A Band of Birds & Insects

Timber Festival 2022

A site-specific installation inspired by the wildlife in Charnwood Forest for Timber Festival in partnership with Charnwood Arts and Charnwood Forest Geopark.

This 50-metre fabric design showcases birds and insects alongside abstract shapes to represent feather colour, including the crest of a blue tit, the shape of the heron’s neck, the buzzards’ feet and the drumming of the great spotted woodpecker and the songs of the nuthatch. 

The design was inspired by the birdlife of Charnwood Forest and also the ‘Feel Good in the Forest’ project that I’ve been working on with local community groups to explore mark-making inspired by walking and listening in the forest and using natural objects to create mixed media artworks since February 2022. The group are currently developing their use of different art materials and techniques, working towards the creation of an accessible trail at Lower Beacon Hill. 

The installation was accompanied by two artist-led workshops at Timber Festival for families and individuals.