Flexibility

'The Game 2006'
'The Game 2006'
'The Game 2006'

Where to start? I have forced myself to sit down and spend some time doing this as I have got out of the routine. I also need to get a little more organised in getting images from my husband of his work so that I have more recent pieces. This piece is from 2006 and I wanted to put it in because I had written a verse that went with it for the exhibition. As I look at both the work and the words it doesn’t quite make sense. I am not even one hundred percent sure that this should be entitled ‘The game’…..

I partly wanted to speak about autumn as it feels finally autumnal today after a very odd but fantastic spell of sunshine. The shape of the wood in this piece made me think about the trees and how this year more than ever I feel more connected with nature…perhaps because of the sunshine. We have had a plethora of butterflies at the back of the house, I have collected more conkers and I am trying to spend more time looking at really seeing.

This piece also made me think about the positions we get ourselves into, mentally and physically. The game of life in a way. We can get ourselves stuck in certain habits and ways of seeing and thinking. We need to both physically stretch our bodies, make them work, oxygenate our muscles and stretch our minds expand our thoughts and ideas. It’s that time of year, seasonal change, the start of coming inside.

Having two young children and now doing the ‘school run’ I find it a bit of a challenge to remain flexible about the day but children demand a certain sense of routine so it’s getting the balance of both. As this season too, tries to find its own balance of sunny summer spurts, april showers and autumnal days, we will have to be flexible with each new day.

Celebrating and Connecting

'Ceremony of unveiling'
'Have a little faith' sculpture in situ
'Dedication plaque'
'able to see our reflection within the human figure'

Sunday marked the 300 year anniversary of Sutton Baptist Church and my husband dedicated a sculpture to mark, ‘not only a 300 year building but the faith which unites us despite differences’. The reaction of the crowd was superb and I felt so proud. Inside the church was a display of old pictures and articles. I was surprised to learn that before the ‘new build’ had been a huge and impressive building that had been knocked down in the 70’s due to dry rot! Not something that would happen today. I had forgotten the connections between the Baptist church and my project before children ‘Glusburn Institute‘. Some of our sculptures were photographed in what was the Baptist chapel, part of the Institute. This closed as a chapel and amalgamated with the Sutton church to become South Craven Baptist Church. We knew many people who had turned out for the occasion, some coming especially to see the sculpture and other because of the connections that come with being part of village community life. That is the beauty of living in rural England, there is still a sense of a community spirit.

As was highlighted in the opening speeches that the sculpture was there to celebrate the church in modern society and draw attention to historic references. Therefore, blending past and future together and uniting generations in faith

Very much affected by the current climate, the situation in the Middle East and the negative attention on Islam my husband wanted to is to emphasise the similarities in faith, which unite us. The partnership goes beyond our differences and looks to peace

‘As an artist you have the unique position to be able to make a visual statement that can hopefully make an impact on society. In the 21st century surrounded by all this architecture and technology this sculpture is made from these materials, stainless and polished steel appeared to be perfect materials to use for this project.

So we celebrated another achievement and wondered how the local paper had managed to get such a bizarre picture of my husband! It was certainly not one we had given them and not one we have any idea where it was taken. The radio was discussing the role of Facebook and the new concept of a timeline in which images can be uploaded in sequential order and how we are self creating big brother. The new generation happily share information much more readily on the web but there is a worry about how that can backfire. As I write that, I realise the pros and cons of this post digital age, after all 10 years ago I wouldn’t have been sat here writing my own blog for all to see….

I suppose as long and we can continue to celebrate and connect with each other in a positive way it can be an effective tool. As with everything, like my dad says, ‘in moderation’ and for me as long as we ‘have a little faith’ and we don’t lose that sense of community and faith then we can continue to strive for a better future.

Faith

'Have a little Faith'
'Have a little Faith'
'Have a little Faith'

This  image is a small machete for a larger sculpture that will be publicly displayed outside a local church next month. The outline of this sculpture represents an eye, the idea that God’s eye is upon us all. The figure represents the individual human, positioned within the form of the eye as the pupil. Upon the heart of the figure the shape of the cross is hollow so light will appear through it. This represents the light needed in the heart to find God. Also, physically the light being the shiny spot in the eye which we all have. Therefore, from afar the sculpture will represent God, symbolized by the eye and by the fish and on closer inspection, the figure representing each and every one of us.

In developing a small machete for the sculpture the idea of a book mark was reached and then the realisation that the image could be a new modern-day religious icon. By creating this, everyone can share the sculpture  as my husband’s wish for each and everyone to ‘Have a little faith’. Please take a look at the website: http://www.havealittlefaith.co.uk  

I personally feel we are living in society where there is no longer a focal point about and around faith. In the UK there is a real mix of religions and beliefs and it is fantastic that people can practise their faith without judgement, criticism and freedom. That is how it should be but I do think that in general there are so many people unsure, undecided or just unbelieving. We live in a society which is far removed from the spiritual realm. Our focus on material and worldly concerns has become obsessive. 

