South Somerset District Council is delighted to announce that this summer artist, Carolyn Lefley, will be working with various groups in Yeovil Country Park, as part of a three year project to encourage wider use of the park.
The project, entitled Water – Meadow – Wood, provides a greater opportunity for engagement with people to interpret the natural, cultural and historical heritage of the Country Park; Caroline will focus on the park’s grasslands and meadows.
Carolyn’s photographic practice explores notions of home, belonging, folklore and the natural landscape. Hidden geology and archaeology has been a treasure trove of inspiration for her recent practice and visual metaphors such as imagery of migratory birds alludes to our instinct to find a place called home.
Speaking after being appointed this year’s resident artist, Carolyn said, “I am delighted to have been appointed as the Artist in Residence for the Meadow themed year. The meadowlands of Yeovil Country Park are currently a blank canvas, waiting to be filled with the colour and life of spring and summer. I am looking forward to working alongside the local community to co-create photographic artwork”.
Carolyn will be working with pupils from St Gilda’s Primary School, South Somerset Mind and leading family friendly activities in the park over the summer, taking people on a voyage of discovery, stimulating imagination, enhancing creative skills, building confidence, learning and appreciation of the many aspects of Yeovil Country Park.
Councillor Sylvia Seal, Portfolio Holder for Leisure & Culture said, “We are delighted once again that this year we have appointed a resident artist for the Country Park. This gives local groups a fantastic opportunity to visit the park and use their imagination and creative skills under the artist’s guidance.”
Last year, South Somerset District Council worked with artist Deborah Westmancoat, who focussed specifically on the Water element of the three year project. Deborah worked with groups from Fairmead School, RAISE and Short Breaks, encouraging children and their families to explore their creativity. Their work was exhibited in the Octagon Gallery during the Somerset Art Weeks event.
Updates will be posted on the project blog www.watermeadowwood.wordpress.com/. For more about Carolyn Lefley’s work, see www.carolynlefley.co.uk.
The project is funded by Arts Council England Grants for the Arts programme and supported by South Somerset District Council’s Countryside and Arts Development Services.