Turning ‘Ages’

About

Turning 'ages highlights the intimate and complex relationship between people, books and the ephemera that is picked and left behind in the course of their everyday lives and then over a period of time, forgotten. The installation sensitively displays these memories and also focuses our attention to the constantly moving moments that we all have, and also those that we have chosen to keep hidden within a book. Writers’ groups have been inspired by the work to organise alternative creative voiced events.

The piece invites comment during this changing and transitional time that the book is undergoing, whilst at the same time our relationship with books and the written word is also being redefined and examined. It beautifully demonstrates the evolving importance of the published written word in a book, which will always be held close to our hearts.

The work has recently evolved as an encapsulated time capsule for all the many library employees as its tours the country, capturing the historical library space changes. As it leaves the library a token of remembrance is placed by the staff representing their particular library which all the staff will sign. Turning 'ages has become a vehicle of connection for all the libraries, a fitting tribute for its powerful comment.

To find out more about ‘turning ‘ages’, see Elaine Robinson's website www.elainerobinson.co.uk

About the Artist: Elaine Robinson’s art explores connection, ancestry, nature, time and space. Born in the north of England in Barrow-in-Furness and gaining an art and music degree from the University of Leeds, Elaine worked in business and social work before becoming a professional artist. Elaine has developed an approach to art and expression which works instinctively in the ‘moving moment’.

Exploring aspects of time in relation to the person, the paintings have a personal message on the back which is written at the time of ownership. These are unique paintings, no prints are made.

Each of the paintings form part of a complete and emerging element of time. The series of works are called ‘have’ ‘been’ ‘done’ and ‘before’. Although painted at different moving moments of time, the power of the words together suggest very clearly something which has passed. However, as individual words they are relevant to the work, its owner and artist.

Installation and sculpture work has become a new area where Elaine is able to explore more fully aspects of nature, history and symbolism. Over time we have become less trusting of these ancient and proven realities.

‘Turning ‘ages’ is both an installation and sculpture which is presently exhibiting nationally in city libraries around the UK. Writing groups have been inspired by the work, and information regarding the tour and a running blog can be seen in the menu bar. Presently working on two new installation works for the public arena, Elaine is now seeking permanent sponsors. Please contact Elaine regarding sponsorship approaches and also commission related work.

Elaine is part of the ‘manifest artists’ group, which is based in Bristol UK.