Brantwood Trip

Lust

A beautiful day for a drive through The Lakes to visit Brantwood; Ruskin’s home. Brantwood was surprisingly busy given the time of year – groups arriving from the Coniston launch as well as the car park being quite full. In the house, I watched the introductory video before a walk through the rooms. I had been looking forward to seeing Sarah Casey’s exhibition ‘Ruskin’s Good Looking’ and it did not disappoint. The drawings on waxed paper of Ruskin’s garments are stunningly beautiful. I discovered her work a while ago when I was investigating artist/science collaborators, and it has held me transfixed. https://www.sarahcasey.co.uk/about I am fascinated by how her chosen drawing processes relate so intimately to her subjects and express with such amazing clarity and economy, the complex concepts she addresses.

After the house – the garden. Ziggy Zaggy was the most interesting area: a restored garden, designed and planted to represent the 7 deadly sins. Following this a pleasurable stroll through the woodland areas. (Photos in sketch book)

Arts In Health. FMP background.

An idea emerged in the studio during the work we were doing around ‘the mind and body’ : perhaps we might exhibit in The Cumbria Infirmary. Some contact between college and ‘Arts in Health’ people at the hospital, it appeared, – all a bit vague really but quite exciting. I was interested in this potential liaison because my work at the time was exploring the dual brain theory relating to mental well-being and gut bacteria.

The hospital person might come in to college ……..

As time passed, it seemed that this liaison was just that – an idea! But, the hospital person did send us details about ‘The First Cumbria Arts In Health Conversation’ that would take place in January 2019.

I got a ticket.

The ‘hospital person’ is called Susie ( http://susietate.co.uk/) and I hooked up with her at the conference. She led a presentation that brought the delegate audience to tears with the ‘Live work’ on stage demonstrating the work of ‘About Being’ https://www.applied.co.uk/proud-supporting-unique-dance-project-stroke-survivors/

All in all, a fascinating day.