In the summer of 2013, Christine Mackey undertook a residency at Artlink. The project “Fortifying Beds”, part of the larger project “Resistance and Rebellion”, explored the botanical diversification of plants found in this man-made environment that encompassed a new kind of rooted occupation. This led to the re-development of an existing building using materials sourced onsite. The outcome of this is “The Potting Shed” is an outdoor garden space that acts as a unique ‘plein-air’ artist’s studio or ‘studio without walls’, facilitated by Artlink, which initially illustrated Christine Mackey’s findings in “Fortifying Beds”.
“The Potting Shed” is based on the idea of a “living herbarium”, a source of learning and information about the healing and strengthening properties of the local naturally occurring resources, and a stimulating environment within which over the coming years artists and activists might develop further projects onsite premised on the creative governance of the shed and its relationship to the environment and the ecology of local resources and communities. Archival material generated during the research phase is on permanent loan to Artlink and can be used as a resource for visiting artists and local communities of interest.
- September 05, 2013