On a clear , cloudless night if you look at the stars so far away, perhaps not even actually existing any longer do you not stop to wonder what is out there? How this was all created? Not forgetting that what you see isn’t actually all that is there. I remember, being fortunate to have been camping out in the Serengeti in Tanzania and seeing the night sky like I have never seen it before, the sky was littered with twinkling maps of stars. When I now put the milk bottles at the front door I look up at the sky to see what is being revealed at that time and remembering that there is actually so much more than what the eye can see.

For me my journey of faith has taken me on a road of discovery; new friendships, new countries and crossing boundaries and perceptions. It challenges me every day, inspires me to improve, allows me to remain content and thankful, gives me purpose and happiness. Al HamduAllah! Eid Mubarak.

‘What a waste’

I haven’t written for ages and it has been so long, so much has been happening on a daily life level that hasn’t given me time as such. In some ways I have had more time as I have been at home housebound whilst my eldest son recovers from having had his tonsils and adenoids out. I feel like I have been a wasting time, being slow and sedate at home has made me a little less motivated. What has been happening globally sits really well with my husbands most recent piece.

In fact, in the news the other week they put two items side by side that really highlighted the philosophy of this piece. ‘Will and Kate’, the newly wedded royals on their first tour took in Las Vegas and tables were selling at some astronomical figure…..to wine and dine, so they showed images of the glitz and glamour. (OK – it is for charity but that isn’t quite the point here)  The next item was the suffering in East Africa as a result of the lack of water, as a result of the civil war…..I will let you think of the meaning from this piece without giving too much more ; (‘The Diner’ . Bronze . 2011)

'The Diner'
'The Diner' - close up
'The Diner'

To worry or not to worry

Take away from me

This heavy weight

Of thought

Let me laugh at

The perils of men

Instead of worry

About the hearts

And minds

(Me 2006)

'Atlas 2006'

It is hard to fit all this blogging in now it’s the summer months and we are out and about. Lots of birthday parties and school visits has meant I haven’t had much spare time. So for the moment I will just put these small little ‘bite size’ bits in. The philosophy of this piece is about all that time we spend worrying about what others think instead of just ‘getting on’ with things.

I used to spend so much time worrying…worry worry worry. I have with the help of three things been able to stop that ‘worry’ and be much more proactive in my thought process. I feel i now have a clear head instead of wandering around in a cloud of fog. I wish sometimes i had mastered this skill much earlier in life….who knows what use I could have put my mind to! At the end of the day what will be will be. Maktub!

Space ( and time)

'Space 2006'

We stick ourselves in cages

With rules like they’re on pages

Of a book that’s not yet written

Our time is spent thinking

Whilst our dreams and hopes are sinking

With the weight of our sorrow

We loose tomorrow

And suddenly we are older

We can no longer shoulder

The heavy burden of regret

(Me 2006)

Siblings

'Mother and Child'
'-'
' The right side'
'Artistic shot'
 
So, the subject of siblings was actually a subject of request and at first I was baffled as what I could write about it and yet of course….

Firstly, I was thinking about my own children and their relationship as siblings which is still in it’s ‘infancy’. Then I realised there was obviously my own siblings and of course my husbands siblings.

So my boys. As I write, it is the eve of my eldest fourth birthday and in this last year he has become an older brother, I have watched with delight and amazement the relationship and bond build between my boys. In the first few months I had given their relationship much thought only how when my attention was taken by another adult my eldest son would start to prod and poke my youngest to which of course I then made a huge fuss. Now my youngest is at the beautiful age of 9 months the giggles and laughter he produces even at the sight of his brother are truly touching. He loves to watch him, wants to join in and I feel misses him when he is not around. The relationship of brotherhood growing in front of my eyes was something I had failed to think about before and feel blessed to be able to observe in wonder. Of course there is the rough and tumble which at the moment is purely accidental and I still end up an ‘almost’ nervous state however inevitable the day will come when they will be deliberately provoking and tormenting each other – I can’t wait!

So, my own siblings; I am lucky I have one of each. Recently with other mums we have been having conversations about having ‘2 or 3 children’ and I love being one of three. My sister is 4 years younger than me and I have just this afternoon said goodbye to her, after her latest visit (as she doesn’t live near me ) and it is always such a heart-break. Perhaps all sisters feel this. It is a unique blend of friendship, sisterhood and almost mirroring, if there is such an expression. I wish she just lived around the corner – perhaps even more so because her son is almost 3 and so our boys are also forming a relationship

We managed to have a couple of conversations, usually with kids in tow it isn’t always easy to get deep. This time, we did and I was moved, surprised and a bit sorrowful by the effect of being the older sister. With both my sister and brother now I have an additional motherly and protective feeling towards them, both in different areas of their lives. My brother is 9 years younger than me and in his 6ft 5 inch muscular height no longer really my little brother. He is geographically much nearer but with his age our lives are at very different stages, however there is something about his current work pattern and direction that I feel emulates my own and I wish I could transfer the wisdom of hindsight!

