kathryn parsons
Uppingham
I live on the edge of the Cambridgeshire Fens for many years, right between the
flat fenlands to the east and the first gently rolling hills to the west. It’s a
fascinating place, immensely rich in history and with many nationally important
nature reserves. Kathryn Parsons My work flows from my love of nature, small
details and place combined with a life-long delight in exploring craft
techniques. It’s an adventure driven by curiosity and a desire to seek out and
share some of the fascinating stories of this amazing planet and the people
who’ve lived here… because stories help us connect with places and each other,
which is good for humans! And feeling connected also means we’re more likely to
cherish and protect biodiversity and heritage. My deep grief for the damage that
the natural world is sustaining adds drive and reason. Found in the Fields,
detail As I spend time getting to know a place, delving in to archives and
talking with people who know it best, I search for stories that capture my
attention and which I think will fascinate others too. I intentionally allow
space for discoveries to guide the final outcomes, and select materials and
techniques that best tell the story. Sharing the research and exploration via
social media draws others in to the adventure, and so the stories gently ripple
out… the land is "re-storied" and people's connections with place and nature are
strengthened and enriched. Kathryn Parsons Handcrafts and simple tools are at
the heart of my work. I've always loved exploring what I can make different
materials and processes do, right from a very young age. To me it's an exciting,
fascinating adventure! And so I use a wide variety of processes and materials,
depending on what best communicates the story... from eco-printed poems and
sugar shoes to photography and mixed media sculptures. To reduce the
environmental impact of my work I often use old or natural objects. And in very
small quantities I use porcelain too, because for me it speaks deeply of the
beauty, fragility and strength of the natural world. Much of my work is created
to be displayed as temporary interventions in the place that it speaks about...
adding richness and something new to see, while offering new ways for visitors
to respond and engage. Kathryn Parsons My first career was in teaching, in
primary, further and adult education - including teaching sugarcraft and
competing in international sugarcraft competitions! Gradually I learned to
listen to my heart, and follow its desire to use my creativity and love of
learning to share fascinating stories of nature and place. I delight in
nurturing the creativity of others and sharing my adventures through writing,
workshops, demonstrations and talks. In 2022, I launched NatureCraft online mini
workshops - a space to connect with nature, creativity and other nature-loving
people from across the globe. Exhibitions, Residencies and Site-Specific
Artworks I have exhibited at The National Centre for Craft & Design (solo and
group exhibition), and created site-specific artworks for Burghley House,
University of Leicester, John Clare Trust, Derby Museum’s porcelain gallery and
on nature reserves. In 2012 one of my artworks was selected for “Inspired by…”
exhibition at the Victoria and Albert Museum, London. See C.V. for more details.
Currently I am Artist in Residence with Langdyke Countryside Trust, a wildlife
conservation and heritage charity. I tell the stories of local volunteers and
the places, wildlife and heritage that they work to protect. Tern Rafting,
Langdyke Herbarium of Stories, Kathryn Parsons Privacy and Cookies Policy
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