DESIGN FOR LIVING

Well how quickly has a year gone?! It was over a year ago that theatre set designer Clare Birks and I first met to discuss the Design for Living project, which she had created and carried out a few years ago as a reciprocal project between Oldham (just outside Manchester) and Ahmedabad, India. The aim of the project was to encourage residents in both areas to open their eyes to their local environment and really see what was there; to record their visions, ideas, memories and hopes through drawing and photography - and to exhibit these with a view to encouraging conversation, debate and progression in each locality.

Clare invited me to work with her on a second Design for Living project, this time to be based in Tendring. We were successful in receiving a £2,000 grant from Essex County Council and began the workshops in summer 2014. Amongst my own wedding madness, Clare and I spent time with many members of the Tendring community and got to know just how hard-working, strong-spirited and fabulous they are. 

We had the Private View evening on Friday at the wonderful Jaywick Martello Tower, which is managed by the fantastic Kerith. We wouldn't have got anywhere with Kerith's support! The evening was a great success and although I was admittedly nervous about revealing my costume and dance performance, they were both well-received by all. 

The exhibition is now open until 26th April, so make sure you get down to the Jaywick Martello Tower and see Tendring community's work! Oh and don't forget to go to the top of the tower for beautiful views of the coastline :)