03/10/2009 by James.

A really interesting and exciting foray into the world of cultural heritage and ecological thinking -

‘This is a new blog for cultural heritage and environment professionals to share ideas on ecological thinking and environmental policies in the sector. The cultural heritage sector encompasses museums, heritage sites and landscapes, libraries, archives and art galleries.

… A key aim is to provide feedback and advocacy for Government bodies such as DCMS, MLA and English Heritage in developing ecological and sustainable practices. There are several UK initiatives on the arts and ecology but there is a gap in the cultural heritage sector.

…. This blog is not confined to sustainability in conservation or buildings management but encompasses all aspects of ecological thinking, including campaigning, community engagement, education, digital strategies, creative curating and so on.’

Well worth a look - http://ecoch.wordpress.com

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03/10/2009 by James.

Just a quick one to confirm that the venue for this exhibition is the Proud Camden Gallery, Stables Market, Chalk Farm Rd, London NW1 8AH

A few people were unsure where it was happening. For more information on the exhibition please see the exhibition website - www.mencap.org.uk/dayofthedead

For information on the venue see - www.proudcamden.com

Hope that helps!

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03/10/2009 by James.

After doing lots of Stonehenge research through reading and visiting the area around the stones, it was time to get out there and walk.

Walking links places in my mind and gives me the kind of awareness of the lie of the land and the different elements that make up the landscape described and referred to in all the books and documents. Walking gives me a chance to explore for myself, to find what excites me, what draws my attention, and lets me feel a part of that landscape, rather than an external observer or researcher.

It also seems to make a lot more sense to explore a landscape rich in prehistoric history, by wandering through trees and along pathways, rather than by reading or driving or looking online. My ancestors used their own bodies to dig with antlers, to walk along the avenue from River Avon to the Henge & Stones, and so to get a feeling for the different elements of this famous landscape and how they link together, it makes perfect sense to get out and put one foot in front of the other.

Walking, exploring, or wandering have always been key to my work. It gives you a different kind of awareness, a freedom that allows your own senses, body and mind to blur with the world around you, the power to step outside of the restrictions of everyday life and of a culturally inherited perception, and for a moment to just ‘be’.

Sounds romantic, but it works for me, helping me to re-connect my mind, body and my environment, and allow a sense of flow between them, a re-balancing that helps me to feel part of the world and supported by it.

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02/10/2009 by James.

I seem to be spending a fairly equal time exploring ancient sites, old churches, hills and woods recently.

With all my stonehenge related work, a bit of family history digging, and a continuing interest in the links between christianity and our ancient British spiritual heritage, its a web of links between landscape, ritual, spirituality and belief, that is a source of rich pickings for me as an artist.

The carved figure at the bottom is from the font at a church in Winterbourne Monkton, nr Avebury - more images and a discussion of its origins at

www.sheelanagig.org/SheelaWinterbourneMonkton.htm

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