Fields of Everywhen
Over two years, Livia worked as an art assistant to Musson and Retallick for their Fields of Everywhen community art project. They created an artwork in collaboration with the Thamesmead community over a two year period. The work is a statement about this unique place and a time capsule of cultural life in Thamesmead for future generations. The artwork consists of two parts, stories converted into embroidery / drawings and a sculptural hot air balloon displaying those responses. Both elements have a legacy which remains long after the 2 year project.
The artwork uses textiles and drawings to tell the stories of local people; rather like the Bayeux Tapestry records a period of time pictorially. The balloon is a celebration of social and cultural interaction and recognises local people who define the community; it floats above, and mirrors, the social landscape and acknowledges the global roots of the people of Thamesmead.
‘Fields of EveryWhen’ takes the historic form of a hot air balloon because this was the first method used to look back down at, and photograph, the Thamesmead landscape (see image below). Thamesmead was also heavily protected by barrage balloons during the war due to its proximity to the Royal Arsenal.
The balloon has been created and ‘decorated’ with the outcomes of community engagement and flown as a tethered artwork unique to Thamesmead. It has a pilot but is designed as a performance rather than to carry passengers.
In addition to community engagement the artists worked with the Royal College of Needlework to offer students a unique opportunity to contribute to Thamesmead’s rich heritage. In all cases the artwork on the balloon is a response to a story by someone who cares deeply about sharing that story. We are very grateful to all those who have taken the time to work with us.
