Company was a weeklong series of workshops and events from 14 August 2023 – 20 August 2023. Company was devised for young people in Shieldfield, and explored the connection between food and art, and their ability to bring people together! The project included daily workshops across 1 week, hosted at local Shieldfield organisations. The week will culminated in a 2 day weekend celebration with a communal meal on Wretham Place, and an exhibition at Slugtown.
Company was kindly supported by Ragdoll Foundation.
Poster Making with Niall Greaves
Niall Greaves from NewBridge Print Studio demonstrated how to make some free form butterfly prints, and then screenprint on top of to make beautiful posters. The designs for the posters were made from food-based prompts.
Salt Dough Sculptures
We worked with Big River Bakery to produce our giant salt dough wall relief. The giant pretzel shape is made of individual pieces on which participants have sculpted their favourite foods, and told stories about their favourite food memories.
Wheatpasting Collage
Using only water and flour, we made wheatpaste – a simple and strong glue from which we stuck our posters and designs to boards. Some posters are slogans, there are some advertising pizzas, and there are some stunning still life drawings.
Natural Dye Making
In the garden at Shieldfield Art Works, we made natural dyes from garden vegetables. Red cabbage made a vibrant purple, and onion skins and turmeric a deep yellow. We also made paint from blackberries and flowers mixed with honey and water.
Tie Dye Tablecloths
Using our natural dyes from the day before, and a little bit of science, we created a range of colours to dye our tablecloths and napkins. These were tied up using elastic bands and string, and soaked overnight to make the swirling patterns adorning the table.
Learn How to Bake
At Big River Bakery we made some signature bakes for our community meal. Pasties and flapjacks were baked and decorated, ready for our communal meal.