bags2art project

This was a six week artist's residency in Aberystwyth, led by Aberystwyth Arts Centre and supported by Cywaith Cymru . I was commissioned to work with the service users at a Day centre for adults with learning difficulties over summer 2006. The aim of the project was to create a series of artworks to draw attention to the centre; we made a series of 'flags' which worked their way up the drive. The service users were involved at all stages of the process. The artwork is colourful and fun and to me reflects both Aberystwyth and all at the centre.

All of the pieces were made using recycled plastic bags and film collected from the local community.

I spent many hours with the service users and by myself exploring the area of aberystwyth and taking photos for the project. I love this part of Wales with the combination of sea and landscape. Each of the walks led to a new discovery, amazing rocks, scenery, rusty objects, plants and not least fun mountain bike rides.

The whole surrounding area was used as inspiration for the piece (service users had voted on a theme, but this was so close that we decided to cover everything). The landscape piece includes the hills, sea front and local monuments.

The sign to the right, originally started as a flag based around the buildings of Aber, but as the installation continued we realised a name sign hadn't been created and so this piece evolved and windows were cut out to house the letters.

I had also intended to create a piece to go on the front facade of the building, the animals below were to be part of this, unfortunatley this currently is not possible and the 3D pieces will be used to create a seperate sculpture.

Over time the piece will evolve, colours will change, plants will grow around it, it's really an experiment and only time will tell, but I'll record its progress on its blog

For more information on the project visit my blog: www.bags2artproject.blogspot.com