From Smethwick to Saltwells

The second day the team was quite different: there were me, Kate, Duncan, Claire (Duncan’s wife and artist and producer as well), Julia, Kristina, Rohanie, Harr – Joht and the poet Elisabeth Charis who was involved by Clayground Collective to responde at the experience of the day.

In a very nice and sunny day, we left Smethwick and began travelling towards Saltwells.

We continued to talk about clay and we started to touch and model it with our hands. I think that clay is a fascinating material that allows you to express yourself in an impulsive and genuine way.

Duncan and Julia taught us how to model a cup, we all had a go and produced our own personal cup… it was really interesting and funny!

We had a nice lunch all together and then we passed through the Netherton Tunnel that is 2.4 miles (3.9 km) long and for this reason at the entrance it is impossible to see the end of the tunnel! It was a strange experience because we navigated in the dark for 45 minutes.

In few hours we arrived at the Saltwells Nature Reserve  and we started to explore the space… it is an amazing and wild place and I was completely fascinated by it.

Duncan showed to us the clay in the clay pits and explained the history of the place.

I am really excited to do an art workshop with clay, with Clayground Collective in a clay pit!

I am looking forward tomorrow!!

 

Giulia Sassi