A live durational performance that creates an exhibition out of the artefacts and trace elements it leave behind.
The performance took place in the gallery on Saturday 29 July from 10am - 4pm, and is divided into 6 episodes, each lasting 45 minutes and starting on the hour.
In each episode a birder is stationed in a different locale around Kingsbridge and dials in a live report on the movement of the birds around them. Back at the gallery the artist decodes this commentary into a series of instructions and stitches for crochet, which a record keeper archives onto a chalkboard spanning the width of the gallery. This unfolding pattern is then fashioned with hooks and yarn by a team of crocheters working with the artist in real-time.
Together the birders, crocheters and the artist form their own fragile working machine. Human operated and supported by technology, the machine is primarily avian, controlled and directed by birds. Its pace, shape and particular rhythm are in service to the will and evolving patterns of water, woodland and garden birds moving around the town.
Bronwen Buckeridge, FOUR ON THE FLOOR | SIX IN THE AIR Performance. 2023. Credit: Dom Moore.
Bronwen Buckeridge, FOUR ON THE FLOOR | SIX IN THE AIR Performance. 2023. Credit: Dom Moore.
Bronwen Buckeridge, FOUR ON THE FLOOR | SIX IN THE AIR Performance. 2023. Credit: Dom Moore.
Bronwen Buckeridge, FOUR ON THE FLOOR | SIX IN THE AIR Performance. 2023. Credit: Dom Moore.
Making of FOUR ON THE FLOOR | SIX IN THE AIR
About the Artist
Bronwen Buckeridge is a CAST studio artist and Falmouth University lecturer. She works with field recording, performative events, installation and text. Recent projects include a live pigeon race, a crochet machine directed by birds and an earthwork made with the assistance of witches.
Thanks
Birders: Chris Klee, Jon Walley, Fiona Van Es, Maggie Smith, Rod Birtles, Alex Parr.
Crocheters: Anna Joy Henderson, Anna Gemmell, Catriona Berry, Di Allen, Julia McGing, Julie Morgan,
Linda Allen, Sarah Pike, Rachel Taylor, Sue Brooks, Suzanne Gaultier, Vanessa Stratford.
Record Keepers: Alison Veazey, Phoebe Carpenter
Special thanks:
The birds of Kingsbridge. Alex Kearney, Paul Ager, Elaine Sinclair and Rich Melton for tech support.
Sue Brooks and her shop ‘A Little Bit Crafty’ for crochet advice and supplies.
Chris Klee for birding guidance.