My husband is one of five and as they all live in the Middle East he has very different relationship and in some ways bond I would say. The first time I went with him to Egypt all 5 were reunited and it was loud with laughter, chatter and interaction that was built on memories, openness and emotion. Although this piece is not ultimately about siblings, I now look at it so. The relationship between a mother and child or father and child has impact and effect on siblings. Also, as a mother I am now aware of the fact I am raising brothers. I hope and pray for them that their relationship grows strong and deep, supportive and cherished.

‘To the outside world we all grow old. But not to brothers and sisters. We know each other as we always were. We know each other’s hearts. We share private family jokes. We remember family feuds and secrets, family griefs and joys. We live outside the touch of time.’ ~Clara Ortega

‘Our siblings. They resemble us just enough to make all their differences confusing, and no matter what we choose to make of this, we are cast in relation to them our whole lives long’. ~Susan Scarf Merrell

The role of women

'Three pieces'

I have been thinking a lot about women and their roles in the home recently, perhaps because we just watched two films recently which made me realise how much things have changed in my own lifetime regarding a woman’s role in the home and at work. It is hard to comprehend fully what it was like to not have choice and options available to you when we have it all now. The woman who fought for the right to vote, equal pay, and working jobs and at home to make ends meet had a cause, determination and made history. So have things really changed? Have we not made life more difficult for ourselves?

When washing machines, fridges and household machinery became available to woman in the home was it not to make life easier? Did we really need to make it our mission to go out into the workplace and compete in the arena with men to give ourselves more jobs to do? I know there is often not the choice , that needs must and it isn’t that I am anti feminism, I think every woman has the right to have the choice to work if she wants to and the problem in today’s society is woman need to, or so we say. Now we have to do it all. As a consequence, we expect men to do more around the house and roles are shared and split throughout. I read an article in ‘Good Housekeeping GH’ (obviously a magazine aimed at woman may I add). It was highlighting the issues that men face as a result of woman now ‘stamping in men’s stomping ground’.

It is true, we don’t really want to imagine men wearing an apron pushing a hoover, do we? it is not after all what defines masculinity. But so many women speak of how they do all the work around the house and their partners don’t lift a finger. Perhaps they take out the rubbish, although according to GH when doing this they are actually thinking about is “chopping wood to build a shelter or herding bison.” Anyway, I am diverting from the role of woman here.

Why do woman struggle with staying at home, looking after the kids, cleaning and cooking. The beauty of today’s world is that doesn’t mean we can no longer be intellectually inferior or not participate in society. Surely if there was more of a shift to woman being more home based ( that could mean working from home, more part-time and flexible working, involvement in community service) we would solve so many antisocial problems. The secret, I guess lies in finding beauty in the mundane, the repetition, the knowledge that a stable and ‘a good meal on the table’ prepares your children for their future.

Perhaps I am being to radical and idealist but what is wrong with a woman wearing an apron, baking and generally being queen of her domain. If we are to be home based then men need to respect that it is still a job. The job at home is after all management,, teacher, cleaner, conflict manager, gardener, office organiser, shopper, counsellor, nutrition and dietician, finance planner, secretary and general dogsbody and there are no holidays or time off.  Why have woman shunned this work and clambered to be in the work place? I think of the books like Reveloutionary road depicting a woman struggling with the life of a

I suppose the real point is that all of this is ok when and if your partner is able to support you emotionally, financially and intellectually. So as my husband hands me my ‘pocket money’ I am thankful for the unique position of being able to be at ‘home’ and more importantly happy to be so.

Arabesque

'Arabesque from below'

Arabesque ; The name has multi-importance in our household. This is the last piece that was in the exhibition and in many ways the most important. Firstly it is an important islamic art style, you can see plenty in Morocco and a better explanation in the blog of a dear friend who lives there. Arabesque art consists of a series of repeating geometric forms and hence the name of this piece.

In 2008 we bought and named our business ARABESQUE , (link to website which will be ready shortly) both of us claiming that we had that light bulb moment of thinking of the name, neither of us can actually remember who thought of it, but it was very fitting. Actually it is the 3 year anniversary of opening this month as well as being 8 years since we first met!

My husband  listens to his friends radio programme called Arabesque, it’s in arabic, if you can’t understand the lingo just listen to the  music  it’s on this Sunday at 1pm, it is a wonderful blend .

The connection between these is not only the name but the inspiration; ‘Egyptian European’ I would describe it as. In this piece the obvious repeated pyramid and the obelisk form are both egyptian in design and heritage. The fact that most of Egypt’s obelisks are dotted around Europe provokes an interesting debate about where countries history should be kept                                                                                and preserved!?

'Arabesque in situ'
'Close up on Arabesque'

If I am remembering correctly it was one of the first of the steel sculptures to be made. The vision is that it could be made on so many scales and have an impact on the landscape around it. It has also been in another exhibition where it was exhibited outdoor, but it could be made much larger. It is also a kind of homage to industrial architecture and construction and coincidentally when in London for the Art in Mind exhibition he took a picture which demonstrates this, you’d think the photo came before the sculpture. I will try to get that photo uploaded at a later date.

So, I need to upload this as I have been dipping in and out all week.

We have a few more projects in the pipe line and more sculptures to come. Happy Friday!

'Arabesque in exhibition SAP 09