Ecoventions- Art + Ecology study day

WISH HONG KONG will have this program soon. BObo and Hang will like it too.
Sunday 15 July 2007, 11 am – 5pm
Gunpowder Park Field Station, Sewardstone Road, Waltham Abbey, Essex
(1 hour from central London)

Brandon Ballengée - “Eco-actions” and wetland surveys

The term ecovention describes an artist-initiated project that employs an inventive strategy to intervene in or transform a local ecology. Ecoventions usually involve collaborations between artists, community members and local specialists such as ecologists, botanists, landscape architects or urban planners.

This day will be of particular interest to artists wishing to develop their ecological-art practice and ecologists interested in working with artists to raise awareness of ecological issues.

The day is led by American artist Brandon Ballengée, with urban ecologist Dusty Gedge and artist and photographer David Cottridge.

More than many environmental artists, the work of Brandon Ballengée bridges the gap between research biology and art. He combines a fascination with fish and amphibians with the techniques of commercial art photography. In 1996 Ballengée began collaborating with scientists to create hybrid environmental art/ ecological research projects which have been exhibited internationally. Ballengée’s “eco-actions” directly involve members of the public in these research projects through performative, collaborative fieldtrips.

During 2007 and 2008, Ballengée is leading a UK study into declining amphibian species, through participatory lab and field-based research investigations, working with the public as well as collaborating scientists. The project is organised by The Arts Catalyst and enabled by residencies at Yorkshire Sculpture Park, Gunpowder Park, and Space Studios, London.

Urban ecologist Dusty Gedge advises a number of government bodies, NGOs, architects, landscape architects and the green roof industry. He was previously a professional street entertainer, circus performer and actor, but always keeping his interest in nature.

David Cottridge is a wildlife photographer and artist. Widely regarded as Britain's top bird photographer, he is also one of the UK's most popular birding lecturers. David has been photographing Gunpowder Park throughout the redevelopment of the site and, in collaboration with artist David Chapman, has created HARK 1 and HARK 2, multimedia projects inspired by the park’s landscape and soundscape.

11.00 – 12.30 Seminar with Brandon Ballengée, Dusty Gedge and David Cottridge.
12.30 Break for lunch (please bring a picnic lunch or there is a pub opposite)
2.00 – 4.00 Fieldtrip to explore the local ecology of Gunpowder Park
4.00 – 5.00 Concluding discussion

The event takes place at Gunpowder Park, 90 hectares of new country park for the benefit of people, wildlife and the arts. Located at the top of Greater London within the Lee Valley Regional Park, Gunpowder Park is the largest open space in the region for arts and the environment.

Admission by registration. Free but limited places.
To register, email info@artscatalyst.org or telephone 020 7375 3690