GMan - contemporary craft made in response to the Gunnister Man story
As part of a collaborative project between Shetland Arts and Shetland Amenity Trust, a new focus display following the design process of ten local craft makers exploring the Gunnister mystery through contemporary crafts is to be shown in the Museum and Archives.
The local craftmakers, who include eight textile makers, a woodworker and a jeweller, have studied the Gunnister mystery over the past few months, with a particular focus on how his identify could be expressed through his clothing and personal possessions. Group discussions formed an integral part of the design process, where external experts were also involved, such as an ex-police officer, Ruby Brown of Gunnister and the Tangwick Haa Trust, and Carol Christiansen of the Museum and Archives who studied the finds in detail.
Through this the artists explored not just the historical context but also the types of things a modern ‘Gunnister Man’ may have carried, leading to discussion on current issues, such as ‘cultural’ identities, protection of personal information and identity-theft
Deirdre Nelson, a professional artist with experience in creating contemporary craft based artwork derived from historical research, was the lead artist in the project: ”Through this project the Shetland makers have learned alternative ways of using heritage subjects and historical research to create original products. The range of items they have produced is fantastic, and shows how one subject can inspire people in so many different ways.”
The focus display explores the design process behind the new products, including drawings, prototypes and a specially commissioned audio piece, of interviews with the craft makers about their ideas and research, as well as finished items. Hazel Hughson, Arts Development Officer – crafts at Shetland Arts, said: “The public never usually get to see the majority of work behind a new product, which is carried out before anything is actually made. Craft is said to be a process of 60% thinking and 40% making. This display highlights the design stages and thought processes our craft makers have gone through showing how, as the research deepens, product designs are adjusted or, in some cases, completely changed.”
Deirdre, Hazel and some of the craft makers involved will be giving a talk on their experience during the project at the Museum and Archives on Friday 2nd October, 7.30pm. This event is free and no booking is required. The focus display will be in the upper gallery of the Museum and Archives from 30th September until February 2010.
