Fear of Finding Out
Sweeping things under the carpet
Dear reader,
How are you this week? Have you been out and about? This morning announced itself with a beautiful golden dawn, and the weather hints at improvement. Snowdrops are everywhere and the crocus are starting to flower. My local park is full of tiny tete-a-tête-à-tête daffodils and as I write, through my window I hear birdsong. Spring is here, but the changes are slow. The birds sing to a muffled accompaniment of gusts blowing in off the sea, buffeting the eaves - it sounds fresh, but cold. I’m going to stay wrapped up a little longer, whilst I write to you.
My walks lately have been sporadic, nevertheless, there are always treats to be found. Lately, wandering through the woods by the pond, I heard the woodpecker. An elusive fellow, I knew he was close, and in return came the answering call of a potential mate. The sky was clear, bright blue, and above the ivy, bare branches reached high, bathed in pale sunlight. I craned my neck to see, almost tumbling backwards. Determined, I scanned the trunks with my binoculars, first finding the ruby red faces of goldfinches and then, suddenly, that unmistakable vermilion of woodpeckers bloomers. Countless times I have stood in these woods in the spring, listening to the drill of his beak against the trees, never able to spot him. Reader, it made my day!
A few days later, I happened across the work party and stopped for a chat. Having previously described my discomfort at the scale of clearing, you will understand it taking a few moments to comprehend what was happening, as they split stems of stripped thorn and willow, bent broken trunks, and interwove branches: they were laying a hedge. It was fascinating to watch, and now the clearing makes sense. A properly laid hedge will provide cover and habitat to replace the lost scrub, encouraging more small mammals and birds to the area, and as spring arrives properly, those twisted, interwoven trunks and branches will spout and grow quickly - I’m excited to watch this new hedge develop.
I’m back in Southport this week, demonstrating the art of paper flower making on the Landing Gallery, welcoming visitors to the Floribunda exhibition. Alongside Floribunda is another gallery featuring “Fear of Finding Out”, by sculptor Ruth Moilliet. Ruth’s work in this fascinating exhibition really overlaps so much of what I try to convey both in this newsletter and through my other platforms. Her work is astonishing, conveying both beauty and a real love of flowers and nature, and shock.
Images from the exhibition #FOFO including “Superfluity Mirror” and “Superfluity Sphere”, beautifully handmade using discarded objects.
We live in an overpopulated planet where we produce and use too much ‘STUFF.’ Yes, we know we should reuse, repair and recycle (people have been ‘banging on about it’ long enough), but shouldn’t we try to AVOID before anything else?
Though some of us still litter with disregard, many of us do recycle, but even then where does the ‘stuff’ go once it leaves our possession?
The title of this exhibition can be applied to many in our societies, at all levels. Those in government and industry are often blamed but we as individuals are also in a position to do more. All too often we keep our heads down and avoid the consequences of our daily choices and actions on the planet.
This is our FOFO… our fear of finding out.
Note from artist: I would like to add that I speak from no position of superiority. I have as many shortcomings as others and constantly try to change or look for a better alternative. I hope and ask that by visiting this exhibition you may consider what more you too could do to reduce our impact on our shared planet.
R. Moilliet ruth moilliet sculpture1
Attempting to change the way we do things in order to lessen our impact on this beautiful place we call home may be hard, and we have to accept that in all our efforts we will be imperfect. The hard rule I stick to in my creative practice of making flowers is not using plastic, but even then I have to accept that occasionally it slips in - not the materials I use, but the packaging they come in. Increasingly I find myself drawn to the idea of creating flowers using some of this packaging, maybe this will come in time, but for now I will continue to admire Ruth’s beautiful work, whilst constantly struggling with the discord between this beauty and the reality of the mess from whence it came. Reader, I try to keep it light, but it’s so difficult to keep it to myself! Thanks for being here and reading my letters, I am very grateful 💚
Enjoy your Sunday, until next time, with love, as always, Ling
FROM THE WONDERFUL WORLD OF PAPER FLOWERS
COME AWAY WITH ME TO A FLOURISHING RETREAT: In partnership with Meg Lowder of @florigami.paperflower I am hosting an exclusive luxury paper flower retreat. From September 25th - 28th we’ll be welcoming you to the stunning Little Massingham Manor in Norfolk for an unforgettable 3 day, 3 night experience. Spaces are limited so register your interest today, FOR FULL DETAILS AND TO BOOK YOUR PLACE CLICK HERE. Book now for Earlybird prices!
A FEW SPACES REMAINING Spring Flowers Sunday 2nd March I will be delivering a spring flowers workshop at Ruthin Craft Centre. Come along and celebrate St David by spending a day crafting beautiful Daffodils and other spring flowers using nothing but paper, wire and glue! Limited spaces available, visit Eventbrite to book! Wildflower classes will be coming to Ruthin in early May, watch this space!
BLOSSOM AND CREATE my Tuesday two hour paper flower classes, continue on 25th February with Crocus! Classes run every Tuesday with the choice of a morning (11-1) or an evening (7-9) session. Come along and be part of my paper flower community! Continuing in March we will be making Open Roses, Wild Anemones, Daisies and Narcissus. Classes are £25 ( everything is included) and for every four you attend you get one free - bonus! BOOK HERE
FLORIBUNDA the exhibition is on now at The Atkinson Southport until 15th March. You can meet some of the artists at the gallery on 27th February and 8th March (including me).
SPRING IS IN THE AIR! Celebrate with Craftkits from THE PAPER WILDFLOWER. A lovely treat for yourself, a fabulous gift for the crafter in your life - or a day well spent having fun and making flowers: a quality time gift for Mothers Day 💚 Craftkits are £15 each or three for £40, always available online, and now available from The Walker Art Gallery, Liverpool and Lady Lever Gallery, Port Sunlight.
All images by Ling Warlow 2023-2025
From Ruth Moilliet artist statement, The Atkinson Southport, January 2025
Would be a dream come true to have them in my house ..
Kapala 🏳️🌈