Cambridge Open Studios 2019

This is the time of year when planning for Cambridge Open Studios starts. I will be taking part again with Riverside Arts in Little Ouse, it always seems so far away when we get together and it is hard to imagine what July hot summer weather will feel like but I am sure the next few months will go very quickly. The new website for Riverside Arts is here
I am working on collections to put into Open Studios, including expressive containers made linked to walks and conversations as well as more traditional baskets. Going back to basics, enjoying handling materials.

Completed commission

I was so pleased to be asked by Marion Leeper to make a screen for her story telling events, the only instructions were 'no straight lines really' so I could spend some time working out how to make the size she wanted and make it fit in the car, then to make sure it would safely stand up. Look out for it in library events coming up soon.

I made this in the workshop on my allotment which is shown in the book by Gill Heriz 'A Woman's Shed' so it got lots of interest from allotment neighbours. It's not quite live art performance when working there, but at times very similar.

Open Greenhouse, Open Garden

On Sunday 10th June I will be 'in residence' at the Open Garden of The Bishops House Ely

I go here when I have the luxury of thinking time and the space for making is very special.  I feel in good company where Slow Making has taken place for hundreds of years with many skilled craftspeople.

This year I will re-present work that has not been seen for a few years, in the nature of Slow Making work changes as it ages and may be adapted or added to. there will also be new work using skills I have learned recently.

Trying not to lose more

Today is Remembrance for Lost Species Day, this year the emphasis is on Pollinators. I have made envelopes using plant materials and put collected seeds in to send or give to others, in the hope that we do not lose any more either of the plants that feed them or the insects that Pollinate our food. We will all be so much poorer if the non-human residents in our shared world are not cared for.

WW1 memorial exhibition

For eighteen months OuseLife artists, have been working on ideas, materials and technical problems to make an installation in the west tower of Ely Cathedral  next year. The theme of this exhibition is the centenary memorial of World War 1.

The actual making is always the easiest part, meetings and problem solving are the challenges. Sometimes communicating between artists can be challenging too, we all have strong visual ideas, translating those into words and keeping to deadlines is much more difficult.

Images of work in progress have been shared among the group, encouraging each other is an important part of the project when materials and techniques are a collaboration. I am only showing a taster here.

Deadlines for this have to be well planned, publicity and installation will need to go smoothly as there are so many variables to go wrong and people involved
It is fun playing in such a wonderful public building with so many different uses, so many people but it does mean we have to be aware of and sensitive to their interests.

art science final phase and reflections

The final exhibition of Art and Science with SRUK will be shown on December 6th, 7-9p.m.  at Barnabas Church, Mill Road, Cambrideg, CB1 2BD

The art-science collaboration with SRUK has been brought up some interesting preconceptions about different fields of work. The mutual value is not often recognised in the academic world. 

While working alongside a scientist it has been interesting to hear from her the perceptions of how artists work, there is a romantic and unreal view of artists as professionals. The comments at the panel discussion reinforced this and brought up something that I had not even thought of. The comment was 'when artists work with scientists they will be recognised for their work, it is a good thing to have on the cv. For a scientist this is not the case, it is not considered beneficial to research or professional development.'

I think the misunderstanding may be that the collaboration is useful from a professional point of view, but in my experience this recognition does not help in making a living as an artist, unless of course there is an institution or business with a commercial interest involved. Even then the art world is so often seen and experienced as a recreational activity, so not a business to think about financial viability. This means that even when working alongside universities or other organisations the artist is not seen as a professional consultant who deserves to be recognised with suitable fees. 

I find there is always a need to educate when working with clients. a-n, an organisation who has represented artists in the UK since the 1970's, has produced several documents over the years for artists to share with clients, commissioners and institutions. One of the latest is an in depth document which includes the national value of art and the work of artists to the national economy. This might be considered heavy reading to some, but it is essential that artists are seen as both valued and respected for their long term contribution to society. 

Thinking along these lines I am more inclined to try and work more rigorously, to focus on the work that really makes people think about process and environment. I am so often attracted to making work that is potentially commercial, but never seems to be really successful. I will revisit Fair Trade: Material Matters and other projects to reflect on this.

Art Science event at Telefonica, Madrid

The team presenting work as part of SRUK at Telefonica, Madrid. 3 scientists, 3 artists presenting work as part of Madrid Science week.

Jonathan Heras, Juan Gonzalea-Varo, Ana Lopez-Ramirez, Tomas Di Domenico, Jane Frost and Marta Fuster Barutell

Presentation at Telefonica Fundacion, a really interesting event to take part in

Art Science collaboration at Madrid Science week

The collaboration with Ana Lopez Ramirez, Regeneration and Recycling was selected for second prize and is currently at Madrid science week. We go tomorrow to participate in a panel discussion at Telefonica Tower on Thursday, hoping to understand enough as it will be mainly in Spanish.

Learning through sharing an interest in the issues of a sustainable and healthy world, making relationships that I could never have predicted. It seems my selection of materials and display enabled the work to cross language, culture and practise barriers. Even the forms I made relate to DNA structures that I was unaware of until recently. Always so much more to learn and experience. 

Workshop news

The new season of workshops at WWT Welney got off to a good start and now FrostArt workshop site is up and running with a booking calendar it will be easier to share what is happening there.
This week I am working with Isle of Ely Primary School to make a giant willow apple for 21st October, Ely Apple Day 

New season of workshop dates at WWT Welney

Autumn and winter workshops at WWT Welney 2017-2018Workshop leader Jane Frost

              September 23^rd Garden Structures and Basket forms

              October 7^th        Basket forms and Sculpture*

              November 4^th    Garden Structures and Sculpture

              November 25^th  Christmas Decorations*

              December 2^nd    Decorations and Sculpture

              February  3^rd     Living Willow structures

              March 3^rd             Garden Structures and Basket forms

              April 8^th             Garden Structures and Sculpture

Workshops are suitable for beginners as well as those with some experience. Learn a variety of techniques for sculpture and hangings for interior or exterior pieces.

Students will be able to achieve a selection of sample pieces combining weaving, wrapping and braiding.

Remember to wear suitable clothes. For larger structures there is an outdoor area to work sheltered from rain, but it can get windy, hot or cold.

Workshops have maximum of 8 places to provide students with good teaching and space in the workshop. Willow is prepared about a week in advance of each workshop and can be selected for your project if you let Jane know. 

Tools and willow are provided

Additional things you might like to bring

1.    Scissors and string

2.    Garden wire

3.    Sharp knife - Stanley or craft

4.    Gardening gloves (optional)

5.    Notebook, sketchbook, pens and pencil

Workshops run 10a.m – 4p.m. with a break for lunch; bring a packed lunch or use the visitor centre café.

One Day Workshop fees £45 plus £15 for basic materials

Booking requirement is by full payment at least 7 days in advance of the workshop date

* October workshop is recommended for intermediate students or those with some experience of using willow

*Christmas Decorations half day £35 all inclusive – Two half day workshops 10-12.30 and 1.30 – 4p.m. You may book for full day fee £55

Please make cheques payable to Jane Frost

Send to 32 Woodfen Road

Littleport, Ely, Cambridgeshire CB6 1JP

Payment can be made online by bank transfer, details on request

Phone   01353 861944 or 07967 088 348

Email    Jane@FrostArt.co.uk

Workshops take place at WWT Welney Visitor Centre

Hundred Foot Bank
Welney
Nr. Wisbech
PE14 9TN

Book group workshops or one to one sessions on dates and venues of your choice, please contact for more information. Jane Frost has experience of teaching people with a variety of special needs. got here for more information