Walks as Art: somewhere nowhere

Left and Centre: Shawn Williamson stone sculptor observing Irene Rogan’s work during the workshop at the Old Schoolroom whilst a visitor watches. Right: one of the participants from young people’s workshop with Groundwork Trust. Below: Shawn with examples of his work.

Shawn Williamson is a qualified mason and sculptor of 30 years experience and following his presentation for the Norman Nicholson Society’s annual event 2018 on ‘Escape to the Light’ installed at Haverigg by the famous sculptress Josefina de Vasconcellos and his work with her, Shawn agreed to collaborate on developing a short-term stone carving project at the Old Schoolroom. Exploring traditional methods, techniques and material in creating sculptures was a contrast to Irene Rogan’s temporary environmental installations. The process of stone carving was made accessible to those who had not had any previous experience. Discussions followed regarding possible future collaborations for combining stone carving with Rogan’s conceptual approach to her work.

Operation Daisy

A workshop to engage with the local community, through creating handmade daises for Irene Rogan’s Matter Matters installation later in the month, making it possible to discuss her work and Moving Mountains Art projects. It encouraged participation by local children

and children from the Autism Society and Hope and Cope, a support group established for people with life threatening illnesses and depression, which later became open to anyone experiencing loneliness.

Top and far left: children’s handmade daisies, children and parents in the background with artist facilitator Phil Marshall leading the workshop and in foreground the children from Millom autism group .Centre: Publicity for Operation Daisy and Above :Hope and Cope support group creating a large number of daisies the ‘daisy chain gang.’

Harriet and Rob Fraser, of the New Hutton-based creative practice, somewhere-nowhere, led a creative walk around woodland and fell. Providing an entirely new experience for Millom and Haverigg residents, the walk was intended to increase understanding of what creativity could be and one which was embraced with great enthusiasm and joy by all participants, as poetry and discussions were held en route concerning natural habitats and trees, instant photographic equipment provided mementos of the day.