Art in unexpected places.

This year the National Trust is working with C-Art (Cumbria Artists Open Studios) on a new scheme where, for three weeks, artists and their work will be found in extraordinary places.  In my valley, Borrowdale, you will be able to find installations and working artists in a number of places.

At Ashness Bridge you will be able to find an installation featuring fleece, skulls and bones at the “Bark Barn” and the surrounding hillsides.

Around the Bowder Stone and nearby slate quarry, you will find art inspired by the Vikings.

You will also be able to see a ceramicist at work if you visit Watendlath Barn. 

All of these events and installations are temporary so their places will return to their previous status after September 28^th when C-Art ends.

My favourite is where “Bark House” near Ashness Bridge has been wrapped in sheep’s wool. It might sound ridiculous if you haven’t seen it but I’m finding that the vast majority of people who see it have a big smile.  That’s not a bad reaction to it.  Of course, as for any art work, there are mixed reviews but these pieces are certainly generating reactions.  Different people will have different tastes.  Anything that stimulates reaction and discussion or persuades people to go to see other artworks, has to be a good thing to do.

By the end of September it will be as though they were never there but a lot of people will have a different perspective on our landscape.  You can read more about the National Trust and C-Art here.

Daisy here.  Roy’s back.  It’s great.  I’m going back to work.  I’ve been playing in rivers and lakes. 

Life’s brilliant.  I’ve got an exam soon as well.  I’m a bit worried, it’s for the rescue training.  I’ll let you know if I pass.