Folk For Folk Exhibition
I wanted to start my blog with thoughts and images on an exhibition I was part of last year.
As part of the MA Illustration course at Gloucestershire University I was fortunate to have the opportunity to contribute towards the National Waterways Museum’s upcoming exhibition, entitled ‘Folk For Folk’, a celebration of the creative work of the narrowboat communities, often under-appreciated in days gone by. As a group, it was decided to create some kind of screen-printed banners to hang down along one side of the exhibition space. Inspired by the collection of decorated folk objects at the museum, my personal banner leaned into such everyday objects as the water vessels – namely dippers and watering cans. To suit the screen-print process, colours would be limited down and decoration simplified, but I do hope I was able to give some idea of the sort of imagery and patterning designed on their items. Screen-printing was a very unfamiliar process for me and a lot was tackled and learnt along the way.
As to the exhibition itself, well it was a lovely opportunity to get my work out there and as part of a collaborative effort. A museum is a great place to display work and I am highly appreciative of the Waterways Museum and all those individuals that helped make it happen! The opening night made it to the local news and I believe I even appeared in shot (not intentionally!). There was a combination of artwork on display created by various local groups, great to see each person’s interpretations on the theme. The exhibition also got extended 🙂.
Banners, not satisfied with their display extent at the Waterways, later found themselves hanging at the impressive buildings of the Folk of Gloucester, the former Folk Museum, as part of the ‘Threads/Voices’ exhibition and trail in Gloucester city. Also lovely to see our banners displayed there.
Fab opportunity and experience! 👍