As part of the Estuary Anthology Festival, 'Weeds in Kent'; is a collaborative silk patchwork with additional displays of photographs, books, research and sketches tracing back through the stages of the artistic process, which has been years in the making.
Weeds In Kent is a beautifully subtle but detailed 60cm by 60 cm silk patchwork mounted on canvas will be displayed for the duration of the festival. It was made of plant rubbings and additional stitch and beadwork and it depicts many of the familiar weeds of a specific area of Kent it is being displayed in: Bramble, Alexanders, Dandelion, Coltsfoot and Hogs Fennel. In addition, you will be able to see other sheets by each of the individual artists that show an artist statement and their own research artwork.
The 'Weeds in Kent' project has been running for a few years and this is an opportunity to see the work at the culmination of this period. Selected photographs, artist books, sketchbooks will also be on display and will enable you to trace back the various stages of the process throughout the years. The work is displayed Workshop 3, a space overlooking the sea, at the confluence of the Greater Thames Estuary and Swale Estuary.
About the organisers
'Weeds in Kent' is a group of six artists from East Kent who collaborate towards a research-backed exploration of wild weeds through diverse media, focusing on their form, movement and untold stories. Their work explores the dynamic, transient nature of weeds – often unwanted and unloved – through a collaborative process that combines research, creative practices and experimental techniques. By focusing on the Kent Estuary's flora, they aim to capture the form, personality and stories of these wild plants, using a variety of media and methods, including samples, recordings, stitch and exhibits.
The group is made up from artists working in varied disciplines – they have shared some of their specialist skills with each other during the project, whilst providing workshops and creating both individual and collaborative pieces.
The group consists of Alma Caira, Bridget Carpenter, Sharon Cavalier, Clare Jackson, Lucy Stockton-Smith and Mary Stockton-Smith.
“ We are a group of six artists making work in response to our shared love of the natural world. We find inspiration in the local Kent woodland , countryside and estuary coast. The beauty and resilience of weeds fuelled our collective imagination and prompted discussion. We hold regular meetings to share ideas and practice, talking turns to lead workshops. This exhibition shows individuals work in progress and documents our varied processes.”
Open 9-5 when room is not in private use and 10-4 on Sundays (closed Tuesday)
