College Staff Member Takes Part in Exhibition

Craven College Art & Design Technician and Instructor Dr Carole Griffiths is exhibiting her work as part of a pop-up exhibition by the Yorkshire Sculptors Group at Salts Mill in Saltaire.

The Yorkshire Sculptors Group was set up in 1985 with the intention of connecting sculptors living in the Yorkshire region to promote their work through exhibition and discussions. Their latest exhibition ‘The Nature of Things’ is inspired by Titus Lucretius’ epic poem De Rerun Natura – usually translated as ‘On the Nature of Things’, which attempted to show through poetry that everything in nature can be explained by natural laws and explored the idea that moderation, simplicity, and community as being the foundation of happiness.

Dr Griffiths said, “The idea of community is something that features heavily in the philosophy of Titus Salt, who created the mill and village of Saltaire, so it felt appropriate to exhibit here. We’re really delighted to be able to share our work in such a high-profile venue meaning so many more people can share our vision. The exhibition coincided with Saltaire Inspired, so it was perfect timing!

“Exhibiting in a non-traditional gallery space, an interesting, unusual public space is really exciting.”

The exhibition is housed in a vast undeveloped space in Salts Mill, giving the perfect background to a range of works. The space is flooded with natural light from the huge windows, giving the perfect space to complement a fascinating exhibition.

Dr Griffiths own piece entitled Trou de Loup was first created back in 2010, but ‘The Nature of Things’ gave the chance to regenerate the sculpture and add further elements giving it a refresh for this show; much of her inspiration coming from her own journey as a mother, with this piece symbolising the mother – daughter relationship.

Speaking about combing her work at College with her work as an artist, Dr Griffiths added “Practising yourself as an artist gives your relationship with the students more validity, makes it more exciting to share your experiences. It’s really a two-way process – I’m always getting something back from the students and they inspire me to try new things.

“I think it’s really useful from an employability perspective to be able to show students that as an artist you can work in many fields from exhibiting, to working with others, to teaching. It opens so many doors!”

The Nature of Things is free to view at Salts Mill until 31 May.