You and I are tangled up together.

2021

You and I are tangled up together is the collective title for both the ceramic vessel, made in collaboration with Rob Bibby, and the unlimited editioned Invitation. These works along with the photobook I sleep in the bed I was born in and a small commission offered to Dan Butt, are the summary of my research undertaken within the farming community in the rural neighbourhoods of Peterborough. This work, commissioned by Peterborough Cultural Strategy Group aimed to consider many of the city’s overlooked, marginalised or undervalued communities cultural contributions. The commission included the mentoring of 6 artists to undertake explorations within their own networks.

The many handled, scratched, clay vessel speaks directly to the following list of collected words, captured during the conversations I had with people about their lives. The pot references funerary vessels, loving cups and water carriers which, like it, come truely alive in the hands of a collective. Making it therefore not a decorative item, rather a pragmatic working tool.

You and I are earth,
You and I are ancient,
You and I are invisible,
new-born,
rock,
frightened,
poor,
rich,
precarious,
here, confused, relevant, potent, broken, exhausted, rooted, sacred, silent, transient,
You and I are tangled up together.

The Invitations like the pot are propositional. Maybe even a challenge. That ask us to consider the relationships we hold with others, the past, present and so on. With them I imagine a future event that brings people together from rural and urban settings to discuss our tangle and set effective plans. At this event we would gather around the pot; using it to reinforce our connection and remind us of our collective ability.

These works alongside the works of the 6 artists were showcased as large scale vinyls on a Peterborough city centre shop window from late 2021.

You and I are tangled up together.
Terracotta, Earthenware and slip.
48cm x 40cm

Invitation
Unlimited edition.
Embroidered ribbon, A6 deckled edge card, pencil and envelope

Thanks to
Rob Bibby
Dan Butt

Funded by
Peterborough Cultural Strategy Group

Supported by
Metal Peterborough.