Lucy Parkinson's exhibition consists of (refurbished) work created two years ago during her GCSE coursework. She decided to recycle her old artwork due to her A-Level artwork still being owned by the exam board. Themes Lucy has looked at during this exhibition include working with mixed media, colour and large scales. You can see her work displayed on the walls in the foyer.

Andy Reynolds came to ceramics via an unusual route: specialising in engineering, he sourced materials to build a kiln at his Lincolnshire home which enabled him to rapidly sculpt and fire his ceramic creations. Andy produces a range of kitchenware items adorned with Greco-Roman iconography, and uses locally sourced clays thanks to the rich silty soil abundant in the county.

Geri Clarke has been an expert basket weaver for many years and member of the basket weaver’s association since 2006. She takes a keen interest not only in the process of weaving itself, but also in sourcing the best materials, with young willow for larger baskets produced at her home near old Leake. She uses various weave techniques and the juxtaposition of light and dark materials to explore the themes of growth, change, and our connection to nature in her work.

Geri Clarke and Andy Reynolds have always been committed to a low impact and
sustainable lifestyle and were able to put their philosophy into practice after buying a small derelict cottage in the East Fen. Since the early 1980’s, before climate change was an issue, about 16 acres of heavily sprayed, industrial cabbage fields have been transformed into woodlands and hay meadows.Thousands of trees have been established and some are now mature. Tree varieties have included broadleaf and conifers and some foreign hardwoods have been included in the mix to allow for the changing climate.

Energy demands have been met, in the first instance, by a wind turbine and later solar panels were added to the system.

They have both over decades built a life, that has reduced their demands on the natural world; putting something back and establishing a more diverse natural environment which provides habitat and natural energy resources.

After decades of professional work, they are now able to follow their imagination into artisan pursuits using natural materials, developed on site e.g. willow and clay, further realising their commitment to sustainable development.