Gathering of Somerset Romantics

Ignite Somerset along with ARTlife had invited Somerset artists working on projects associated with the Romantic poets to talk in front of a green screen at the Engine Room Bridgwater. The premise was simple, Richard Thomlinson of Ignite Somerset pictured above with artist Lynn Mowat, had prepped the Engine Room studio with a floor to ceiling green screen, camera, microphone, lights etc. Artists who had pre-booked a session could then make a short presentation about their practice straight to camera - the green screen would then be replaced by images of their choosing during the editing procedure.

Pictured above during filming is Alice Crane, who was talking and sewing at the same time which proved to be a trickier task than anticipated, even after years of practice - sewing that is, not just chatting!

Also attending were the three artists who are currently directly involved with producing new work as part of the re-invigoration of The Coleridge Way - pictured from left to right are

Christopher Jelley, Frances Harrison and Ralph Hoyte

The films showcasing their particular projects, inspiration and working methods were screened during an informal lunch. The day also proved to be a great opportunity for the three to link up and discuss how their individual projects will 'knit together.' 

The Engine Room is a stunning facility and in this age of media where we are surrounded by screens at every turn, it makes the essential bridge between the artist and the technology, something which always seems to be shifting, never solid and simple like a canvas or a book. So it is great to be given such an opportunity and access to such facilities without a huge financial outlay to the artist and to be guided by professionals in their field.

Events like this are also obviously a wonderful way to meet other artists based in your region, chat over coffee and perhaps make new links and future working collaborations.

The finished films created on the day will be posted through the Ignite Somerset site.

If you would like to keep abreast of all the new artistic happenings along the Coleridge Way and their partnership with Somerset Art Works you may be interested in reading their recently launched blog In the Footsteps of The Romantic Poets

Thank you to Tracey Roberts of ARTLife for allowing the use of her photographs.