Unexpected Excesses

From 9th to 15th August 2015, I was a poet-in-residence at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival as part of Unexpected Excesses, a brilliant, first-of-its-kind (we think!) collaboration between a sculptor and ceramicist (Liz Watts) and a textile artist (Jan Knibbs). The installation, at The E.D.S. Gallery, 13a Great King Street, Edinburgh EH3 6QW, was a Bohemian Banquet - and an experience like no other. Jan and Liz invited visitors to their feast for the eyes, a cornucopia of bronzes, couture embroidery, porcelain, wearable art, papier-mache and body adornments set around their banqueting table. All the work will be for sale. This was the first time that Liz and Jan have exhibited together but it is clear they share an aesthetic, are inspired by form in nature, and both explore strength and fragility through their many different mediums. During this installation they invited other artists including poets, storytellers, musicians and models to join them at their table. I was there to create on-the-spot poems based on the responses of visitors to the installation and to individual pieces, building up a unique record in poetry of this extraordinary event. The installation continued at the gallery until August 30th. Work is currently in progress to publish a book incorporating images of the art within the exhibition alongside poems - some written by me, and some as collaborative 'poems of the day' by visitors to the gallery.