Tag: NithMirror

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Outerweave

Local connections

Sunday at Kirkcudbright Art and Crafts trail.

It was a busy day, with three of us working all the time. Since it was so busy, there have been less words written to describe it!

– no rain so we were able to put up the bunting and have the tent fully open with the chairs out. The Haikus were a bit more random, and the syllable rule was not always followed, Nonetheless we had some good conversations.

A highlight of the day was when a person picked up the postcard of part of the Dream of the Rood and I said that this was the poem on the Ruthwell cross. Her eyes lit up and she said she had been christened at the church there! It was a bit spine-tingling for both of us. The labyrinth also provided some people with time and space to reflect, it is a very accessible activity and they were able to use it on their lap whilst sitting on a chair. 

Faith, Hope, Love, Prophesy
Categories
2021 Review Arts Creative Worship

Reflection in the Nith

Just over year ago I spent a while reflecting by the river Nith.

By the end of the year the reflection had spread onto the land.

And then into the high street.

And, of course, this involved a fair bit of experimentation in and around my workshop.

And even some board games.

Categories
Outerweave

Outerweave in leaves?

Art is part responding to the invisible urges of the moment, and part trudging through debris to carve out a new furrow. Each artist has their own methods, but for me I relish the importance of wildness in the way I work. I expect, and look out for, moments and find that this is rewarded by things coming together in ways beyond what I can imagine.

#NithMirror in progress

So several decades of staring at engravings, the waters of the Nith, an opportunity to reflect provided by “The Stove Network” and a day with just the right light on the fallen leaves all came together one morning.

Another Stove project is “Nithraid” and one of it’s themes is restoring the relationship the people of Dumfries has with the river. #NithMirror was born staring at the water, and reflecting – finding insight. The labyrinth in the leaves is made by walking in a way which transforms the park on the river bank.

Within minutes of making the labyrinth kids were racing into the middle of it and puzzling out its path. #NithMirror won’t solve all the problems of flooding, car parking or closed businesses- but it did draw out something deeply rooted in human being, and invites people to become involved with their landscape.

Look out for more #NithMirror incarnations! And take some time out to reflect while you watch a video of the remaking of the labyrinth and listen to Kate singing “Who Knows Where the Time Goes”