Maddi Nicholson
Title: The Last Supper
Project: Multisensory multispecies storytelling to engage disadvantaged groups in changing landscape
Materials and dimensions: Auntie Cath’s linen tablecloth, and willow patterned crockery, embroidery, and a kitchen table. Dimensions 91cm X 80cm height table 75cm (with crockery on top = 80cm height).
Inspiration: Inspired by the creativity and lateral thinking of the young people I worked with, in Barrow-in-Furness, the last supper is both a celebration of the multiple species on Allotment Soup, The Isle of Walney Community growing space and commemoration of my Auntie Cath. During the first lockdown, my Aunt passed away and she left me all her linen cloths and
her willow patterned crockery, her prized possessions. The work recalls the many times on Allotment soup where I grow, cook and share food with others but all the while the insects are not eating my offerings but eating me. What would happen if I invited the wildlife to a final feast, they were diverse and equal guests and shared the meal, all the Ants and my Auntie together…? I’m sure it would make her smile.
Title: Cabinet of mugs and paper cloth
Project: Multisensory multispecies storytelling to engage disadvantaged groups in changing landscape
Materials and dimensions: Mugs, ceramic paint, paper tablecloths and maker pens. dimensions – 50cm x 35 cm x 41cm height (Perspex cabinet).
Inspiration: Young people from Autus Cumbria, worked with Artist Maddi Nicholson and Poet Kate Davis on Allotment Soup, Walney island community growing space. Looking at the natural environment – plants, veg and insects, we considered through arts and poetry what would happen if they were invited to a feast.
Artists: Maddi Nicholson working with Autus Cumbria – Autus Cumbria, supports autistic children and adults by offering social opportunities, support, training and advocacy, based on Walney Island, Barrow-in-Furness.
Title: Multi Species Poem
Audio poem, narrated by Kate Davies with the words of Autus Young people. Kate Davis is a published poet and writer, with a fascination about geology, the natural environment, and what is beneath her feet. Working with the young people Kate drew out a multitude of species stories, anecdotes and imaginings which were scribed as they happened and formed this collective piece of poetry.
Artist: Maddi Nicholson is an artist and Founder Director of Art Gene, an arts Charity based in Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria and working with communities in revisioning their social natural and built environment.
https://www.art-gene.co.uk/