I am busy preparing work for a collaborative exhibition with 3 other artists, that opens on 1 July at St John's Church in Leeds UK. We are dedicating the exhibition to an orginal member of the group, Chris Lockwood, a lovely young man of 28 years who tragically died in an accident in the Alps in March this year, and is sadly missed by us all. We hope to include some of his last work in the show - a celebration of his artistic life!This latest body of work, very different to my previous work, is my response to the space in the church and my religious upbringing as a Roman Catholic. The 'paper' stones/rocks that I am making symbolise the tensions between my stable foundation as a child and the fragility and vulnerability of growing older. They are markers of life's journey, stepping stones, hardships overcome and mountains climbed. Stones are an ancient pagan and religious symbol of stability, hardness and endurance. They often mark our way in the natural world, indicating the path ahead. We only have to think of standing stones, stone circles, cairns and boundary stones and their many meanings. Paper on the other hand hand is a symbol of literature, learning and law and for me is a magical material. The everyday ordinariness of paper makes its transformation into works of art all the more extraordinary. Paper can be both strong and fragile! 
the space at the church is enormous and quite daunting - maybe that too is a metaphor for life's journey! The stones/rocks vary in size from 18 inches to about 3ft and are free standing objects which will be placed in the aisles of the church at stragetic points. Please come along between 6pm and 8.30pm on Wed 1 July if you are 'within a stone's throw away' - or even a bit further!!!
8 comments:
Love how your paper becomes so monumental with the right textures. This sounds like a fitting tribute to your friend.
First, you've used my favorite photo from your recent series on your banner! Looks great. Some pics are so amazingly mysterious and "story-inducing" and this is one of them. Second, the paper stone is great! I, too, had a friend lost on a mountain. Fell to his death - or rebirth. We dedicate an annual festival to his memory in September and that time will be here again soon. You've done a lovely job of honoring your friend and your upbringing. - Jeanne
sounds like it will be an excellent exhibition. love the shots you have posted so far. I'm sorry for your loss.
I do adore the new header too. and the show sounds like it will be powerful.
Always like the format of art being shown in a non gallery setting.
I would have loved to see this in the real and explore it close up. All the best with the show and, what a lovely tribute to your friend.
This looks so interesting. And I love what you said about paper - both fragile and strong as well as ordinary and extraordinary!
Oh, how I wish I could be there on July 1st! I am so taken by your thoughtful descriptions and personal meanings of stones. Stones are alive to me...please take photos. Your thoughts on paper will take a rereading a few times...beautiful!
I think my comments disappeared! Just in case, I'm re-sending. Your writing is beautiful and discerning, Rosie. Your papier mache stones look like the snow-capped Alps: a fitting tribute. And stones do have meaning for humans. I have a native American prayer circle in the corner of my yard decorated with rocks from different trips; a piece of pink quartz points north. Good luck with the show. It's right around the corner--yikes!
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