Light

Seeking

Light

“Human resources are like natural resources; they’re often buried deep. You have to go looking for them, they’re not just lying around on the surface.” Sir Ken Robinson

A place to read, a place to learn and discover, a place for quiet contemplation or engaging discussion: the library itself has a distinctive purpose and function for many of us. It can evoke memories of learning to read, or ignite our passion in a new subject or author or spark our creativity.
This installation was inspired by the drama collections held at Leeds Library and explores the idea of spaces within spaces and the contrast between open expanse and being enclosed. Film, animation and audio have been used to create a different perspective within the library and, by manipulating light and shadow, a whole new sensory and atmospheric experience occurs.

The Light Seeking Light installation for Light Night was the first time Inkwell had taken part in this cultural arts event that occurs annually in Leeds City centre. This year Light Night also celebrated it’s 10th anniversary and there were over 50 free art events spread across the city from light installations, performances, projection, dance and music.

Light Night preparations began in September when we were invited by Leeds Central Library to get involved. Our proposal was accepted and the installation build began soon afterwards. Constructing two 18ft teepees was certainly a challenge and as the spaces would be interactive and accessible by the public measures were put in place to make them safe and secure.

A team from Inkwell, made up of Self Directed artists, referral class artists, the Inkwell Arts Media team and volunteers worked together to create the installation that included both very practical and painterly elements as well as digital media, animation and sound aspects. It was a real collaboration of the various skilled artists we have at Inkwell and very rewarding to see the amazing results created from a team effort.

We spent a couple of hours one Sunday morning to measure up, prepare and plan the installation and set up on the night. Working within the beautiful and newly refurbished gallery space in Leeds Central Library created challenges in itself but the space was the perfect backdrop to our installation with its high ceilings and beautiful stained glass window.

Light Night

October 3rd 2014

Our team arrived at the library at 4.30pm to erect and install the teepees and all necessary media equipment. We all worked fast and efficiently making sure the space was safe and ready to be opened to the general public at 6pm.

At 6pm the set up was complete and the doors were opened to the public who were awaiting eagerly outside. The calm magical atmosphere we had created using moving images, film and surreal sounds was very well received by the visitors who wandered around, explored and interacted with the spaces we had created. This was the first time the team who had worked on the project had seen all the elements combined together and it was now we all realised our hard work had paid off and that the installation was a success.

Both teepees had films projected onto them made by the media team, the first using film footage from a childrens performance of A Midsummer Nights Dream in Inkwell’s garden.

Inside the teepee autumnal leaves were scattered onto the floor creating the smell of the outdoors and the sound of leaves crunching underfoot. Visitors enjoyed spending time inside, sitting amongst the leaves and watching the projection surround and envelope them.

“The sound and light drew me in, very mystical”

“Sensory, thought provoking. Makes you feel chilled, free and like a child”

“Particularly enjoyed the outside of the tepees projected on…. E.g. the field it’s in/rolling down the hill. Very reminiscent of childhood!”

 

“Really beautiful – great to see a busy room. Genius.”

Inside the second teepee we explored the idea of discovering spaces. The white canvas cloth was filled with intricate UV drawings and Shakespearean quotes, unseen by the naked eye and only revealed by the use of hand held torches. Children laid huddled in groups with their backs on the floor, gazing upwards at the luminescent line drawings above them, and other visitors followed the curving lines of quotes that intertwined with line drawings and patterns. The outside of this teepee had animated animals taken from Shakespeares works which children seemed mesmerised by. They interacted playfully both inside and outside the structures. They danced and mimicked the animated Shakespearean animals, creating their own shadow puppet displays using their hands and bodies.

“Really enjoyed looking at the writing in the tents with the torches. It was fun.”

“I loved how the paintings were revealed gradually with the UV torch”

“Kieran says “It’s magic here!” (aged 3 ¾ ).

Atmospheric, calm peaceful space – well done Inkwell!!!

This was Inkwell’s first Light Night and we all thoroughly enjoyed it. It was a real privileged working with Leeds Library service and the CAIFamily Theatre, animating work from Leeds Drama Library and responding to Shakespearean themes, engaging the diverse audience to participate and enjoy our installation. Thank you to everyone who came along on the night. We look forward to being a part of the event next year with bigger and more ambitious plans.