We have found in the ashes what we lost in the fire.
2024 - ongoing
We have found in the ashes what we lost in the fire is an action research catalysed by conversations with fellow artists and creative thinkers about how they repair and rest themselves after demanding times. Many described using a creative restorative approach which involves open-ended, process-led, experimental, sensory-rich, explorative making. With outcomes being a means to an end and not intended for sharing.
A residency in February 2024 at Metal Peterborough, as part of their Strong bonds, fragile planet program, supported some research and enabled a deepening of conversations. As part of the residency I invited artists into extended dialogue and to a series of convivial gatherings [one led in collaboration with Danica Maier]. These events, held over food, were carefully designed and aimed to encourage guests to freely engage in conversation. There was no formal agenda or predefined outcomes, instead we focused solely on sharing, connection, and being in each other’s company.
In response to all the findings I made a cape featuring LET GO and a phoenix rising from the flames which was worn at the final event and a limited edition publication [one held in every Radical Reading Room]. The publication includes a conversation I attempt to interrogate and define the creative restorative rest/not-knowing-yet approach and two inserts – a poster and a post card of captured sayings.
Contributors:
Tiffany Arnston
Laura Mabutt
Amanda Rigby
Richard Knight
Amanda Philips
Dancia Maier
Deborah Munt
Soraya Smithson
Jack Wilkin
Ruth Campbell
Jenni Cairns
Jayne Cooper
Jeffery Choy
Madhu Mantipatruni
Hayley Harrison
Fi Cifaldi
Soraya Smithson
Andrew Bracey
Bettina Furnee
Idit Nathan
Caroline Wendling
Melissa Pierce Murray
Pearl Anderson
Gill Adams
Matt Jagger
Kev Fisher
Bruce Asbestos
Laura Mabutt
Ruth Sprague
David Gilbert
Katie Smith
Mark Richards
Tom Robinson
Amanda Philips
Elinor Medely
Marylyn Deakin
Katya Robin
Andrea Hadley- Johnson
@Illuminating Waves
Micheal Whittaker
Jasmine