Photo: Gavin Weber. Copyright Simon Faithfull.
As a writer, activist, mystic and summer sea dipper, I was very pleased this week to begin a fascinating new job: Artist-in-Residence for Fabrica Gallery, responding to the Simon Faithfull exhibition REEF. In a work that combines sculpture, video, eco-art, and installation, Faithfull salvaged and rebuilt an old boat, then deliberately sank the vessel in order to record it gradually becoming an ocean reef. My role is to engage audiences with the themes of the exhibition, ‘working with ideas of the sea as a metaphor for emotion, the imagination and psychological space.’ Concerned as I am with the complex relationship between psychology, politics and spirituality, I have taken the concept of ‘sea change’ as my central creative current; and the tempestuous blue planet Neptune as my guiding star. I will be blogging for the gallery – in a meta-hyper-blog moment, I direct you to seachangings.wordpress.com – and also curating/participating in several free public events. I’ll swim off now, but hope to see you at one or other of the following opportunities to reflect on the sea . . .
Night Contact
A one night multi-media festival: Saturday Oct 18th.
Screening projections across indoor and outdoor spaces Night Contact showcases a range of still and moving works exploring ideas of collaboration, authorship and influence in relation to the photographic image and the screen. A map outlining a visual trail across the city encourages visitors to view film and photographic works in various spaces across central Brighton. As part of the activities surrounding this event – Fabrica will be staying open until 10pm. Between 7-9pm I will be in the gallery to chat about science fiction writing, being a poet, the significance of Neptune to astrologists and my role as a tarot reader.
Neptune Nights
Poetry: Tuesday 4 November, 7.30–9.30pm
Prose: Tuesday 11 November, 7:30-9:30pm
I will be leading two creative writing sessions exploring the mythic, scientific, literary and astrological significance of Neptune and asking participants to reflect on its themes. Participants who wish to learn the placement of Neptune in their chart are asked to submit their date, time and place (nearest city/town) of birth. No previous experience of creative writing or astrology is required.
Sea Changers
Saturday 15 November, 7.30–9.30pm
The Fishermens’ Vestry, St. Paul’s church, West St, Brighton BN1 2RE
In front of the large open fire built to dry out fishermen before church services I will host performances and discussion from three artist-activists. British-Palestinian novelist and lawyer, Selma Dabbagh; spoken word artist, coach and diversity practitioner Akila Richards; and musician, actor, writer and accessibility/social inclusion consultant Mik Scarlet will use the theme of the constantly changing sea to present their work and to discuss the relationship between their creative and political activities.
All events are free but places are limited for the workshops and Vestry – booking is recommended. To book please visit the Eventbrite page (Neptune Nights Poetry; Neptune Night Prose, Sea Changers); speak to a member of the gallery team, or call 01273 778646.
