Our work for Claudia Losi's Balena project culminated on Monday 22nd of September when we visited the Ikon show to share our art with Claudia and the team from Ikon gallery. Earlier in the day the children from Erdington Hall school had visited to see their work amongst much excitement. The toy whales looked wonderful hanging in the space and everyone was thrilled to see the result of all the effort put in by the children and the Erdo seamsters to bring their drawings to life.
A little later Claudia spoke to us about the project (with background sound effects from the technicians setting up the show!) which led into us all taking turns to describe our pieces and some of the thought and considerations that went into making them. It was obvious from these talks that we were all moved by our involvment and passion and humour very much set the tone.
Claudia was most gracious with her comments and questions & she and Emma (Bowen, Ikon Education team) showed their appreciation for our efforts in no uncertain terms. We hope that this will be as memorable for them as it will be for us and that our part in the Balena project serves to continue and add to the story as the whale travels around the world.
The following day we were invited to lunch at the Ikon and were well looked after and served delicious food in the cafe. Jonathan Watkins (Ikon Director) made a speech to thank all and sundry and it was something of a surreal experience to hear him mention the Forum in the same breath as the international art set who were also in attendance (including artist Martin Creed whose Ikon exhibition opens at the same time) Our thanks go to Jonathan, Emma, Jess Worley (co-ordinator at the Tailors Shop) and of course Claudia herself who is now off to New York for a delayed honeymoon with her husband and a well earned rest. We wish her all the best in this and all her future projects.
Simon Hope 26 08 09 See also: http://balenaproject.blogspot.com/
