There was another excellent Hail, Hail, Rock 'n' Roll piece from Laura Barton in the Guardian on Friday, this time on the Gospel roots of Soul music.
She notes the fact that soul stars such as Solomon Burke, Jackie Wilson, Sam Cooke, Percy Sledge, Al Green, James Brown, Little Richard, among others, were "raised in the black church [and] weaned on gospel music." As a result, "it was inevitable that something of that upbringing would find its way into these artists' secular work."
In this article, the something on which Barton focusses is, "the delivery, the oratory, the rhythm and drama of the Sunday sermon." The sermon style of the African-American church, "brings a rhythm that is not so much a meter as a pulse, a sermon that seems not just words on a page but a living, breathing creation."
Otis Redding's version of 'Try A Little Tenderness' is the song which prompted her reflections featuring, as it does, the "funky, secular testifying" of Redding's work in general plus the pulse and presence of a song which "is not so much sung as preached."
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Otis Redding - Try A Little Tenderness.
Showing posts with label brown. Show all posts
Showing posts with label brown. Show all posts
Saturday, 23 July 2011
Tuesday, 2 December 2008
Advent Art Installation - Liturgy of Welcome
Yesterday the Advent Art Installation began its tour around Redbridge churches by being installed at St Luke's Great Ilford.
The liturgy of welcome (which will be used in each of the six churches where the Installation will be displayed) included the prayer: "Strengthen us in our weakness; support us in our stumbling efforts to do your will, and free our tongues to sing your praise."
John Brown said that the Installation is "a haven of peace in a busy world and a sign of much-needed hope in the present moment.”
Artist, Henry Shelton said: "It is the first I have been part of a community art project. I think we achieved what we set out to achieve; to design the installation via a committee, for the finished work to reflect the committee's ideas, and for the work to draw the viewer into the installation. I thought when we sat down in front of the installation that we had achieved all three.”
John Brown said that the Installation is "a haven of peace in a busy world and a sign of much-needed hope in the present moment.”
Artist, Henry Shelton said: "It is the first I have been part of a community art project. I think we achieved what we set out to achieve; to design the installation via a committee, for the finished work to reflect the committee's ideas, and for the work to draw the viewer into the installation. I thought when we sat down in front of the installation that we had achieved all three.”
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Anathallo - Hoodwink.
Monday, 3 November 2008
Advent reflections through art
The Advent Art Installation
The Advent Art Installation (detail)
Jonathan Evens and Henry Shelton
Henry Shelton and John Brown
The concept drawing and an early stage of creationThe old adage that you can’t create art by committee looks set to be proved wrong by the response to an art installation created for Advent by churches in the London Borough of Advent.
Initiated by Revd. John Brown, Priest-in-Charge of St Luke’s Great Ilford, the installation was created by a group drawn from the six churches in which the installation will be displayed throughout the Advent period. The original basis on which John brought the churches together was as follows:
“We decided to develop a mobile art project to be designed, executed and then displayed in the Ilford area from 1st to 24th December 2008. Our intention was that the installation would form the focal point in our churches for a place of stillness and reflection. The aim being to create a restful space that would enable Christians and non Christians alike to find a space, relax, reflect and be an alternative to the business that the Christmas period brings. It will enable our churches to be opened to the wider public and hopefully mean that they can discover a place of peace and quiet.”
The planning group that was established to progress the project began by pooling ideas for an installation on the theme of light that would be created as a tryptich on three large transportable panels. John Brown said that, “we chose the theme of light as a symbol that crosses faiths and cultures and therefore would have as wide an appeal as possible.” Ideas initially discussed included abstract or fragmented imagery using fragments of stained glass, holes in screens, mirrors, fabrics, lights, candles and water. From these initial beginnings ideas were explored through concept sketches and discussion of images drawn from a range of modern and contemporary artists.
