Heathlands Primary School in Rainworth, Nottinghamshire, asked me if I could come in to work with them to make a big piece of art for their school hall. The intention was to involve every child in the school, with each one of them contributing towards making a big collaborative piece. I said yes.
How many kids? About 180. How many workshops? Seven classes. Any ideas? Yes, they would like their motto including, plus their logo, a butterfly. OK. Ideas time, lots of ideas, lots of planning, lots of ordering pipe-cleaners and modelling wire and heaven knows what else besides. Time also to look at the local countryside around the school.
In June it was time for workshops with the children. We had a fine time. F2s made butterflies and they were very free. Y1 made felt leaves to a design of their own and wired them to (locally sourced) birch twigs. Y2 did batik. Y2 were very good at batik, I was in awe of them. Y3 designed and made their own printing stamps and printed a meadow. I love printing, they loved printing, it was great. Y4 channelled their inner Andy Goldsworthy and made fabulous unfurling ferns. Y5 (despite being shattered after returning from their residential trip) followed wire modelling being modelled by me and made zingy butterflies. Y6 blinged up the letters for the motto, the sparkly stuff was used to fine effect.
How many kids? About 180. How many workshops? Seven classes. Any ideas? Yes, they would like their motto including, plus their logo, a butterfly. OK. Ideas time, lots of ideas, lots of planning, lots of ordering pipe-cleaners and modelling wire and heaven knows what else besides. Time also to look at the local countryside around the school.
In June it was time for workshops with the children. We had a fine time. F2s made butterflies and they were very free. Y1 made felt leaves to a design of their own and wired them to (locally sourced) birch twigs. Y2 did batik. Y2 were very good at batik, I was in awe of them. Y3 designed and made their own printing stamps and printed a meadow. I love printing, they loved printing, it was great. Y4 channelled their inner Andy Goldsworthy and made fabulous unfurling ferns. Y5 (despite being shattered after returning from their residential trip) followed wire modelling being modelled by me and made zingy butterflies. Y6 blinged up the letters for the motto, the sparkly stuff was used to fine effect.
My studio with a lot of wonderful kids' work in it Then in July, it was back to me to bring it all together so it could work as a banner. Backing fabric was ordered (thank you Curtain and Blind Design, Newark, wonderful advice and service with a dollop of humour), but then ah, sewing and me never did get along too well. In comes the cavalry in the shape of my inspirational mother-in-law and her all-terrain sewing machine. I learned a lot. I have a lot more to learn. I am incredibly grateful she took the time to help. I still owe her a sewing machine repair bill.
So, with backing fabric sewn, plus printed and batiked meadows sewn on, time for everything else to be attached. Some pieces were sewn, some glued, some sewn and glued (twice). The banner went up at the end of the summer term. It had a little more attention over the summer holidays (some of the pesky butterflies had ‘flown’). More glue, more sewing. Butterflies back in the meadow.
So, with backing fabric sewn, plus printed and batiked meadows sewn on, time for everything else to be attached. Some pieces were sewn, some glued, some sewn and glued (twice). The banner went up at the end of the summer term. It had a little more attention over the summer holidays (some of the pesky butterflies had ‘flown’). More glue, more sewing. Butterflies back in the meadow.
The banner up in the hall, thanks to the lovely caretaker The final work is big and joyful and it feels right that every child in the school has a piece of their art on it. Bravo Heathlands artists aged 4-11, all 180 of you, you should be proud, you have made something amazing. And thanks Heathlands, for a great experience, where I learned at least as much as the children.
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