Ellen

@_efmcc_

A Bit of Background

For this project I decided to take inspiration from an art initiative in my local area, a project where an individual(s) paint and hide rocks in and around the area. It was inspiring to see mini artworks hidden around like precious gems, not only that but to see people walking, talking and interacting with the work...in their own way. Some people find the rocks and keep them, some re-hide or even re-gift them. I love the simplicity of it, an art project that anyone (including myself) can hijack and be a part of. It also nods to my own personal beliefs about art and the art community in how it should be less perfectionist and more open. I hope my work inspires you to paint your own rocks, walk around and get familiar with your area.

Go Follow @_efmcc_

Check out my instagram to see people who found some of the rocks and other works by me!

An Exercise in Wandering?

I decided to collaborate within the group with Sean.

See bellow to see what we did...

The Trail We Took

Me and Sean went on a walk round Manchester...it started in the northern quarter...we wandered through places and walked to parks, sticking QR codes, stickers of our work and my rocks all along our way. It was a fun day, and so the project was successful. I wanted to create something lighthearted, and we did that in the exercise itself.

It proves itself to be a exercise in health, as not only did me and Sean 'get some steps in' but we got to chat in the sun-shine and that was restorative in other ways.

This activity, I would encourage all to do, with a friend or on your own. I say this because not only did I enjoy some fresh air, with the sole purpose of wandering about, but it was also good to do something different from my routine.

Lockdown(s) had an impact on everyone's social lives, so treat this project as a remedy to that burnout. Go out and look for art...whether it's by googling or gandering.

Art for Art's Sake

Everyone's got Talent

Art should not be exclusive...No matter your ability, you can make good work.

Doing a Doodle

Even doing a simple, squiggly doodle, you can ground yourself....it's an act of mindfulness!

No Perfection Needed

I encourage you to make art to whatever skill set you have, if it isn't perfect you've still made something which is amazing...

A Simple Love

There's something very beautiful in the basics. Creation is creation...is inspiring to me.

Connect With Your Area

Re-connect to you local area...find fun places to hide rocks that maybe no one will ever see....

Make it Magic

You have the option to even pick out a rock special to you...and/or paint a message that means something to you!