Congratulations to all our Year 13 learners whose scores are now with the exam board, and we await the moderator's visit. We'll see you all for the celebration exhibition once the work is up. For the UAL and Year 1 we continue to ensure we have the best grades possible as your deadlines loom. To help you develop your ideas, we have a great mix of inspiration, relaxation and discovery. Recycling to Mindfulness. Hopefully the rain will break, and you can get out and explore. As always, I will link Creative Tourism as a great starting point for potential exploration and culture but look back over previous Wow's to see if you missed anything. I'll be doing my best to create some art and try and get some out into the world too. Have a great break and we'll see you all safe and sound next week!
WALK ON WINTER HILL: SEE THE COTTON GRASS
As I continue my relaxation walks with great experiences series, with relaxation and refocusing in mind during this stressful exam period. Why not try Winter Hill moor behind the Pike. If you get the correct time, you will see this incredible explosion of Cotton Grass. I went up this weekend and some cotton grass is already out but not like this explosion I photographed a couple of years ago. I feel the half term might well be the time it blooms properly! So go and have a look. If you get the weather a walk up Winterhill is easily accessible with a number of routes to the top. George Lane, The Barns, Belmont, Smithills. no matter which side of Bolton you live on you can easily visit. If you are ready for a bit of a walk you can easily get away from the crowds. Why not have a picnic? But remember to take your little home and be careful for ground nesting birds.
PODCAST: NOT QUITE LIGHT
Simon Buckley is a photographer, mainly taking photos of Manchester. The images are taken around dawn and dusk and began as documenting spaces on his walk to and from work. Slowly exploring Manchester and the surrounding areas. The podcast is just like his photos ethereal and mysterious, part soundscape part radio show. It's a fantastic chilled out listen and great for those moments of relaxation just before bed and when you wake up .
If you like Buckley's work: why not Save the date and visit this exhibition of pictures of Salford when is opens..
Gill Recommends...
A fantastic Photography exhibition showcasing a snippet of Salford Life in 1977. Phil Portus explores some very candid but eye-opening imagery with this collection of images that go on display at the Langworthy Cornerstone Community Centre in Salford from 28 June until 29 August.
TV: ROB AND RYLAN'S GRAND TOUR
This absolutely brilliant, "odd couple" travel show is a must watch. Rob the Eton educated Lawyer and Rylan the working class presenter, visit the great creative spaces in Italy. It's fantastic to see Rylan immersive himself in art and understand the importance of the story telling and the meaning in. It's a example of someone taking the time to enjoy art and taking the opportunity to experience new things without any snobbery or aloofness.
Both men share stories about their life and we get an insight into their mental well being and how to cope with heartbreak and turmaoil. Drag Queens to religion, Music to sculpture, there is something for all of you.
An unexpected treat!
HAND BAG DESIGN: CLARA CHU
Gill recommends.....
Clara Chu is the name sake brand of Clara Chu, a London based multidisciplinary artist and handbag designer.
From the website.... "Clara creates work that re-imagines everyday, mundane objects in our domestic world, mixing mass production with the hand crafted. Visionary and colourful pop accessories challenge what we wear on our bodies, not only textiles but everyday household objects we take for granted such as a mop, a kettle and a toothbrush. Clara’s exploration around up-cycling questions the prominence of fast-moving consumer goods, blurring boundaries between ‘high’ and ‘low’ forms of culture through humorous transformations. Her practice helps change the perception around wastes in forms of fashion accessories, workshops and installations, turning discarded household objects into the most wanted."
CHEAP BOOKS: BOOKS ABOUT ART
Gill recommends.....
This amazing discount website has books not only about art but many other creative industries, such as film.
Lots of great ones for only £5 in the sale:
Collage, photography, fashion, typography, painting, textiles. Definitely worth adding to your birthday or Christmas list!
INTERVIEW: CHARLEE SULLY: CREATIVE PRACTISE
Debbie recommends....
Charlee Sully started her own design practice 'The Usual Studio' back in 2007. Since then she has worked on a mix of projects from fashion magazines to the graphic design for a Kate Nash album.
What do you see as vital to your design process? "Having a curious mind and being open to new things. Having a mindset of always learning, not just about design, but science, technology, psychology, sociology..."
The Design Museum interviewed Charlee to ask about her design process.
SAVE THE DATE: 6th-7th July 2024
BURY ARTS FESTIVAL
On the 6th & 7th of July, Bury will come alive with a celebration of creativity. For two days, local artists will be taking over venues across the borough to showcase their work. And it’s not just about viewing art, it's about getting involved. A packed schedule of free workshops led by practising artists means you can try your hand at painting, pottery, textiles and more - no experience required! Whether you're an aspiring artist wanting to try new skills or you simply want to experience art in a fresh new way, Bury Festival of Art is for you! Save the dates in your diary and start planning your festival experience today. A FREE borough wide event for all the family!