5 in 5 - August 2019 - How far does your hand reach? Exhibition

Welcome to '5 in 5' where on the 5th
of each month I post 5 photos that I have
taken in 5 minutes.

In the Spring I responded to an invitation to take part in a collaborative art project. It was organised by Maria Clarke-Wilson as part of her final Master Project for a Degree in Textile Design, and she planned to make a quilt using 100 pieces of eco-printed silk created by international woman artists. I lost no time in responding and received a beautifully wrapped package through the post of two different pieces of silk. We were invited to add a third piece of our own choice, if we liked. I will write a seperate post to tell more about the project and my contribution, but for now, here is the final work exhibited in a gallery in Norwich. It was an absolute thrill to travel there and see the work first hand and to meet Maria, who was every bit as lovely as I had imagined!
This has been an amazing experience and I know more will development within this group over time as Maria has other wonderful ideas planned. Friendships have been formed and I can't wait to visit Maria again, this time in her studio. I never imagined this project would develop into something so special and long lasting, I am so grateful that I took part. So, let's get started: This beautiful magic bunny was the creation of Scottish artist Michelle Stirling. She guards the peace quilt and all the other beautiful exhibits.

  I was so inspired by Maria's work and loved how she displays some of her prints and dyed fabrics.

As well as sending my three pieces of eco printed fabric I also made two books for Maria. I was so touched to arrive at the exhibition and see these displayed. The book shown standing includes photos of my plants as I laid them onto the fabric, and the result after printing as shown in examples underneath. This includes my third piece and fabric of own choosing: cotton sheeting. I like the way it prints but it is also a favourite fabric as I like to upcycle wherever I can. The handmade note book includes another piece of cotton eco-printed fabric stitched to it's cover and tied with hand dyed silk.

And the centre piece, the peace quilt. This includes squares from 100 woman around the world. It is nearly 18 ft long and the different colours and prints are breath taking. It was quite emotional seeing it pieced together after months of Maria's sharing photos and news of every stage and including us in her journey.

And the final photo is of Maria and myself, standing next to own eco prints. What a wonderful visit. What a wonderful experience.

As always, I invite you to join in this 5in5 monthly challenge and I hope some of you will do that. Trying a new way of doing things can spark new ideas and add interest, so here's how it works: 

1.  Choose a location.

2.  Have your camera ready.

3.  Set a mobile timer for 5 minutes.

4.  Take as many photos you can until the time is up.

5.  Choose 5 photos to download and share by using the link tool 

   

You have until the 25th of the month to add your photos and if you want to know more about 5in5 there are details here.

And one more thing - when you use the link tool, please click on your post title.  This will show the web address. Please right click, copy and paste this as your link.  This will take readers directly to your '5 in 5' blog page and be easier for them to find.