From these meetings there rapidly emerged the final concept for an installation comprising three panels of mirrored perspex mounted on wooden backing panels. The mirrored surfaces are painted to an abstract design using differing textures and densities of paint while leaving unpainted areas forming the shape of a star and the repeated word ‘peace’. One of the key concepts of the artwork is that people will become a part of the installation by viewing themselves in these mirrored surfaces.
The installation was actually painted by artist Henry Shelton and myself, both members of the planning group. For Henry, it has been the first time he’s been part of a community project and he has found it “very interesting at the initial meetings and working on the project with the rest of the team.” It all goes to show that art can be created by committee and can, as Henry puts it, “provide a peaceful environment to reflect on the meaning of Advent amongst all the busyness of Christmas preparations.”
The dates for the Advent Art Installation as it tours Redbridge Churches during Advent are:
- St Luke’s, Baxter Rd, Ilford IG1 2HN - Dec 1-4
- St Alban’s, Albert Rd, Ilford IG1 1HS - Dec 5-8
- St John’s, St John’s Rd, Ilford IG2 7BB - Dec 9-12
- St Andrew’s, The Drive, Ilford IG1 3PE - Dec 13-16
- St Margaret’s, Perth Rd, Ilford IG1 4HZ - Dec 17-20
- The Vine URC, Riches Rd, Ilford IG1 1JH - Dec 21-24
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Bruce Cockburn - Lord of the Starfields.Thursday, 18 September 2008
Creating the Advent Art Installation
The Advent Art installation is a joint project involving six churches in the Greater Ilford area: St Alban's, St Andrew's, St John's, St Luke's, St Margaret's and the Vine Church. The Installation, which has been designed by a planning group with representatives from St John's, St Luke's, St Margaret's together with Henry, comprises three panels of mirrored perspex mounted on wooden backing panels and will be displayed in turn in the six churches during Advent.
One of the key concepts of the artwork is that people will become a part of the installation by viewing themselves in its mirrored surfaces. The project's aim is that the installation will form the focal point in churches creating a place of stillness and reflection that will enable Christians and non Christians to relax and reflect. Scatter cushions, candles and music will be used to create a contemplative environment around the installation.
Revd. John Brown, Priest in Charge of St Luke's Great Ilford and the initiator of the Advent Art Installation, says:
"The Advent Art Installation is a mobile art project being designed, executed and then displayed in the Ilford area from 1st to 24th December 2008. It will form the focal point in our churches for a place of stillness and reflection. The aim is to create a restful space that would enable Christians and non Christians alike to find a space, relax, reflect and be an alternative to the business that the Christmas period brings. It will enable our churches to be opened to the wider public and hopefully mean that they can discover a place of peace and quiet. We have chosen the theme of light as a symbol that crosses faiths and cultures and therefore would have as wide appeal as possible."
Henry Shelton says:
"It’s the first time I’ve been part of a community project. I’ve found it very interesting at the initial meetings and am looking forward to working on the project with the rest of the team. Our purpose is to provide a peaceful environment to reflect on the meaning of Advent amongst all the busyness of Christmas preparations. Real thanks are due to John Brown for his vision for the project."
One of the key concepts of the artwork is that people will become a part of the installation by viewing themselves in its mirrored surfaces. The project's aim is that the installation will form the focal point in churches creating a place of stillness and reflection that will enable Christians and non Christians to relax and reflect. Scatter cushions, candles and music will be used to create a contemplative environment around the installation.
Revd. John Brown, Priest in Charge of St Luke's Great Ilford and the initiator of the Advent Art Installation, says:
"The Advent Art Installation is a mobile art project being designed, executed and then displayed in the Ilford area from 1st to 24th December 2008. It will form the focal point in our churches for a place of stillness and reflection. The aim is to create a restful space that would enable Christians and non Christians alike to find a space, relax, reflect and be an alternative to the business that the Christmas period brings. It will enable our churches to be opened to the wider public and hopefully mean that they can discover a place of peace and quiet. We have chosen the theme of light as a symbol that crosses faiths and cultures and therefore would have as wide appeal as possible."
