In March 2001, we asked 5 artists to take examples of their work into schools, talk about their art practice, leading to a practical workshop with pupils, which related to materials and/or ideas they used in their own work. Each of the artists lives and works in the Western Isles and makes work in response to their local environment.
Kate Kirby uses mixed-media collage and oil paint to create both abstract and figurative drawings and paintings which articulate an emotional response to the Hebridean landscape and the history it contains. Kate worked in 4 schools in Lewis. Pupils used wax resist, textured paper, chalks and paint to make their own atmospheric landscapes.
Ian Stephen works with poetry, found objects, boat journeys and storytelling in an ongoing narrative about man’s relationship with the sea. Ian worked in 5 schools on Lewis and Harris. He involved the pupils in storytelling and conducted a word and image workshop which led to the production of visual stories on slates and sound recordings.
Simon Rivett uses the medium of oil paint to capture the dramatic landscapes around his west coast home. Simon worked in 5 schools on Lewis. He helped pupils set up still-lives and spend concentrated time - emphasizing the importance of looking - to make detailed charcoal drawings on fine paper.
Olwen Shone makes highly crafted black and white photographs, which freeze the energy and raw beauty of Atlantic waves. Olwen worked with pupils from Lochmaddy School in North Uist, and Sgoil Lionacleit in Benbecula. Pupils made their own black and white photographs using 35mm cameras and went on to make prints using the darkroom facilities at Taigh Chearsabhagh and Sgoil Lionacleit.
William Neil, a watercolourist, documents the bio-diversity of North and South Uist and Benbecula. William worked with pupils at Berneray School. After discussing local birds and wildlife, pupils worked together to paint a flock of oystercatchers using pencils, card and drawing inks.
|
