Sunday 21 November 2010

The final artwork - your input is needed

We're at an interesting point in Knit a Neuron. We've got all the neurons in, we've been speaking with Catherine and we are all set to create the final artwork. But we've hit a snag, well, it's more than a snag, it's a problem.

As you know, when we started the project we got the go-ahead to house the final artwork in the Clinical Research Imaging Centre (CRIC). The CRIC will open in Easter next year, and we've only just been able to see the space. It turns out that it's not somewhere that can handle several hundred woolly neurons. We didn't realise just how popular knitting neurons was going to be and we now have too many (far too many!) to create an artwork that will fit into the space available. Particuarly as there are other artworks to go into the space.

This leaves us in a very uncomfortable quandry - what do we do with the finished piece? We want to hear your suggestions and have a few of our own too. Do use the comments option or email us directly to let us know your thoughts.

We've thought we could do the following:
  1. Find one (or two, or more) temporary exhibition spaces that will host the installation (we have some in mind, but if you know anywhere that would be interested do let us know) and raise money for charity at the same time
  2. Talk to a brain injury/rehabitalion charity who would like the display for their office
  3. Use the neurons for outreach eg doing talks for adult groups, schools etc where each group creates their own temporary installation while finding out about neuroscience, brain injury and therapy and about the project overall
  4. Create a book using photos from events and include some of the amazing stories we've heard from knitters all over the world.

We are incredibly sad that CRIC is unable to host Knit a Neuron as we, and we know a lot of you, were excited that the piece was going to have such a relevant home.

Do let us know your thoughts, comments and suggestions.

Knit a Neuron at the Thunderbolt


Well, it's the end of the Totterdown Arts Trail and our little installation of neurons has gone down well. Here are a few pictures so you can get an idea of how it looked. A great big Thank You to Dave and Sophie at the Thunderbolt for giving us the opportunity to create the display.












Friday 12 November 2010

Installations

It's exciting times at Knit a Neuron Towers. We've been having more chats with Catherine about installing the neurons. Lots to think about: how to join the neurons and how they could be shown off to their best.

We are also making preparations for the Totterdown Arts Trail next weekend. We've got a little corner in the Thunderbolt where we'll be displaying some of the several hundred neurons we've received. We were at the Thunderbolt sussing out our allocated space and hatching some plans. You can see it was thirsty work!

Thanks to the Stitch and Bitch group at the Thunderbolt for their ongoing enthusiasm and commitment for the Knit a Neuron project. We're looking forward to the space-themed launch party on Friday night - see you there!