Henry Shelton says:
"It’s the first time I’ve been part of a community project. I’ve found it very interesting at the initial meetings and am looking forward to working on the project with the rest of the team. Our purpose is to provide a peaceful environment to reflect on the meaning of Advent amongst all the busyness of Christmas preparations. Real thanks are due to John Brown for his vision for the project."
The Advent Art Installation will be exhibited for the first time at St John's Seven Kings from 3rd - 5th October as part of their Patronal Festival art exhibition. This exhibition will also feature, together with the works of local and established artists, a set of Stations of the Cross by Henry Shelton that were exhibited last year at York Minister.
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Gillian Welch, David Rawlings & Ricky Skaggs - By The Mark.
Saturday, 13 September 2008
Art interview - Henry Shelton (2)
JE: Your etched glass windows at All Saints Goodmayes were dedicated earlier in the year by the Bishop of Barking. How did it feel to have been able to leave this major legacy at the church where you worship?
HS: To have my work in churches, coupled with an exhibition at York Minister last year, really is the fulfilment of my life’s work. I don’t have much ambition to show in galleries. The whole point for me is to create reaction and engage people; for people to enjoy and be moved by my work just as I’ve been engaged by the work of other artists.
JE: The memorial windows were over-subscribed and I understand that the experience has led you to develop ideas for an Art Society assisting churches to commission new work. Can you tell us more about your plans for this Society?
HS: The purpose of the Society will be to promote modern Christian Art in all its forms (i.e. painting, sculpture, music etc.) and by doing so to raise money for charity, particularly children’s charities. I want us to be offering quality work and craftsmanship, rather than mass-produced work, to continue the legacy of the Church as a great commissioner of art. The Church has, in fact, commissioned some of the greatest works of art ever produced.
JE: Your ideas for a Christian Art Society are coming together at a time when several other art-related initiatives are being developed in the Barking Area (including a re-launch of the Faith & Image group at St Mary's Woodford and the Advent Art installation project initiated by Revd. John Brown). Do you see possibilities for a wider network of folk with an interest in the visual artists coming together in the Barking Area, in particular because the Bishop of Barking is himself an artist?
HS: Bishop David has agreed to become patron of the new Society and has showed great interest in the success of the venture. We are already seeing interest from churches in the Barking Area in exploring the possibility of commissioning windows, stations and other paintings as memorials.
JE: You are currently part of the group which is creating an Advent Art installation for churches in Redbridge. How have you found this experience of collaborating on an art project and what do you hope the project will achieve?
HS: It’s the first time I’ve been part of a community project. I’ve found it very interesting at the initial meetings and am looking forward to working on the project with the rest of the team. Our purpose is to provide a peaceful environment to reflect on the meaning of Advent amongst all the busyness of Christmas preparations. Real thanks are due to John Brown for his vision for the project.
JE: You have had a varied career having done creative work in commercial design and in fine art while your work is displayed in private homes, churches and commercial complexes. What do you can be the legacy that an artist like you can leave in our contemporary, consumerist culture?
HS: It’s a very difficult question to answer but, as I said earlier, when I look at a Rembrandt, the picture transcends the centuries and is as powerful today as when it was created. I am proud to be a very small part of that artistic and Church lineage and hope that my images will react on people in years to come in the same way that the masters have reacted on me. When I did the York Minister exhibition, one of the Canons said that my deposition image connected for him with images he had seen on TV of mothers holding their dead children. My image was powerful for him because he could relate it to modern episodes; sometimes it is remarks like that that tell me why it is that I paint.
HS: To have my work in churches, coupled with an exhibition at York Minister last year, really is the fulfilment of my life’s work. I don’t have much ambition to show in galleries. The whole point for me is to create reaction and engage people; for people to enjoy and be moved by my work just as I’ve been engaged by the work of other artists.
