Art in Action
Last weekend Alicia and I visited Art in Action at Waterperry House, just outside Oxford. Art in Action is an outdoor art and craft fair that aims to “present artists and craftspeople actively creating their work so that people can gain real insight into the content, meaning and procedures used.” This is the first time that I have ever visited the event as a member of the public as, in previous years, I have always been involved in the setting up and dismantling of the show.
I would be the first to admit that I’m not very patient when it comes to looking at art. My appreciation levels seem to decrease dramatically with each step I take around a museum or gallery. However, an event such as Art in Action is different in that the artists are there to explain and even demonstrate their skills. For example take the ceramics tent. I could describe it a tent full of clay pots. And, whilst this isn’t inaccurate, it doesn’t tell the whole story. More interesting than the pots themselves is the way they are made and the people that make them. We saw everything from pottery throwing through to clay firing, and even finishing in burnt sawdust.
The day wasn’t limited to pots either. I was given an introduction to the art of Chinese Calligraphy during which I learnt why people used to write right-to-left and top-to-bottom, and that a husband is above even the sky. Our tour of the woodwork tent saw the construction of hand-made chairs, guitars and harps. There was even time to sit in front of the glassblower and learn how global warming will affect Scotland.
For an outdoor event, we couldn’t have wished for better weather. The sun was shining and unlike too many previous years it even remained dry. It was just a shame that neither of us thought to bring any suncream or sunglasses. The event ended at 5:30, but forgetting that I was a member of the public, we sat on the front lawn, drank Pims and caught up with old friends from school.
Whilst we both thoroughly enjoyed the event, it would be wrong of me not to mention our disappointment with the food provided for the public. The layout of the refreshment tent was confused and ill thought out. The food was not only expensive, but of very poor quality. I can understand food being slightly more expensive than normal, but was shocked when I made the following comparison: A Staff lunch voucher (£6) would not have covered the cost of a plate of lettuce in the public refreshment tent. If I go again, I will try and remember to bring my own food. It seems a shame that an otherwise brilliant day should be tainted by our experience of something as essential as food.
All in all, it was well worth the trip.
Art in Action
View from the air
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