Fields of Everywhen
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. Don’t worry about sounding professional. Sound like you. There are over 1.5 billion websites out there, but your story is what’s going to separate this one from the rest. If you read the words back and don’t hear your own voice in your head, that’s a good sign you still have more work to do.
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.