Houghton Hall Park Residency

I spent time walking round the park, looking at the trees, plants and wildlife. For me this was a very new situation with materials I had not used before. I selected a space, which Mike cleared of nettles, it had both young and more established trees that made a clearing protected on three sides and looking out into the park. I did not want to bring willow in, it seemed alien to the surroundings. I tried to spend time on my own, making small pieces for reference and learning the nature of the material. I found it quite difficult at times to concentrate until the space became more like a workspace, which happened over the first few days.

Following meetings with Mike Fayers, warden for North Chilterns Trust, plans were set up to work in the park on an environmental art project. Daniel Bird, a young student needing some support with his tutor Chris Black were invited to join this project.

The atmosphere in the clearing gained a wonderful atmosphere over the next few days, sometimes workshop, sometimes contemplation space and sometimes party. Age groups ranged from babies to senior citizens and included dogs and other wildlife.

I had to create a working relationship with Daniel and the friends he brought to the park which was part instructing and part encouragement. Initially I lay down only one rule, which was that we don't bring anything into the park and don't take anything out, and that what we make is in keeping with what is already in the park. During the time we worked together the boys met adults who use the park as well; some in an official capacity some for recreation. I think some respect was gained on both sides, seeing it was possible to use the same space and let other people use it differently. When visitors came to the site I was impressed with acceptance of me both as an artist and a stranger. The reactions were generally positive, understanding of the project and its aims varied but all were willing to hear. There were a few comments about the lack of information about the park, this seemed to be an issue about signage. Also the definition between formal planting and Country park areas were not clear. There were some older residents who remembered cows grazing in the park. Some suggested that signs about the use of the park special events etc. as well as the history. Some local residents had never been in the park and were surprised that they were allowed in at any time!

Over the last few days of the residency I found the word had obviously gone round among contemporaries of Daniel and at all times of day, I was there between 10a.m. and 8p.m. on some days. Evening was the time more teenagers came into the park. They appeared to have an understanding about possession and territory; also they were willing to share ideas and skills quite openly. Discussion about shared public space was very positive.

While doing this residency I went to 'Crossover', an exhibition and seminar based at Bury St Edmunds Art Gallery about the links between basket weaving and sculpture. This proved to be invaluable and will go on to have effect on my work for a long time. It not only gave me skills to work physically with materials but also be an intellectual resource to relate my working practices and an artistic link with others working in a similar field.

Daniel had taken a very positive and creative role in this project, making design decisions and directing his friends in making the structure and choice of materials. He gained confidence and expressed enjoyment in the whole activity;

I noticed that he explained the project to the Mayor and other adults very competently on the open day. I spoke to approximately 50 children and 36 adults, made some pieces of woven willow fencing with approximately 15 - 20 people.

Follow up from this residency; I have met Daniel who is intending to visit 'Crossover' with Chris. He has also expressed an interest in doing more of the same sort of work. I suggested a more formal approach, doing drawings and plans to make a proposal to both South Beds District Council and The North Chilterns trust. He responded very positively and meetings are to follow, to take site photos and do some drawings. The end product may be the plans alone.