This event was part of a series of micro residencies in The Everybody Gallery, with a range of artists working with us for small one or two week residencies. Check out this page for more information.
About the Project
Throughout human history, rivers and waterways have been considered sacred. They have even been thought of as deities. Indigenous cultures across the world still revere water and, in some places, legal action is being taken to give them the legal rights of people.
The River Calder, far from being revered and considered sacred, is now one of the most polluted rivers in the UK. Calder is a Celtic word for ‘river of stones’, and this formed the basis of Zephie’s residency at Everybody Arts.
During her residency, Zephie explored our connection to the River Calder, researched the history and folklore connected to it, to reimagined our relationship to the river that has carved and defined the valley.
She used materials found in and near the river, such as clay and plant fibres, to experiment with sculptural forms. She also be played with film, photography and textiles to reference the fact that the Everybody Arts mill was once a textiles mill, powered by the river that runs alongside it.
Visitors to the gallery were invited to make small votive offerings from wild clay, and used recycled textiles to co-create a costume with Zephie. People were invited to write their hopes, wishes and prayers for the river on pieces of fabric which she would then sew onto the dress. Fabric was provided, but people were encouraged to bring a piece of their own. Following the residency, Zephie created a film as she wore the dress on a meditative walk through the valley and by the river, distributing the votives and people’s wishes for the health of the river and the environment of the Calder Valley.
Photos © Zephie
About the Artist
Zephie is a multi-disciplinary artist working in a variety of media to explore our relationship with nature, ourselves and each other.
For more information about Zephie and her work, check out https://cargocollective.com/zephiebegolo and follow her on Instagram.