Notes:

The Dancers is inspired by an earlier project, including research, publications and film, Making the Killick (2018): https://youtu.be/gd0RsJgKHAM

The stones from my original Killick project are now in a stream on Bodmin Moor, at South Trekeive; I decided they just had to remain in Cornwall, when I left for Kent.

I also thought about ceremoniously burning the frames that held each Killick stone before we left, and I did not. Rather, they came to our new home in Walmer, Kent.

The frames sat on a shelf in my work space for several months, and then I found hag-stones in the garden (small stones/pebbles with a hole through them) and the idea of the Killick and stones re-emerged.

a selection of hag-stones found in our garden, Walmer, Kent, digital photograph, Philip R. Bennetta, 2023

This time, I thought to have the stones grouped on the outside, rather than inside the frame; embracing and holding the frame (ludras). I made fourteen of these bracelets, in all – two for each of the seven frames I had chosen; each bracelet has seven stones.

I considered narrating a poem I had been working on, and I did not. I have kept the film simple, with sound/music, that I recorded late one evening, on the dulcimer. An ethereal sound, something of the sea, the true home for a killick (ancient anchor for a small boat) is what I sought, and I stretched the sound, until I found it…

the dancers (film link: https://youtu.be/xK4VPQn-Vbk )

I hope you find something here for yourself. Also, please take a look at my research page, for more information on the Killick project.