Birder’s Paradise at Journeys, Pathways and Track Plans Exhibition

Anna Francis was commissioned to collaborate with Andrew Branscombe as part of the Arts Council England funded group exhibition, Journeys, Pathways and Track Plans. Francis and Branscombe were able to continue to explore the urban nature to be found on the Spode Factory Site, and to diaply findings within the exhibition.

About the Exhibition (written by curator Peter Smith):
During September and October 2014 a group of 19 artists will be given the opportunity of experimenting with their artistic practices within the Meadows building at the former Spode factory in Stoke-on-Trent for the artistic project ‘JOURNEYS, PATHWAYS and TRACK PLANS’.
Throughout September the artists will be testing out their actual artworks, creating a dialogue between their art practice and the building in which their artwork is going to be shown. The exhibition itself will take place during the first two weeks of October. It will be open to all to visit, creating a resonance with both a local and a more widespread audience about the relevant themes incorporated within the art project.

Theme of the Project
The interest in the railways of North Staffordshire and how they had played a key role in the lives of the people from the immediate area became a shared theme with the artists within the group. The railways had been an integral part in the development of Staffordshire. They had offered a means of transportation for people and goods, both within the area and further afield. They had been a major means for our own escapisms too - the chance for a seaside holiday, a day in the countryside or a visit to the bright lights of neighbouring cities. At the present time another aspect of the railways is likely to have a major impact on Staffordshire. The arrival of High Speed 2 (HS2) on our borders may not have positive implications. Should we be silent about losing more of our own histories whilst this is happening?
So the theme ‘JOURNEYS, PATHWAYS and TRACK PLANS’ came into being. An opportunity within a collaborative structure for each artist/exhibitor to communicate within the subject matter on what the term ‘journey’ means to them. It could encompass:

• a physical journey (walking or running)
• a thoughtful journey of the imagination
• a traumatic journey of individual crisis
• a journey by any form of transport
• a migratory journey
• story telling
• mapping or planning
• or whatever interpretation could be perceived within this theme
Both the railway theme and the Spode building itself have their own heritage and historical importance which the artists can take advantage of. Not just the physical history but the social history too - the people who left their marks, the little hints of their presence, their lives and family needs. From both industries people commuted to and fro each day, even if it happened to be only a hundred yards up the road.

This project is about collaboration and the sharing of thoughts and ideas, and helping each other to reach their individual goals. It is also very important that each individual person be a contemporary artist in their own style without too many restrictions being placed on them. Where specific decisions on artwork have to be made it will be done as much as possible through collaborative means to the benefit of all.

Artists taking part in the exhibition:
Ali Reed, Andrew Branscombe, Anna Francis, Chloe Ashley, Cristiana Cappelletti, David Bethell, Gerald Worland, Joyce Iwaszko, Kate Lynch, Michael Branthwaite, Peter Smith, Phil Rawle, Rob Noble, Sabine Popp, Shaun Doyle and Mally Mallinson, Stuart Porter.