From Birmingham to Smethwick

July 24th – July 25th | Voyage to Saltwells Nature Reserve Dalton Clay pits

Thursday was the first of two days where we were moving the boat in preparations for our open weekend at Saltwells Nature Reserve Dalton Clay pits. We were joined by Clayground Collective (Juila Rowntree and Duncan Hoosen) who were to showcase an informal public event inspired by the pits the following Saturday which consisted of walks and creative workshops.

Once organised and materials at hand, we boarded the boat and we were off! The majority of the trip was spent finding out about the disciplines and history of clay. This was where we had the opportunity to handle some clay, it being the first time in a while for me, having the experience of the material in my hands extended my understanding further.

Clayground Collective also gave an informal artist talk where we found out how they had become, what they were interested in and what their plans were for their work and project in the future. Soon after we had arrived at our first stop in Smethwick, where we left the boat overnight and where it was to be moved the following morning.

The following day we had all arranged to meet at Ikon to take a small taxi ride to the boat. Once settled on the boat we had begun our journey with a few introductions as we were joined by Rohanie, Claire and Elizabeth Charis a writer who is working with the Clayground Collective this year. In discussion we were all able to get to know everyone’s professional and academic backgrounds. On board we had an interesting collection of those in the midst of studying and those in their profession who were more than happy to discuss and hand out advice and guidance.

A few miles into our journey we came across a set of of three locks and Julia pointed out the cross of transportation with the M5 just above us carting industrial goods and people perhaps on their day to day commute . For me this highlighted just how far industry and transportation had come, and also how the canal still remains despite such developments. It’s certainly food for thought!

Back on the boat again and it was soon time for lunch where we had a charming and pleasant little setup as we travelled along the canal deep in conversation again. Duncan and Julia decided to continue where they had left off the day before in running through the disciplines of clay. We all got our hands dirty making cups with the professional guidance of Duncan passing through the Netherton tunnel.

Two tunnels, three locks later and we had arrived at the Saltwalls clay pits where we had the chance to experience clay at its natural core. As we all stood in the pit Duncan and Julia pointed out the texture of the clay emerged in soil and other natural materials.

Through the extent of bugs and flowers living and growing in clay which was embedded in the ground, it was interesting to see how nature had gradually became attracted to the site making the site a site of special scientific interest.

Kristina Hall

 

 

On Thursday morning me, Kate, Steve and the Skipper Phil jumped on the boat and cruised to Icknield Port in Edgbaston, where we met Phil and Ben from Juneau Projects. It was the morning that we were going to receive the first installment of their new work made especially for the boat. The giant sculptural forms looked impressive on the boat and we were able to move around them and look at the drawings and paintings made by other people.

Wethen travelled back in to Birmingham to be meet Duncan and Julia from Clayground Collective (http://www.claygroundcollective.org/) and Kristina, Hayley, Ella, Harr- Joht from IYP. We were ready to start to first leg of our journey to Smethwick.

We started introducing ourselves and we had a cold drink all together enjoying the weather that was lovely, sunny and hot.

Clayground Collective started to tell us all about themselves: Duncan Hooson is a ceramic artist and educator with extensive experience of working with students of a range of ages and abilities in formal and informal education and Julia Rowntree is a project coordinator and fundraiser with 20 years’ experience of working in local and international contexts primarily for the London International Festival of Theatre (LIFT).

As the name explain, The Clayground Collective proejct involves working with clay, and as a collective they are also interested in involving and encouraging people to create and to use their personal skills.

During the journey Julia and Duncan illustrated their talk with lots of found materials, they told us a lot of interesting and exciting stories about the history, the origin and the million ways to use the clay. by the end of the session we understood that clay is used in everywhere… in our smartphones and even in glossy paper of magazines as well!

We also discovered that the canals can exist thanks to the clay because clay is laid on the canal bed and gives it shape.

We arrived in Smethwick and Phil moored the boat in the port.

See you tomorrow!

Giulia Sassi