As part of the Watershed project, Harriet Fraser and Rob Fraser have been keen to include the land in conversations. They, and the other artists involved, have explored a number of ways to do this. And for group meetings in the valley, we have been including a ‘Circle of Earth’. This will feature at intervals over the coming year, each time featuring a circle of earth taken from the valley, for a short period. The Frasers developed the idea and worked with Charlie Whinney to realise it: Charlie used the process of steam-bending to create the piece out of ash.
The Circle of Earth has appeared twice so far. First, in March, at a group event in Glenridding Village Hall; and for a second time, in the village hall again, as part of the exhibition. On both occasions it has been ‘borrowed’ from Glencoyne Farm, with thanks to Can and Sam Hodgson.
Circle of Earth, March 2023
The Spaces In Between
in between the names of places
and the endless flow of water
love
for what is treasured
what has been lost
what can be gained
in between the names of places
mouthfuls of cloud
the sound of water over rock
hands in soil
struggle and joy
earth
at the centre
of all we know
and all we don’t yet know
earth
at the centre
of lives that are not ours
but are ours to guard
in between
the named and the counted things
this breathing earth
stories to be heard and told
in between us all
a future
waiting
Harriet Fraser, written for the Watershed event, March 28th, 2023
Circle of Earth, July 2023
