research

end-thread

/ Philip R. Bennetta / Leave a comment

Cutting thread, collecting fragments, leftover pieces, questions that remain, inspired this meditation. It is to do with the art making process, arising in the final stages of the poem ‘Prayer’, prior to its publication. Thirty six poetry pamphlets form this hand-sewn limited edition, resulting in seventy two tail-ends of thread. These are made into a sequence of placed temporary works, photographed individually, and in grids. I tied the fragments to each other, using seventy two knots (see Franciscan Seraphic Rosary and Eastern prayer rope); this endearing soft-sculptural object, its juxtaposition to the poem, invites contemplation…

The music for the film is based on the poet’s response to a bird singing in the garden, while making the work. It is recorded on Celtic bouzouki…

With special thanks to artistic director Susan Bennetta for her critique, wise words and suggestions. This hand-sewn pamphlet is currently available directly from our small press http://www.artistspress.co.uk. Here’s the link to the film, thank you so much for reading its back-story, with all good times…

https://youtu.be/TfnlPa3u_Mk

light and dark (I)-(IV)

/ Philip R. Bennetta / Leave a comment

These unique prints (U/P) are inspired by my move from Cornwall to the Kent coast at Walmer, UK.

I carry a sense of place; of moorland life, its light and dark skies, landscape, streams, to this stretch of coast in Kent, using carborundum to make the studies. The plate is inked up, put through an etching press, to make the strong black and whites. I am attracted to the Carborundum technique, invented in the 1930’s – it holds a resonance for me in the arts and pamphlet-making.

light and dark (I) Carborundum on Somerset paper (13cm x 18cm) Philip R. Bennetta 2023
light and dark (II) Carborundum on Somerset paper (13cm x 18cm) Philip R. Bennetta 2023
light and dark (III) Carborundum on Somerset paper (13cm x 18cm) Philip R. Bennetta 2023
light and dark (IV) Carborundum on Somerset paper (13cm x 18cm) Philip R. Bennetta 2023

the dancers

/ Philip R. Bennetta / Leave a comment


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

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.

frames on shelf

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.

one of the “bracelets”

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.