North Lincolnshire Museum is launching a new art installation highlighting the local bird population and using sculptures created by members of the public through online workshops.
Shoreline, Skyline, Treetop Messenger goes on display from today, Thursday 15 October, and will be launched virtually with a live ‘in conversation’ event featuring the artists alongside Sheffield University bird scientist Nicola Hemmings from 6pm – 7.15pm.
The exhibition has been commissioned by arts and environmental organisation Invisible Dust from artists Philip Duckworth and Ben Sadler of Juneau Projects, who adapted to the coronavirus situation by using a series of online sessions instead of face-to-face workshops.
It features bronze casts of hand-drawn models of birds by members of the public, as well as a book inspired by research into the Museum’s collection of bird specimens.
This collection includes the red-backed shrike, a bird that is now virtually extinct as a breeder in the UK.
The artists worked with scientists to explore the historic and modern-day local bird population, and the issues that cause species to decline.
They then held Zoom workshops where members of the local community were encouraged to take part in printing, papercutting, lino printing and wax modelling.
One workshop participant said: “I learnt a new skill in a way that was comfortable, it helped me take the first step in using techniques I was not confident with, and I was pleasantly surprised with the end result and this has inspired me to practise more. It will also help me to learn more about local bird life.”
The exhibition brings together handmade illustrations and bronze sculptures cast from models created in the online sessions, along with the Museum’s existing taxidermy bird collection and information from collaborating scientists.
Artist Phillip Duckworth of Juneau Projects said: “We have enjoyed developing our collaborative working method for this project to deliver practical hands-on workshops via remote, digital means, during the Covid restrictions.
“This link between the hand made and technology has always been a key part of our work and is brought into sharp relief in this project.”
Book your free slot to visit North Lincolnshire Museum to view Shoreline, Skyline, Treetop Messenger at Eventbrite.
To reserve your free place on the In Conversation session with the artists and Nicola Hemmings, register your interest on Eventbrite. Everyone who attends will receive a complimentary printed copy of the artists’ book that makes up part of the installation.
The project is part of Surroundings – a collaboration between Invisible Dust and Humber Museums Partnership of which North Lincolnshire Museum is a member, funded by Arts Council England through Ambitions for Excellence and Wellcome Trust Sustaining Excellence.
