by Ruby Taylor | Dec 21, 2014 | All Journal Entries, Foraging, Wakehurst: artist in residence
The Green Bough. “Keep a green bough in your heart and a singing bird will come” Lao Tzu. It’s mid December, a bright cold day, and I’m back at Wakehurst to collect the written messages tied to the wattled walls of the timber-framed building...
by Ruby Taylor | Aug 16, 2014 | All Journal Entries, Foraging, Wakehurst: artist in residence
Connections: ropes and a robin. I first came across Jon Young about 5 years ago. He’s a renowned mentor for nature connection and community-building, and is also a published author. He has a long-standing connection with a community of Kalahari Bushmen, who are still...
by Ruby Taylor | Aug 9, 2014 | All Journal Entries, Foraging, Wakehurst: artist in residence
Hay Wisperer. I’ve discovered another, interesting use for hay rope. Hay wisps. The Working Horse Trust are at Wakehurst and the horses are turning the hay down in Bloomers Valley, my favourite of Wakehurst’s meadows. It’s a steep sided valley...
by Ruby Taylor | Aug 6, 2014 | All Journal Entries, Foraging, Wakehurst: artist in residence
The piece: space, ropes, connection. From the start it was a delight to be invited to be artist in residence here at Wakehurst, working with their meadow plants. I’m in my element with the challenge of working outdoors using foraged materials (as you’ll...
by Ruby Taylor | Aug 1, 2014 | All Journal Entries, Foraging, Wakehurst: artist in residence
Wild & Hairy Hay Rope. The making is nearing completion out here in the barn at Wakehurst, in my Meadow Weave residency. The looping technique I’m using with the hay rope I’ve been making is usually done under tension. Doing it on the flat as I am is...
by Ruby Taylor | Jul 25, 2014 | All Journal Entries, Foraging, Wakehurst: artist in residence
Take Two. I knew with a kind of resigned certainty, even before I reached home as I was driving back from Wakehurst the day it all fell apart, that there was nothing for it but to start all over again. So here I am, out at the barn (my studio for the duration), with...