JE: The memorial windows were over-subscribed and I understand that the experience has led you to develop ideas for an Art Society assisting churches to commission new work. Can you tell us more about your plans for this Society?
HS: The purpose of the Society will be to promote modern Christian Art in all its forms (i.e. painting, sculpture, music etc.) and by doing so to raise money for charity, particularly children’s charities. I want us to be offering quality work and craftsmanship, rather than mass-produced work, to continue the legacy of the Church as a great commissioner of art. The Church has, in fact, commissioned some of the greatest works of art ever produced.
JE: Your ideas for a Christian Art Society are coming together at a time when several other art-related initiatives are being developed in the Barking Area (including a re-launch of the Faith & Image group at St Mary's Woodford and the Advent Art installation project initiated by Revd. John Brown). Do you see possibilities for a wider network of folk with an interest in the visual artists coming together in the Barking Area, in particular because the Bishop of Barking is himself an artist?
HS: Bishop David has agreed to become patron of the new Society and has showed great interest in the success of the venture. We are already seeing interest from churches in the Barking Area in exploring the possibility of commissioning windows, stations and other paintings as memorials.
JE: You are currently part of the group which is creating an Advent Art installation for churches in Redbridge. How have you found this experience of collaborating on an art project and what do you hope the project will achieve?
HS: It’s the first time I’ve been part of a community project. I’ve found it very interesting at the initial meetings and am looking forward to working on the project with the rest of the team. Our purpose is to provide a peaceful environment to reflect on the meaning of Advent amongst all the busyness of Christmas preparations. Real thanks are due to John Brown for his vision for the project.
JE: You have had a varied career having done creative work in commercial design and in fine art while your work is displayed in private homes, churches and commercial complexes. What do you can be the legacy that an artist like you can leave in our contemporary, consumerist culture?
HS: It’s a very difficult question to answer but, as I said earlier, when I look at a Rembrandt, the picture transcends the centuries and is as powerful today as when it was created. I am proud to be a very small part of that artistic and Church lineage and hope that my images will react on people in years to come in the same way that the masters have reacted on me. When I did the York Minister exhibition, one of the Canons said that my deposition image connected for him with images he had seen on TV of mothers holding their dead children. My image was powerful for him because he could relate it to modern episodes; sometimes it is remarks like that that tell me why it is that I paint.
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Noah and the Whale: Five Years Time.
Thursday, 4 September 2008
Art project plans
As you can see above the backing panels for the Advent Art installation were built over the summer and on Tuesday the planning group measured up ready to order the mirrored perspex that will be fixed to them. We expect that to arrive next week following which work on the installation can begin in earnest.On Wednesday John Brown and I met with Mark Lewis of the Faith & Image group to discuss ways of working together to deliver an ongoing programme of arts events that can be a part of the Barking Programme. We discussed ideas for exhibitions, study sessions on 'Public Art & Churches' and 'Seeing Salvation', the creation of a Church-based art trail in the Barking Episcopal Area and performances blending words, images and music.
As a taster of what may be to come, we have Visual Dialogue 2 and the Barking Art Project on the weekend of 3rd-5th October:
Visual Dialogue 2 is a group art exhibition arranged for the Patronal Festival of St John's Seven Kings from Friday 3rd to Sunday 5th October 2008. The exhibition will include established and local artists including Henry Shelton, Alan Stewart, Rodney Bailey, Bob, Dennis & Liz Keenan, Jonathan Evens, Doreen Gullett, Peggy Hull and others.
Henry Shelton has had a successful career as a designer and fine artist. He has received design commissions for clients such as the Science Museum, Borough Councils, private and corporate bodies and has works in Churches such as the Church of the Saviour, Chell Heath, St Andrew Holborn and All Saints Goodmayes. Henry will exhibit several of his most recent works and a Stations of the Cross that was exhibited in 2007 at York Minster.
