Howsham Mill Courses

On a tiny island in the River Derwent at Howsham, North Yorkshire, stands a Georgian watermill. Howsham Mill dates back to c.1755 and is attributed to John Carr of York, more famous for designing Fairfax House in York, and an extension to Castle Howard stables. In 1965, a Royal Commission for Historic Monuments inspector, James Williams, described the Mill as "...a building of the maximum historical interest as a very early example of gothic Revival style…" and "...of great architectural interest as it is a very rare example of the gothic Revival style as applied to a functional building. (I cannot find reference to a similar example, eg watermill)…".

Artists impression of what the restored mill will look like

The mill was built both as a working grist mill, to grind grains into flour, and as an 'eyecatcher' or folly within the formal parkscape of nearby Howsham Hall.  The mill was powered by a breastshot waterwheel connected by a gear wheel to millstones, that grind the grain into flour.  Milling of flour ceased in 1947 and the building fell into decay by the 1960's. 

Howsham Mill repair

A huge restoration project is underway, with a busy schedule of events at the mill.  They are now generating their own hydro-powered electricity and run courses - clay creations, green wood bench making, willow sculpture, wild food cooking and bush craft.  

Howsham Mill awaiting tlc

I have been asked to do a stone course with them - so will be getting a large block of stone onto the Island (not sure how yet!) for everyone to have a go at carving and make into a sculpture for the site, and also tutor a letter-cutting course where participants will learn how to carve letters in stone and take away their own stone inscription. 

What a location - all that beautiful stonework - I might be trying a bit of gothic styling myself.

Stone Compass

Some while ago a large block of stone was delivered to my workshop, so that I could carve a compass into the top surface.  Initially I had thought to incise the compass design, but when the stone arrived, the surface was heavily marked, scraped by quarry machinery, chipped and uneven, so my carving would not have shown up well and the finished compass would look rather scruffy.  

So I decided to do part incised and part relief - so I marked the compass shape onto the stone and then cut the background away - taking most of the unsightly marks away too.  This meant that the shape stood proud of the surface and for a little contrast, I thought the North, South, East and West could be cut in, as incised lettering.

The stone is going to a beautiful site, on top of the Howardian Hills, between the villages of Brandsby and Dalby.  It will be situated next to a turf maze, known as 'City of Troy', or the Skewsby maze due to its proximity to that village.  The maze is of classical design and measures 26 by 22 feet, making it the smallest turf maze in Europe.  There is a bench there too, so you can sit and take in the spectacular all round views. 

Quite a location!  And now you can tell which way you are looking, or which way is home.

Ryedale ArtWorks

Ryedale ArtWorks is the new name for my local Art Group.  It was all made official last night, with a launch party - food galore, cakes, balloons, games, laughter!  It is a group which has been running for a little while, Chaired and largely organised by Yvette Turnbull the Creative Economy Officer for Ryedale District Council.  We are so lucky with our Arts Officer - she is a marvel and a real live support system for all artists in the area.

So, over the last five years we have been meeting in all sorts of spaces, on hillsides, in studios and galleries and in people's homes, and we have discussed all sorts of topics from artist residencies to marketing, from rural business development to making relationships with galleries.  Now we have become a constitued organisation - creating a members led group with fresh and exciting plans, with the beginnings of a website Ryedale ArtWorks.com.

It is very motivating and inspiring to meet other creative practitioners, to discuss ideas and projects, support one another, pool resources and just learn about the painting, drawing, printing, sculpture, glass, textiles, paper and wood that are the creative output of artist friends locally.

We're on the map! There is a strong visual arts community in Ryedale and with Yvette as our first cheerleader, supporting our progress and development, we'll go far.

Is anyone part of an art group, I would love to hear about how yours works - perhaps we can link or collaborate in some way. 

More Beautiful Little Stones

I seem to be touched by small stones, well actually pebbles, just at the moment.  Look at this wonderful use for a little collection of beautiful water rounded stones.  How preciously imbued and carefully congregated they are, and how much solid integrity they lend.  Heavenly!

Journal by Margo Klass

They're decorating the front of an artists book by Margo Klass featured on Journals and Inspiring Quotations  from Art Propelled - this post inspired me to action with all my 'scribblings on pieces of paper'.  It is a delightful read and has filled my thoughts all week.  There are some other beautiful books (and thoughts) there too.

I want to hold near, clasp and hug these books!

Artists Book by Margo Klass

Misty Mornings

I'm rather enjoying the misty mornings - though for some it seems to have caused major travel problems - especially when the sun breaks through, as it has been doing, and begins to clear the view.  Actually I have never really understood the difference between fog and mist.  Mist - water-vapour in drops smaller than rain.  Fog - vapour suspended at or near earth's surface.  (Courtesy Pocket Oxford). 

Then there is the magic effect when it has been a cold night, followed by an early sunny morning and the earth 'steams', plumes of soft swirling smokeyness, rising upwards in whisps and disappearing, evaporating out of sight.  And how the sun plays through it in shafts, bright beams in the soft white.

Is that fog or mist?