step in stone by numbers:
Visitors 8114
Volunteers 43
Website/blog views: 16,984 visitors: 4,974 from 68 countries
Facebook Friends: 2475
Twitter followers: 201
Workshop Participants: 257 for workshops (16), 102 for Walks (6), 56 for Talks (4)
Family Day: 190
Age range 0-95
“I have been utterly entranced by what has been achieved by this extraordinary collaborative event. The fourteen artists are from a myriad of artistic disciplines yet have created a glorious spectacle. From the vastness of the quarries to the intimacy of the Black Swan’s Round Tower, the site-specific works harmonise with their environment. Fiona Campbell and her artists have achieved something wonderful.” Amanda Sheridan, Black Swan Arts
“Visitors have been fascinated and intrigued by the installations, which have brought together the arts and sciences. We have been able to reach a new audience by looking at geology from a new angle.” Juliet Lawn, SESC
It’s been a very intense and challenging few months. Incredible seeeing step in stone through to fruition, and so fulfilling. Overall, the project was a tremendous success, very well received by an extremely varied and broadly based audience. We were overwhelmed by such a high volume of enthusiastic visitors from the area and further afield, who visited our 6 venues. Through special events (workshops, walks, talks and performances) we enjoyed engaging a whole spectrum of the public, participants of all ages and interests, including school children, families and the elderly. We received massive public support for the project; people were genuinely delighted and inspired by the fusion of sound, art, landscape and wonderful use of unique quarry settings.
The project gained momentum as it progressed in steps to its finale. The final fortnight, tied in with Somerset Art Weeks Festival, was brilliant! Each weekend approximately 300 people visited the magical Fairy Cave Quarry venue alone. Family Day was really special, a huge success, so many enthusiastic children, grown ups and in-betweenies enjoyed a range of organised activities in the quarry. The 3 Finale venues added fresh impetus, with all 14 artists showing together for the first time in the project at Black Swan Arts.
The Black Swan exhibition was a beautiful, strong, inclusive show in a wonderful gallery space, including the Round Tower and Hall (where the young sculpture design entries were on show). It came together naturally in a grid-like structure, echoing the work. The Preview was buzzing and feedback excellent.
An ambitious project for the budget, with a very small management team, it was incredibly hard work. I really enjoyed working with such a fantastic set of high calibre artists, whose work I admire. All of us explored and developed new areas of our practice. We had immense support from many quarters: in-kind gestures, discounts, time given, technical help, assistance at special events and manning. Partner Nick Weaver helped me enormously throughout and volunteer photographer Duncan Simey was a huge asset. It was highly motivating to have such support. Our legacy includes a documentary film, catalogues, website, and artwork donated to Somerset Earth Science Centre permanently for educational and recreational purposes.
Bringing step in stone to fruition is the fulfilment of a dream to have contemporary art exhibited in these enigmatic, spaces in the Mendips. I have so many people to thank for this, particularly our funders including Arts Council England/National Lottery, partners, venues, supporters, visitors and of course, the artists!
Some visitor comments:
“That was my best HOUR of this year”
“In many years of visiting art events, I have never experienced anything as fascinating and inspiring as my visits to quarries today – especially this one.” (Fairy Cave Quarry)
“Had a lovely day with the boys exploring, was great to combine being outdoors with some interesting art..”
“Spent a fascinating afternoon at Halecombe and Westdown/Asham quarries. It was a treat for the senses and a revelation about the environments on our doorstep. Thank you!”
“Wonderful – best art gallery I’ve ever been to”
“We’re really enjoying the step in stone events and seeing places/quarries never been to before!”
“A hit for all ages”
“What a brilliant, inspirational and unique exhibition in a stunning setting”
“Love the work in this setting, quite magical in amongst the trees, and thank you to SESC for a warm welcome”
“Ingenious art in a spectacular setting. Do go! Fairy Cave quarry”
“Amazing creativity & lateral thinking. Our family enjoyed a really interesting ‘exhibition’. A wonderfully different experience.”
“Inspiring and fun – creativity thrived in the kids as a result”
“A wonderfully different experience”
“Like being back in Africa in my village – brilliant! Can’t wait to bring my grandchildren – thankyou!”
