Emerging from lockdown some artists are using personal experiences of life over the past few months to create their art installations while others are reacting to the building itself, reflecting its history as a factory farm.
The exhibition is located in central Somerset and ran from August 22nd to September 6th,
Eighteen artists were involved in creating this exhibition, further details are available below.
Welcome to the Stolford Weather Report Migrated and Mutated.
My Stolford Weather Report was a seed of an idea before lockdown but germinated into a ‘thing’ when I started my daily permitted walks as part of the lockdown rules. Walks that took me along the Bridgwater Bay coast under the Shadow of Hinkley Point Nuclear Power Station. The weather report evolved and grew, it infected my mind and the virtual people I was in contact with. It started to mutate, at the moment it is under my control, what if it becomes more infectious and goes rogue. Do I try to control it or do I let it go? Time will tell. See the Stolford Weather Report and my lockdown story on instagram @Alispangle #StolfordWeatherReport Alison Jacobs is an Artist based at Stolford near Hinkley Point. She mainly paints in acrylic and uses an iPad and iPhone to paint, photograph and film in the landscape. More information at www.alisonjacobs.comwww.facebook.com/alisonjacobsartist contact email [email protected]
Jon England Jon England was born and works in Somerset. His work is concerned with how legacies of conflict and industry are inscribed within landscape, object and individual, as well as their relationships with the natural world. Working across image-making, photography, and installation, he is most recognised for his innovative and unexpected application of materials. His work has been commissioned by organisations including the Museum of Somerset and Fleet Air Arm Museum as well as being presented in Russia, Poland, and the USA. Jon’s work can currently be seen across the town of Watchet following a 2019 commission for Contains Art and at Hestercombe Gardens as part of their ‘Open-up’ programme.
Melanie Deegan
Lockdown, like a dream where movement slows, interrupting the flow of creativity that I have taken for granted until now. Loss of freedom and access to friends. The familiar backdrop of life changed, leaving us trying to find our feet in this strange new world.
Experimenting with different materials and techniques Melanie has developed a method of working that lends itself to the creation of dynamic physical designs. Using wire and steel to draw the image in 3D this sketch is then developed to add the texture and detail that will evolve into a finished sculpture. Often resulting in energetic and fragmented forms Melanie uses space to invite the viewer to engage, using their imagination to fill the void.
My installations/sculptures explore art that is transient and short lived, like the seasons and patterns of nature.
I create my works on site and have no solid plan until the works are installed in the area. My work takes its shape and inspiration from the place it is being made in. My installations represent ideas unbounded, allowing myself to build elaborate constructs that twist and turn and allow the viewer to become lost in the shapes.
Chris Dobrowolski
Chris studied Fine Art in Hull and when he first got there he built a boat from driftwood to try to escape. The boat failed but Chris ended up making a whole series of vehicles in a similar vein. The way he makes things has a deliberate “knocked up in the garden shed” aesthetic and each vehicle and escape attempt has its own story attached.
Over the years Chris has retold and refined these stories as both artist and teacher. The result is a performance that translates the experience of creating and testing a theory. This in turn enables an audience to share and participate in a journey of discovery.
Dot Kuzniar
And TheyFlew
Filmed entirely from my own front garden, the piece captures footage of the phenomenal activity of birds during recent 'lockdown' months. From the excitable frenzy of swallows to the neighbourhood chickens enjoying their environment, theirs was a freedom that was joyful to experience at a time we were all restricted. The contrasts of containment are in some way a reverse parallel to the history of the chicken barn that is the location of this installation. The values of freedom and re-birth against constraint is a theme relevant to this time.
Dot is a Sculptor, Designer and Blacksmith, and multimedia Artist working with light and film.
Jim Munnion, an established Somerset painter/printmaker is venturing into 3D chickens! munnionart.moonfruit.com
Ian Shaw
Ian's work reflects upon our lives in lockdown and the sense of disruption it created in our domestic lives.
E and G Dance
Esther and Georgia created the contemporary dance piece ‘ Light between the Bars' especially for the Hatch exhibition working with and in the space to create their recording.
Credits to; Dancers Esther Munnion and Georgia Delve, original music and filming Ollie Macfarlane
Sarah Meikle Willow Chicken Lantern Materials- Locally grown Somerset Willow/mixed media Inspired by a connection between chickens and mankind in our evolution from prehistoric times to present day, and our relationship into the future. Willow is a natural resource playing a part in mans development and connection to our environment. The open doorway indicates the way forward from lockdown.
Sam Copsey
Using his engineering skills Sam brings to life his sculptures created from found objects.
Kalina Newman
Inspired by the building Kalina is using words to explore the history and lives of the buildings previous occupants.
Grace Green
I was furloughed from my food preparation role in March and have recently returned. Previously, I painted in my studio two days a week, but lockdown enabled me to focus solely on my practice. I now appreciate the healthy balance my café job in conjunction with my isolated studio practice. Feeling helpless regarding Covid19 I volunteered at a local foodbank. It became inundated with donations and people in need of support. It was clear that people were struggling and that the need for this service was great. Nutrition interests me, so I prioritized packing healthy food boxes whilst becoming aware of the increased numbers of people growing their own produce linked to food shortages and the need for self sufficiency.
I am painting food in bountiful baskets, seeds into plants, celebrating the people that improve the world they inhabit. The primary desire is for focusing on growth, nurture and nutrition.
Nick Shanks creates immersive sensory experiences, using metal and electronics as a medium. His robotic work has a dark touch, on the borderlone of the uncanny. The works often carry a disturbing political message. After a spending a few years studying and apprenticing under Paka the Uncredible in London Nick is returning the South West scene with an explosive bang.
Maurice Fawcett Willow BIRDMAN of kingsbury. I am selfself-taught. Been woodcarving since a boy. Willow weaving 30 odd years. Seeing this space gave me a chance to incorporate weaving and a New passion street art. My grandchildren have helped and imagination is what we do with inspiration so enjoy our Art. We will endeavour to persevere.
Ian Macnab
Ian has very generously invited us all to shared his space and use the barn for this exhibition, allowing us to develop our ideas in a welcoming and supportive environment. Many of the objects here are works of art in their own right! We are all very grateful for his help and all the cups of tea.