FeedbackArtists story
Laura Ellen Bacon
[enlarge]
Laura Ellen Bacon, ‘Nesting Vessels’, stripped willow and wool felt, 2005.
Photo: Ashley Franklin.
Selection of forms photographed for exhibition at Hove Museum and Art Gallery, August 2005 (solo show).
Nests and cocoon-like forms intrigue me because they are often built directly into existing structures, such as trees or architectural features.
Consequently, I find that my woven work is created on site and literally embraces natural forms or the built environment. I enjoy direct, physical contact with my work, often creating work big enough to climb into or pass through in some way; gripping tree trunks, slumping over walls, entwined with foliage or drooping over frameworks.
I have a fascination with weight and organic growth and intend my forms to appear as if gravity has intervened. I hope viewers have a sense that the forms are perhaps swelling and haven’t finished ‘growing’.
My use of materials is low-tech but intuitive. Processes of accumulation interest me, for example, the creation of a bird’s nest or the build up of timber found adrift on a riverbank.
I am inspired by various settings: cityscapes, landscapes and industrial, interiors all fuel my work. The notion of creating a small interior space, within an architectural or natural space, oils the cogs in my mind and seems to energise my practice.
As most of my work is created directly into the said spaces, I find my creative studio time is limited. Residencies are therefore a wonderful chance for me to develop my work. This spring I am able to work in the Yard Gallery at Wollaton Hall, Nottingham, in a residency opportunity that I have entitled ‘In Residence’. The theme of someone (or something) being in-residence in these old stables will become apparent when the viewer encounters the various woven, habitat-like forms within the space.
Creating designs and visiting potential sites is always fascinating. I have recently been short-listed for the East Midlands programme, Museum Maker, and since receiving the Crafts Council Development Award in 2004 and having valued support from Arts Council England, I have been lucky enough to receive some wonderful commission opportunities. One such project included creating a piece, entitled Emerging Form for the garden in the new Paul Smith Flagship store in Nottingham. This was commissioned by Arts Council England for Architecture Week 05 and gave me the chance to create work in a high-profile setting and meet Sir Paul Smith himself, which was a fantastic experience!
My interest in nests and cocoon-like spaces has led me to a very tactile relationship with my materials and also leads me to some intriguing education opportunities. I am currently engaged in a six-month programme with Craftspace Touring called ‘Finding Spaces’, involving three nursery schools across Birmingham. The focus is on developing interactive, exploratory sessions that encourage the children and their parents to explore and create tactile, den-like spaces. Also this spring, I’m working with Creative Partnerships and a local school and am discovering how re-invigorating it can be to investigate spaces and materials with children and their fresh ideas.
Spring is here and my materials are gathered...
Bacon's work can be seen from late May to June at ‘In-Residence’, Yard Gallery, Wollaton Hall, Nottingham. Also Fresh Commission for 2006 , Leaning Forms (collaborative work with young people), Spennells Valley, Kidderminster.
Laura Ellen Bacon
First published: a-n Magazine April 2006 as ‘It’s nest building season’
© the artist(s), writer(s), photographer(s) and a-n The Artists Information Company
All rights reserved.
Artists who are current subscribers to a-n may download or print this text for the limited purpose of use in their business or professional practice as artists.
Parts of this text may be reproduced either in accordance with the provisions of the Copyright Designs and Patents Act 1988 (updated) or with written permission of the publishers.
Back to top