“Unique and surprising”
“As a geologist (amateur) married to an artist I found the combination of the 2 subjects absolutely fascinating. Especially loved the sketchbooks, also Catherine’s and Amanda’s work..”
A few best pics to tell the story…
Artist research trip, Westdown/Asham Quarry, Jan ’15. Photo Duncan Simey
Amanda Wallwork at Fariy Cave Quarry, Jan ’15. Photo Duncan Simey
Artist research trip, Whatley Quarry, Feb ’15. Photo Duncan Simey
Bron Bradshaw sketching at Westdown Quarry. Photo Duncan Simey
Stuart Frost, recce to Fairy Cave Quarry, Feb ’15. Photo Duncan Simey
Jack Offord filming Tessa Farmer, Fairy Cave Quarry. Photo Duncan Simey
Charlotte McKeown – sculpture design competition winner
Lucja Korczak and Charlotte McKeown working on winning sculpture – made in a day
Charlotte McKeown, Duncan Cameron, Lucja Korczak trying the newly made ‘Kinetic Structure’ – designed by Charlotte
Duncan Elliott’s Sleeping Beauty at Somerset Earth Science Centre. Photo Duncan Simey
Duck on Fiona Campbell’s Diatom, SESC. Photo Juliet Lawn
Tessa Farmer, Out of the Earth, wormshells, soil, fossils, insects, bones, plant roots, tufa, glass dome, SESC. Photo Duncan Simey
Stuart Frost Pavimentum limestone dust, Westdown/Asham Quarry. Photo Gunhild Lien
Guided Walk with Bron Bradshaw and Somerset Wildlife Trust, Westdown/Asham Quarry
Christina White’s ‘Ocean Floor – Halecombe Quarry ST697474’, installed. Photo Duncan Simey
Artmusic’s ‘Blast’ performance, Westdown Quarry. Participating audience following trumpeters
Christina White’s Cyanotype/Vandyke Potographic Workshop at Halecombe Quarry – using bench as darkroom!
Tanya Josham’s community stonecarving workshop, SESC
Family enjoying interactive Kinetic Structure, SESC
Duncan Cameron, Fairy Cave Cabinet, steel, wood glass, lamp, found items. Photo Duncan Simey
Above: Caroline Sharp, Pioneer Seeds, Stoneware and Whatley Clay, Willow. Photo Duncan Simey
Below: CarolineSharp, Birch Layers, Birch, Split Hazel, Willow. Photo Duncan Simey
step in stone Exhibition at Black Swan Arts. Photo Sally Barnett
step in stone Exhibition at Black Swan Arts. Photo Christina White
Cath Bloomfield, Collagraph on Black 01. Photo Jo Hounsome
Duncan Elliott and Bronwen Bradshaw, Black Swan Arts Round Tower. Photo Sally Barnett
Tessa Farmer, The Quarry (detail), BSA. Photo Christina White
InspirED workshop with Fiona Campbell – Yrs 4,5,6, Curry Mallet Primary School – Wire and Paper Seed Forms, SESC
Amanda Wallwork, ‘Geo Code Specimens – Eastern Mendip Sequence’. Photo Duncan Simey
Tessa Farmer, ‘The Colony’, wormshell colony, crab claws, mummified birds, taxidermy thrush, wasp nest, dried frog, dried bat, dried lizard, bones, coral, insects, plant roots, Fairy Cave Quarry. Photo Duncan Simey
Suzie Gutteridge, Squaring the Circle, local wool. Photo Duncan Simey at Fairy Cave Quarry
Fiona Campbell, ‘Eviscerated Earth’, scrap steel found in quarries, recycled wire, paper, wax, string, nylon, cotton, oil. Photo Duncan Simey in Fairy Cave Quarry
Visitors crossing the stepping stones at Fairy Cave Quarry
Workshop with Duncan Cameron – Casting Animal Tracks, Clay and Plaster Relief Tiles, SESC
Fairy Cave Quarry at dusk with step in stone installed. Photo Clive Gutteridge
Fiona Campbell 23/11/15