Tuesday, December 1

WTS Residency Day Two

This morning saw our residents ‘walking the universe’ from their very own homes; led by Justin Wiggan, Jo Mayes and Carolyn Kennett, the artists were prompted by soundscapes from Justin and provocations from Carolyn and Jo to measure and walk the solar system using everyday places and objects around them.

Following this, we were lucky to be joined by Dr Sheila Kanani from the Royal Astronomical Society who gave a fascinating talk about the lifecycle of stars.

Our residents are already forming collaborations and exploring new ways of working with each other and on their own. We’re excited to see what comes out of this.

To end the day, Carolyn Kennett and Cheryl Straffon gave an interactive astronomy talk about Watching the Sun.

From Carolyn Kennett:

We had one of the most renowned medieval astrologers living in Cornwall; his name was John Somers and he produced the most amazing Kaledrium full of eclipse predictions (both lunar and solar) his manuscripts have been digitalized on the British Library website but here are a taster.

If you want to check out more go to the BL website digital collection search and type in somer: http://www.bl.uk/manuscripts/

Moonrise / Sunrise photos from evening of 30th Nov into morning of 1st Dec:

By Becky Probert

By Gigi Salomon

By Austin Taylor

By Lewis Andrews

From Carolyn Thompson:

In response to Monday’s discussion between Jo Mayes and Justin Wiggan, on interdisciplinary working:

Great, inspiring work from Jo and Justin, both the background story and the processes involved in producing work. I felt a particularly strong response as it connected with so much of my present life. I live about 5 minutes away from Goonhilly and see it on a daily basis, the old airfield at Predannack is one of my favourite dog walks and I work regularly at the museum in Helston in which you filmed some of your work. And by the way if anyone ever finds themselves in Helston, (and not many do), definitely go and visit the museum. It is totally random, chaotic and absolutely brilliant. Their curating policy is, if it can fit through the front door we’ll have it in the museum.

From Susan Mannion:

During the ‘Walking the Universe’ task:

It was raining, so I stayed indoors. Plus there is a primary school opposite my house and they think I am mad enough without entertaining them anymore by pacing around the garden. Chose ornaments for the panels and rice for the asteroid belt.

Mannion