Haarlem Periodical
Haarlem Artspace Virtual Residencies
Tracey Meek, Jo Heron, & Christine Thomas
Haarlem Artspace Virtual Residency was generously funded by East Street Arts as part of the Guild Programme, (a partnership between the Artist’s Information Company, Arts Council England and East Street Arts.)
Haarlem Artspace studio holders and associates visually explored their practice in relation to Haarlem Artspace, its community, its manifesto, its archive, its people and its location over a flexible virtual five-day residency inspired by the Swifts Virtual Residency designed by Louisa Chambers and Danica Maeir. This was led by curator Livvy Punnett with creatives selected by Luke Tarpey of Tarpey Gallery and two Haarlem Artspace Directors.
Tracey Meek
Haarlem to me is a place of movement and calm, stillness and change. It is a place to sit amongst creative peers and reflect. A supporting network, a hive of minds. A reflection of the rural landscape, it envelops and nourishes its residents. The walls emit a quiet energy that allows space for thoughtfulness and forward thinking. As rolling fog meets the hillside, and birds awake in the trees, Haarlem is a fresh start to the day.
Tracey Meek is a visual artist working with a range of media, flowing through illustration, ceramics and conceptual installation, while continually developing a vibrant range of giftware and contemporary jewellery design.
Tracey has over eight years experience of creative participation, leading groups and delivering workshops in the community and in schools.
Christine Thomas
The Earth Charter:
‘The resilience of the community of life and the well-being of humanity depend upon preserving a healthy biosphere with all its ecological systems, a rich variety of plants and animals, fertile soils, pure waters, and clean air’.
I have been reading through the Earth Charter as research for making. This paragraph resonated with me, I like the prospect of belonging to a community of life. Combined with compassion, it would be a powerful force to contend with.
Christine Thomas is a fine artist and researcher currently studying for a PhD in Fine Art at the University of Derby. Her practice is multi disciplinary. She works from a feminist perspective exploring the domestic and the impact on women’s lives. She has project managed community projects throughout the East Midlands and is a creative mentor. She is available for workshop facilitation and collaboration.
Jo Heron
Exploring Haarlem and its locality, I take my camera and begin photographing the surroundings.
I am fascinated by the “life” on the buildings and walls.
Observing the structures and textures I imagine how I might mimic the shapes and forms using my hands and wool.
Controlling and exploring the camera has given me focus. I am excited by its capabilities and possibilities.
I am aware that zooming in on the moss and lichen has given me a new way of “seeing”.
I see moss everywhere; on the paths and streets, on buildings and gates.
I photographed the lichen on Haarlem’s wall yesterday. I am intrigued as to how long it has been there.
At what point I wonder did the conditions become “just right” for it to begin to grow and thrive?
Zooming in closer I am amazed by the structures and shapes, so beautiful and yet could so easily remain unseen and unnoticed.