Alan Stewart is a Church of England minister and a fine artist. He has exhibited previously at London Bible College, London Institute of Contemporary Christianity, and Intermission at St Saviours. In 2005 his painting Early one morning was dedicated by the Bishop of Barking for the Youth Chapel of St Margaret's Barking. His most recent project, Hertford stns: A stations of the cross for Hertford, was the subject of a feature article in the Church Times.
Rodney Bailey studied Design and Public Art at Chelsea College. His work is concerned with identity, communication, and having a visual dialogue with nature. He uses a variety of styles to execute his work and draws on his family background and childhood memories for ideas as well as his Buddhist practice for inspiration and guidance. Last year Rodney exhibited in Eye Play at the Bankside Gallery and the inaugural Visual Dialogue exhibition at St John's Seven Kings.
As part of Visual Dialogue 2 we also plan to be able to exhibit for the first time the art installation that will tour Redbridge churches during Advent 2008 and which was featured in the previous edition of the newsletter.
Visual Dialogue 2 begins with an opening night reception from 7.30pm on Friday 3rd October to which all are welcome. In addition to viewing the exhibition and refreshments, the evening with feature a public conversation between myself and several of the exhibiting artists. The exhibition will continue on Saturday 4th and Sunday 5th October from 10.00am to 4.00pm.
The Barking Art Project is an art workshop providing a great opportunity to spend some time thinking about abstract art and developing your creative side as much of the day will be spent in creating your own piece of art on a religious theme. We will provide artistic materials for you to come and explore this God given side to humanity. There will also be the opportunity to see the Visual Dialogue 2 art exhibition and the Advent Art installation. All are welcome.
The Art Project workshop will be held on Saturday 4th October from 11.00 am – 3.00 pm at St John’s Seven Kings. Full costs for the day are £10.00. Bookings can be made through Revd John Brown, The Barking Programme, St. Luke’s Vicarage, 1A Baxter Road, Ilford, Essex IG1 2HN. Tel: 0208 553-7606. Email: livingfaith@stluke-ilford.org.uk.
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Runrig - Edge Of The World.
Friday, 8 August 2008
The Barking Art Project
The Barking Art Project is an art workshop providing a great opportunity to spend some time thinking about abstract art and developing your creative side as much of the day will be spent in creating your own piece of art on a religious theme. We will provide artistic materials for you to come and explore this God given side to humanity. There will also be the opportunity to see an art exhibition and an Advent art installation. All are welcome.
The art workshop will be held on Saturday 4th October from 11.00 am – 3.00 pm at St John’s Church, St John’s Road/Aldborough Road South Seven Kings. Full costs for the day are £10.00. Booking can be made through Revd John Brown, The Barking Programme, St. Luke’s Vicarage,
1A Baxter Road, Ilford, Essex IG1 2HN. Tel: 0208 553-7606. Email: livingfaith@stluke-ilford.org.uk.
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Zbigniew Preisner - Les Marionettes.
The art workshop will be held on Saturday 4th October from 11.00 am – 3.00 pm at St John’s Church, St John’s Road/Aldborough Road South Seven Kings. Full costs for the day are £10.00. Booking can be made through Revd John Brown, The Barking Programme, St. Luke’s Vicarage,
1A Baxter Road, Ilford, Essex IG1 2HN. Tel: 0208 553-7606. Email: livingfaith@stluke-ilford.org.uk.
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Zbigniew Preisner - Les Marionettes.
Thursday, 17 July 2008
Faith & Image
Last night, together with Henry Shelton, I met up with Mark Lewis, Chair of the Faith & Image group based at St Mary's Woodford. In his day job, Mark is Programme Leader in Teaching & Learning / Silversmithing & Jewellery at the Sir John Cass Department of Art, Media and Design, London Metropolitan University.
