Crash 2016 - my blog...day four

…Blue plaques appeared like jewels in different rooms across the mill building commemorating the now anonymous people who once worked there…

…The only specific blue plaque is for Paul – site manager – and is situated after you come across the little bridge into the main building.  Paul is the custodian of the narrative of the mill, as well as its maintenance.

The blue plaques are part of the emerging proposal for the footbridge.

The commemorating of the town and its people on the fabric of the bridge as an immersive experience – nominated by the community.

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This was  a fantastic experience, although incredibly gruelling at times.It was billed as an endurance and survival event, and it certainly lived up to it's name....7 nights in a freezing cold barn, in Lancashire with no heating plus 7 days in a freezing cold derelict mill, open to the elements.

This took many skills to navigate successfully with 13 other strangers and remain a professional!

Residencies are, in my experience, an excellent kickstart to artistic refreshment. I painted ( what a joy!) and made a film ( as yet unedited...one for the future) and made good contacts and networks to help me survive post MFA.

I am planning to collaborate with Kerry Morrison of IN SITU on a proposal for

the regeneration of the area leading to the old Mill via a train footbridge. This proposal will celebrate the diversity of the community in Brierfield itself, and reference most specifically the colours of the Mosque...hence my blue plaques in the Mill.

I also drew up plans for this whilst there and displayed them on the bridge to canvas local opinion...great fun. I am currently researching the tradition of miniature painting in India and pakistan...which once a male preserve has more recently been taken over by women.

Watch this space.

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