In the Easter of 2022 I undertook a residency at Shakespeare Birthplace Trust

I explored the similarities of climate anomalies in Shakespeare’s day and now. Thinking of mini ice ages on the Thames and the plague as opposed to heading towards +2ºC and a pandemic. This lead to me to thinking about the increased pace of life and ‘rest’.

I considered the role of trees, woods and forests in the work of Shakespeare. They are transformative places, rich with metaphor as well as being the ‘lungs of the earth’.

Exploring the properties of the Trust I really liked the land around Anne Hathaway’s beautiful cottage; the trees and the orchards. I knew I wanted to make something for this location. It needed to work with the space.

Breathing Space (i) is a pair of brackets offering the invitation to rest within their arms, be ‘held’ and reflect, to literally ‘take a breather’ from the everyday. Take some time out amongst the orchard, relax and/or maybe think about what is really important to you away from the hubbbub.

Breathing Space (ii) is a short animated film of trees in summer and winter, with and without foliage. Placed on a small screen by a window where you can see the garden from the cottage. This links to the orchard and the cycles and seasons of nature.

During August 2022 I worked with Curator and Creative Producer Beth Hughes to fabricate and install the work

Both works offer a space to breathe, slow down, rest and reflect.