. But fascinatingly on show are the tools which she also constructed for the creation of the shims. Not only are these sculptural objects in themselves, a brass stencil being particularly exquisite, but they draw attention to the very point of this exhibition: the care with which the process of making is concerned, denoting an emotional involvement which must be as intense just as the physical work is arduous, and the planning rigorously logical. The clarity of light and intimacy of space within The Pier provide a wonderful setting,
and we are very fortunate that it is the only other gallery outside London to be showing the exhibition. Entry is free, as is the accompanying informative catalogue. Displayed for sale in the Gallery shop during the duration of this exhibition (on until November 10) are works by members of the Orkney Craft Association. A treat for the senses, an education for the mind and inspiration for anyone who has ever made something by their own hand : what’s not to love? The exibition continues until November 9. Elaine Henderson.
PLANNING APPLICATIONS A weekly summary of planning permission applications received by Orkney Islands Council The following applications for planning permission have been received and validated by Orkney Islands Council.
Location: Cott of Boardhouse (land near), Harray. Applicant: Ms T. Kitson, the Chalet, Stoneyhill Road, Harray.
EDAY
RENDALL
Proposal: Erect a GP shed. Location: Brimbanks, Eday. Applicant: Mr Philip Tew-Bridson, Brimbanks, Eday. Proposal: Erect a 5kW wind turbine (max. height 17.8m). Location: New Brimbanks (land near), Eday. Applicant: Mr John Lye, New Brimbanks, Eday. Proposal: Erect a 5kW wind turbine (max. height 17.8m). Location: Bredakirk (land near), Eday. Applicant: Mr Michael Cockram, Bredakirk, Eday.
ST OLA
Proposal: Create an access and erect a fence (max. height 1.8m). Location: Storage area, Crowness Road, Hatston, St Ola. Applicant: Mr Tommy Isbister, Isbister Bros Ltd, Quoyloo.
KIRKWALL
Proposal: Erect four semi-detached houses. Location: Willowgrange (land near), Berstane Road, Kirkwall. Applicant: Orkney Islands Council, Council Offices, School Place, Kirkwall. Proposal: Install an air source heat pump. Location: Heath Cottage, Berstane Road, Kirkwall. Applicant: Mrs Kim Burns, Heath Cottage, Berstane Road, Kirkwall. Proposal: Change of use from workshop to dental practice and alter two doors to form two windows. Location: 13-15 Broad Street, Kirkwall. Applicant: Mr Osama Mochli. Proposal: Install external lighting and associated cabling. Location: 1 Spence’s Square, Victoria Street, Kirkwall. Applicant: Orkney Islands Council, Council Offices, School Place, Kirkwall.
Proposal: Screening opinion request to erect a 500kW wind turbine (max. height 46.6m). Location: Hackland Hill (land near), Rendall. Applicant: Mr Flett. The following applications for planning permission have been processed and decided by Orkney Islands Council.
DEERNESS
Proposal: Erect a 6kW wind turbine (max. height 17.8m). Location: Skea (land near), Aikerskaill Road, Deerness. Applicant: Mr J. Bowbrick, Skea, Aikerskaill Road, Deerness. Decision: Grant subject to conditions. Proposal: Erect a replacement house (following permission in principle — 11/222/PIP). Location: Halley Farm (land near), Deerness. Applicant: Mr and Mrs Steven Spence, Halley Farm, Deerness. Decision: Grant subject to conditions.
SANDAY
Proposal: Erect a house with detached garage and create an access. Location: South Howar (land near), Sanday. Applicant: Mr David Williams, 71A Via S.Paolino, 12084 Mondovi, Cuneo, Italy. Decision: Grant subject to conditions. Proposal: Convert mill and horse engine shed to a house — amendment to 12/154/PP to include additional accommodation and covered passage. Location: Tresness mill and horse engine shed, Sanday. Applicant: Mr Colin Headworth, Tresness, Sanday. Decision: Grant subject to conditions.
HARRAY
Proposal: Demolish ruinous walls of former byre and erect domestic accommodation and covered passage — works additional to 12/153/LB. Location: Tresness mill and horse engine shed, Sanday. Applicant: Mr Colin Headworth, Tresness, Sanday. Decision: Grant subject to conditions.
Proposal: Erect a replacement house, renovate ruinous building to form stables and create an access.
Proposal: Erect a house with integral garage and an air source heat pump. Location: Millfield (Site 1) (land near), Quholm Road, Stromness. Applicant: Mr Barry Young, 26 Hamnavoe, Stromness. Decision: Grant subject to conditions.
