Week 28 – not in the Studio – Susan Purney Mark

We are half way around the world since my last blog post and we have crammed a lot in as well as enjoying some downtime! Plus a couple textile and related exhibits that we enjoyed!

Our first stop was York to get over some jet lag and enjoy a bit of the city – its a lovely place but very crowded in the older, historic part. We walked at lot, got a new SIM card and slept!

We had hoped to visit YorkMinster but it was closed for the mourning period. We were able to attend Evensong – a lovely service with a wonderful choir. The steps and lawns were full of floral tributes – I read some of the notes, they were so moving and heartfelt.

I was able to meet one of my online students, Marion and had a great visit. She gave me some ideas for things to see which really helped a lot. The world shrinks a bit when we can make connections.

I went to the York City Museum and was entranced by the art of Ingrid Weyland, her series of folded and manipulated images kept me engaged for a while. Check her out online: www.ingridweyland.com

There was also a small exhibit in the cafe, titled Sketch by Origin. Two of the artists used textiles and I’d encourage you to check out their websites:

Www.lindaharveytextiles.co.uk

Www.katebuckley.co.uk

We are now ending our six days in the Yorkshire Dales, lots of walking along the Pennine Way and other paths plus checking out some galleries nearby.

One place that really caught my interest was near Sedburgh in a restored textile mill, now call Fairfield Mill – a fabulous textile exhibit by a group called Zero3 Artists (check out their website) Several pieces grabbed me both for their colours used and the textures that the stitching provided!

The mill had been set up over several floors with historical displays, lots of items for purchase and several art studios which could be rented by artist who then would create and showcase their art. I do wish we had something similar – I think its a great way to support local artists.

We visited the Ribblehead Viaduct and walked around:

And drove around narrow country roads, expecting to see James Herriot at any moment.

Another day was spent at Salts Mill – a restored….you guessed it….textile mill! An incredible show case of David Hockney, who was a “Bradford boy”. The best past was on the upper floor titled A Year in Normandie….a 90 metre mural of the seasons changing during his time in France in 2021 (?) and all the drawings were created on his IPad and printed on large pieces of paper. The scale of his work is amazing..

And heres a YouTube video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PYvoThX1E7w