The Woolworks are onsite installations suspended between trees in the locality of Bonnington/Warriston in Edinburgh. It is with great excitement that locations are chosen for the Woolworks before the job of installing takes place. This process requires close scrutiny of particular geographical areas to check for suitability – in this case, St Marks Park and Warriston Cemetery.
WOOLWORK 1
Location: St Mark’s Park, Edinburgh.
Woolwork 1, a tiny banner, was installed 31st January 2021 on a willow arch at the northern side of the green space in St Mark’s Park, North Edinburgh.
WOOLWORK 2
Location: St Mark’s Park, Edinburgh.
Woolwork 2, a web, was installed on a tree, in the woods close to the northernmost corner on February 8th 2021. Spaces in the web provide a variety of viewing points for the observation and appreciation of twigs and branches. Eventually, the web will fade and disappear into the growing foliage.
WOOLWORK 3
Location: Warriston cemetery
Woolwork 3 was installed on 12th February 2021 between trees cradling an ancient gravestone on the southwest bank in Warriston cemetery. The web itself is a form of mandala, with a central space which can offer a particular focus.
WOOLWORK 4
Location: Warriston cemetery
The installation process itself offers a chance to engage with members of the public, possibly getting opinions and feedback. When the artist is absent, other possible interactions may take place with the work eg a local ‘Book Fairy’ chose the sites of Woolworks 1 and 2 to deposit free books for people to find, and added a tartan bow…
Others have used the central circle of Woolwork 3 as a portrait frame…
The works may be given additions or may be removed altogether, and although this has not happened, it is always a possibility with outdoor, public installations. The artist revisits Woolworks on a weekly basis to monitor developments.
Mandala Map
The Wholly Holistic Art Team (WHAT!) mapped out local areas within a mandala formation. With Santosa at its centre, the mandala has a 2-mile radius and each artist offered some new work in response to their chosen section. My section includes St Mark’s Park and Warriston Cemetery.
Title:
Woolworks
Materials:
Wool, silk, string, felt and repurposed yarns
Description:
With the aim of stirring imagination, I am making a series of artworks from wool, a fabric I appreciate for its marvelous qualities and versatility. Anxious about the affect of particulates in the oceans, and in the atmosphere, due to overuse of synthetic fibres, I am hoping to draw attention to wool, in a positive way, inviting my audience to engage with these works, enjoy them, and participate if they are so moved. The natural fibres of the knitted squares will gradually transmute as the trees and foliage grow, changing shape and texture. The squares are roughly pierced for aesthetic reasons and the piercings also facilitate the significant decomposition process, ultimately enabling the work to enrich the soil. The wool will gradually become weathered and will transform benignly to become part of the earth eventually.
Bio:
Involved in making art all her life, Sally Freedman continues into her seventh decade with more enthusiasm than ever! A multi tasker, Sally has combined a teaching career, a counselling career, and parenthood, always spicing her life with creativity which she claims is essential for well being. This creativity has taken many forms, from painting and ceramics, to batik and creative writing, to dance and theatre, believing that each form feeds the others. Her work often reflects her keen interest in the earth and the soul-balm which nature offers.