Proposal: Vary condition 1 of planning permission in principle 10/564/PIP to extend the consent. Location: Geroin Cottage (land near), Harray. Applicant: Mrs Lesley Guthrie, 26 Vorlich Crescent, Callander, Perthshire.
STROMNESS
Proposal: Install replacement timber door and three sash-and-case windows, and paint door and all windows. Location: 5 Whitehouse Lane, Stromness. Applicant: Miss Alison Skene, 5 Whitehouse Lane, Stromness. Decision: Grant subject to conditions. Proposal: Install Welsh slates on south-east roof; install replacement windows in dormer; replacement skylights; and install metal rainwater goods. Location: 24-26 John Street, Stromness. Applicant: Mr and Mrs Alan Moorhouse, 26 John Street, Stromness. Decision: Grant subject to conditions. Proposal: Change of use from office to retail (fish shop). Location: Unit G4, Garson Industrial Estate, Stromness. Applicant: Mr Stewart Crichton, Orkney Fisherman’s Society, Garson Industrial Estate, Stromness. Decision: Grant subject to conditions.
FINSTOWN
Proposal: Change of use of part of premises from storage (storing fishing gear) to fish processing. Location: Workshop, Maitland Place, Finstown. Applicant: Mr Peter Harcus, Orkney Haddock, Heatherlea, Sunnybank Road, St Ola. Decision: Grant subject to conditions.
ST OLA
Proposal: Erect a house with integral garage and an air source heat pump. Location: Greenfield (land near), Carness Road, St Ola. Applicant: Mrs Susan Thornton, 3 The Quadrant, Kirkwall. Decision: Grant subject to conditions.
SOUTH RONALDSAY
Proposal: Erect a house for a farm worker and create an access. Location: South Flaws (land near), South Ronaldsay. Applicant: Mr David Duncan, Taftnica, Burray. Decision: Grant subject to conditions.
KIRKWALL
Proposal: Install two air source heat pumps. Location: 10 Laing Street/25 Queen Street, Kirkwall. Applicant: D. G. Spence, Craigiefield House, Craigiefield Road, St Ola. Decision: Grant subject to conditions. Proposal: Create roads and install services for proposed business and industrial area. Location: Hatston Pier (land near), Hatston Industrial Estate, Kirkwall. Applicant: Orkney Islands Council, Council Offices,
School Place, Kirkwall. Decision: Grant subject to conditions. Proposal: Demolish existing house and erect a replacement house and install a ground source heat pump (amendment to approval of 10/288/PP). Location: Tornaveen, East Road, Kirkwall. Applicant: Mr and Mrs Roy Brown, Roma, Junction Road, Kirkwall. Decision: Grant subject to conditions. Proposal: Re-paint shop front; including windows, fascia, hanging sign and masonry. Location: Begg Shoes & Bags Ltd, 26 Albert Street, Kirkwall. Applicant: Mr Garek Begg, Begg Shoes & Bags Ltd, 28 Union Street, Inverness. Decision: Grant subject to conditions.
TOAB
Proposal: Erect a house with an air source heat pump for a rural business. Location: Brough (land near), Toab. Applicant: Miss Kelly Peace, Brough, Greenfield, Toab. Decision: Grant subject to conditions. Proposal: Erect a house with integral garage and an air source heat pump. Location: Greenfield (Plot 6B) (land near), Toab. Applicant: Mr Robert McLennan, Quoybrae, Greenfield, St Andrews. Decision: Grant subject to conditions.
TANKERNESS
Proposal: Erect a replacement house with integral garage and install an air source heat pump (amendment to approval of 12/235/PP). Location: Cott of Ness (land near), Tankerness. Applicant: Mrs Susan Small, Cott of Ness, Tankerness. Decision: Grant subject to conditions.
ROUSAY
Proposal: Siting of a house and create an access. Location: Myres (land near), Nethermill Road, Rousay. Applicant: Mr Eric Shortland, Trumland Farm, Rousay. Decision: Grant subject to conditions. Proposal: Erect a house with a detached double garage and an air source heat pump. Location: Nearhouse (land near), Rousay. Applicant: Mr Robert Mainland, Nearhouse, Rousay. Decision: Grant subject to conditions.
SANDWICK
Proposal: Extend a house. Location: Leigh, Sandwick. Applicant: Mr David Custer, Leigh, Sandwick.