After a long break from blogging following a serious injury to my arm last summer, I'm slowly returning to normality and feeling thrilled to be writing a new blog article - exactly one year to the day since my last one!
I recently signed up to the Bow Arts Trust newsletter in my ongoing search for a studio space, which I really hope to be able to afford some point. At the same time, I discovered that they organise a number of very interesting events, so I signed up straightaway. .
Walk: bringing art into the public realm with The Line took place on a gloriously sunny Sunday.
The sky was a deep blue and was filled with lots of fluffy white clouds from the recent breezy weather.
I arrived early at the meeting point by North Greenwich station and sat awhile with my cup of coffee, sketching the O2 (Millennium Dome).
When the group had assembled, we set off on the walk, led by Sarah Carrington of The Line. I had never thought to walk on the river side of the Millennium Dome before and was immediately struck by the expansive views.
Sarah took us on a tour of lots of fascinating artworks along the route, explaining each piece in detail and answering lots of questions from our very engaged group.
I loved this stunning work entitled Tribe and Tribulation (2022) by Ghanaian artist Serge Attukwei Clottey, and created a watercolour painting of it afterwards.
Next, we took the cable car across the river and saw further art works at Royal Docks. The docks were a revelation to me as I hadn't been there for several years and there was so much history and culture to see. The tiny sculpture, Bird Boy (without tail) 2011 by Laura Ford, is a real focal point, despite its diminutive size!
I also loved these beautiful pieces by artist Madge Gill. I hadn't seen her work before and discovered that she was a self-taught artist, born in the East End of London. Her website (link below) describes her astonishing life experiences.
When the rest of the group left to go home, I stayed awhile and made a painting of the view. I also had a really nice chat with some young volunteers with The Line.
Once home, I painted the sketch I had made of the Millennium Dome.
This was such a wonderful day. I learned so much, all in the company of a lovely group of people. Definitely my favourite kind of Sunday!
Links
Blog, photos and artworks copyright: Barbara Grehs
Published on 25 July 2023
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