Taking inspiration from the runic phrase “this stone proclaims it will long stand here” found carved into a Viking memorial stone, I would like to create a contemporary stone circle that is based both on my current research into ancient rock formations and my interest in how communities come together symbolically, reaching through time to past and future generations. I’m interested in the phenomenon of glacial erratics, a glacially deposited rock differing from the type of rock native to the area in which it rests. Erratics, which take their name from the Latin word “to wander” are carried by glacial ice, often over distances of hundreds of miles. While evoking thoughts and feelings related to the last Ice Age, this also resonates with current glacial changes and the migration of communities.
My approach would be to base the work on ancient stone circles from around the UK but with contemporary influences leading the text that I would carve in the surfaces. I would take inspiration from differing locations to create works that bring unique shapes together as a sign of unity among difference.
A bursary would allow me to receive mentoring from award-winning artist/writer Alyson Hallett who created ‘The Stone Library’ and ‘The Migration Habits of Stones’. Her work has involved placing stones in public places with the words ‘And stones moved silently across the world’ carved into them, a project that is chiefly concerned with honouring the natural world and our relationship to it. Working with Alyson will help me develop my ideas and work on establishing a direction for my practice. As an established writer, I will be able to share the texts with her and receive crucial critical feedback, which isn’t often available outside of university study.
I will also undertake a stone carving course at Snowshill Manor, led by artist and sculptor Miranda Wakeman from Amerton Arts Studio. The course includes all materials and use of tools at the workshop so will present good value for money, while allowing me to learn the basics of the craft and experiment with my ideas in a supportive environment.
I want to encourage others to use their imaginations to create new ways of understanding and caretaking of the planet inspired by ancient ideas, communicated through public artworks. I would want my project to have meaning for the community in which it will be placed, linking the past with hopes for the future through the creation of contemporary folklore.
Global erratics isn’t a widely known phenomenon and in a time of climate change, I want to use my work to draw more attention to this fascinating occurrence. People often associate stone with permanence so to think of it as shifting or “migrating” is inspiring and I would link this to refugee or migrate communities in Darlington.
I am a video and sound artist and writer living and working in rural Shrewsbury. My creative practice explores my relationship to the spaces and landscapes I call home. I’m interested in the ways I share these with others, especially those who aren’t often seen. My work is inspired by the natural world and ancient stories connected to unique locations. Through my artwork, I highlight the often overlooked, provoke dialogue, and inspire personal and social change. Exhibitions:
2023
Walkspace 23, Artefact Gallery, Birmingham
Neurospicy, Flatpack Film Festival, Birmingham
Queer Nature group exhibition, St Peter-in-the-Forest church, London
2022
They/Them/Their: Naturally Not Binary group exhibition, IMT Gallery, London
QUEER JOY exhibition curated by the BOLD MELLON COLLECTIVE, London
Bodies of Nature West Midlands Open exhibition, The New Art Gallery Walsall
Stories of the River audio piece, ‘Beauty and Utility’, Pershore Library, Meadow Arts
Bodies of Nature screening and Q&A for Borderlines Film Festival
As Water, collaborative film with Sabrina Fuller for ‘Individual Contribution’, Castlefield Gallery, Manchester
2021
(Re)wilding screening and Q&A for Out & Proud Wirksworth & District
Stories of the Land, Quartz, prints, zines and audio for Museum of English Rural Life
‘Rocks and Finds’, Tiny Gallery, Shrewsbury
2020
(Re)Wilding, for ‘Invisible Art Network Showcase’, (launched digitally due to Covid-19), Hereford
‘What was the Question Again?’, Online screening, Awkward Bastards at Home, DASH Arts
2019
Subjective Utopias, Projection, installation and collages for ‘Everything Starts From Something’, Manchester
2018
The Moon, Tarot card digital illustration for ‘RUG: An exhibition of artwork by queer women and non-binary artists’, Foundation, Manchester
To Prosper, video for ‘Neo Screen Festival’, Bruntwood, Manchester
But still did not beget gender, sculpture for ‘It May Be…’, Link Gallery, Manchester
What does my Queer Future Hold?, video for ‘Get It Done Presents: An Exhibition’, Goodstock, Manchester
Born of the Soil, video for ‘Theory In/As Practice’, Cass Art, Manchester
2017
Journey Home, video for ‘Interactive Arts Exhibition, Link Gallery, Manchester
Do you have a degree in visual or applied arts at undergraduate and/or post-graduate level? Please provide details. (200 words)
-A degree from Manchester Metropolitan University in Interactive Arts BA (Hons), 2019.
-A Foundation Diploma in Art and Design (Merit) from Shrewsbury School of Art & Design, 2014.
-A degree from Manchester Metropolitan University in Interactive Arts BA (Hons), 2019.
-A Foundation Diploma in Art and Design (Merit) from Shrewsbury School of Art & Design, 2014.
-a-n Artist Bursary, a-n The Artists Information Company
-Recipient of Art Council England award for Developing Your Creative Practice
-Received ‘Outstanding Contribution to Equality, Diversity & Inclusivity Award’ from MMU Arts & Humanities Faculty Student Awards
-‘Neurospicy’ (film made in collaboration with Laura Cooper, Ellie Rivett and Ellen Purce) commissioned by Media Active
-‘Bodies of Nature’ moving image artwork commissioned by Disability Arts Online
-Soundscape commission for Meadow Arts, Avon Meadows
-Commissioned by City of Trees as a part of ‘All Our Trees’, Manchester
-Contributor to independent zine Container
-This is From the Middle of Nowhere article, interviewed for British Vogue
-Queer Poets Write About Nature for Cutlines Press
-Contributor to independent zine Aliens of the Art World
-Artist in residence at Staffordshire University, School of Digital Technologies and Arts. Through the aa2a (Artists Access to Art Colleges) program.
-Junior Digital Artist in Residence for Invisible Art Network, Rural Media
Email: emmaplover@outlook.com
Address: 182 Hollies Drive, Bayston Hill, Shrewsbury, Shropshire, SY3 0NP, GB
Local Authority: Shropshire