Mark explained that FAIM is a forum for all who are interested in art and spirituality. The group is both ecumenical and inter-faith, and seeks to gain insight and understanding from all art forms, all traditions and cultures. Mark has written that Thomas Aquinas' saying, 'Man cannot understand without image,' has become "a dictum for twenty-first century culture." "We live," he writes:
"in an age where the visual is central to the way our world functions at every level. Images do indeed provide understanding and cut across cultural boundaries, saying things that words never can."
FAIM has had a fascinating programme of artist/audiovisual presentations, lectures and visits, in addition to publishing a journal. The group is currently reviewing its future programme and approach but its next event will be a guided visit to the National Gallery.
Henry and I outlined our plans for creating a Christian Art Society to encourage the commissioning and placing of contemporary Christian Art in churches, as a means of fundraising for charities. We also spoke about the Advent Art project initiated by John Brown plus the art exhibition and workshop to be held during the St John's Patronal Festival. We agreed to liaise and share ideas on events and activities for FAIM and the Art Society.
From the discussions and meetings that Henry and I have had in the Barking Episcopal Area to do with contemporary Christian Art, there seems to be a coming together of people and groups which could result in some very creative initiatives in the future. So, watch this space!
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Emmylou Harris - The Maker.
Mark explained that FAIM is a forum for all who are interested in art and spirituality. The group is both ecumenical and inter-faith, and seeks to gain insight and understanding from all art forms, all traditions and cultures. Mark has written that Thomas Aquinas' saying, 'Man cannot understand without image,' has become "a dictum for twenty-first century culture." "We live," he writes:
"in an age where the visual is central to the way our world functions at every level. Images do indeed provide understanding and cut across cultural boundaries, saying things that words never can."
FAIM has had a fascinating programme of artist/audiovisual presentations, lectures and visits, in addition to publishing a journal. The group is currently reviewing its future programme and approach but its next event will be a guided visit to the National Gallery.
Henry and I outlined our plans for creating a Christian Art Society to encourage the commissioning and placing of contemporary Christian Art in churches, as a means of fundraising for charities. We also spoke about the Advent Art project initiated by John Brown plus the art exhibition and workshop to be held during the St John's Patronal Festival. We agreed to liaise and share ideas on events and activities for FAIM and the Art Society.
From the discussions and meetings that Henry and I have had in the Barking Episcopal Area to do with contemporary Christian Art, there seems to be a coming together of people and groups which could result in some very creative initiatives in the future. So, watch this space!
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Emmylou Harris - The Maker.
Wednesday, 16 July 2008
Advent art project (3)
Last night the project planning group selected the above image as the concept sketch (produced by Henry Shelton) we will work from in creating the Advent installation. The installation will comprise of three panels of mirrored perspex mounted on wooden backing panels and will be displayed in a selection of Redbridge churches during Advent. One of the key concepts of the artwork is that people will become a part of the installation by viewing themselves in its mirrored surfaces.
Our aim is that the installation will form the focal point in churches creating a place of stillness and reflection that will enable Christians and non Christians alike to find a space to relax and reflect. In this way, we hope to be an alternative to the business and busyness that the Christmas period brings and to enable our churches to be opened to a wider public during this period. Scatter cushions, candles and music will be used to create a contemplative environment around the installation.
We also plan to hold an art workshop on Saturday 4th October ( 11.00am – 3.00pm ) at St John’s Seven Kings. This will be a Barking Programme event (cost £10, bookings via John Brown) and will form part of the St John’s Patronal Festival activities. The workshop will include input on approaches to abstract art, time and materials for participants to create their own work of art, viewing of the Advent art installation and the St John’s Patronal Festival art exhibition.
We also plan to hold an art workshop on Saturday 4th October ( 11.00am – 3.00pm ) at St John’s Seven Kings. This will be a Barking Programme event (cost £10, bookings via John Brown) and will form part of the St John’s Patronal Festival activities. The workshop will include input on approaches to abstract art, time and materials for participants to create their own work of art, viewing of the Advent art installation and the St John’s Patronal Festival art exhibition.
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Emmylou Harris - Here I Am.
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