COLLABORATION
Co-making is integral to my practice. I write what the Richard Sennett calls ‘expressive instructions’ to commission craftspeople by poetic invitation. I have worked with blacksmiths, a glass-blower, potters, dancers, poets, seamstresses and others.
I invite them to practice their ‘metis’ - the gift of ‘craftiness’ to craftspeople.
BLACK-HANDLED KNIFE
Sara Mark, 2013
with blacksmith Simon Butler.
Reforged steel, charred timber, cloth, cold-cast bronze, leather.
(21.5 x 2.5cms)
A visiting musician recounted how the first player of the Lyre achieved his musical prowess. It involved a Faustian pact, a black-handled knife and a severed finger tip.
A poetic instruction was sent to a blacksmith requesting a black-handled knife. His payment was in Byzantine bronze.
PURSE
Sara Mark, 2013
Byzantine bronze, leather, cord
(20x20cms)
THREE VESSELS
Sara Mark, 2012
with ceramacist Andrew Temple-Smith.
Porcelaine, Aqua Sulis, laser-etched timber, work-bench.
Installation view (Approx. size 185 x 60 x 90 cms.)
A poem was sent to a ceramicist requesting three porcelain drinking-vessels.
Cross, Kings, Hetling are the names of the three geo-thermal springs rising under the city of Bath: the water was and is known as Aqua Sulis.
* Kotyle: In classical antiquity a Kotlyle was a measure of volume containing about half a pint, often used for wine cups or medicines.
WELL HOOKS
Sara Mark, 2012
A letter with the poem attached was sent unannounced to Somerset-based blacksmiths requesting well-hooks. Hooks were gratefully received from:
Simon Butler
Andy Thearle
Alistair James
Ben Horrobin
James Horrobin
DRESS
Sara Mark, 2012
with seamstress Heather Gillard
Calico, forged steel
(165 x 45 cms)