27/05/09 Elmgrove Community Group

This was day one of what became a five week program. We met with the Elmgrove Community Group and discussed how we could explore the culture of East Belfast and in what way we could represent it visually. We brought along Emma-Louise Hutchinson (local artist) to facilitate the project. It was generally agreed that it was important to draw from the 'industrial history' of the area, whilst trying to find a way to show the changes that are taking place. The group wanted to find a way to show a link between the past, the present and the future. Quite a few concepts were discussed but the one that proved to be most popular was the idea of dressing/decorating an elmgrove tree, situated within the grounds of the school. It was felt that the tree was a perfect platform from which to begin. The 'roots' could represent both the parents of the pupils and also the community, the trunk of the tree was the link to the leaves, which represented the children/future.

The next step was to determine what materials would be suitable. They had to be able to withstand the 'elements' (outdoors), and hopefully be durable, as the group would be keen to develope the project on an ongoing basis. After much discussion it was decided to create a mosaic to represent the 'roots'. White tiles were chosen and each person in the group painted something that they felt represented the culture of East Belfast (Titanic, Shorts, H&W, Sunblest etc:) After carefully painting the tiles, they were baked in the oven, and then 'Smashed' with a hammer (some people seemed to enjoy this more than they should!!!!!). Roots were created using wooden boards. The broken tiles were then stuck to the boards, creating the mosaic. The pupils of the P7 classes became involved by creating leaves using plastics and fine wire. Nuts, bolts and various other small objects were entwined into the leaves. Very colourful and creative. All that was left was to hang the leaves from the branches of the tree, and to place the mosaic 'roots' upon the ground. No prizes for guessing who had to climb the ladder!!!!

The end result was colourful and creative. I believe it captured many aspects of East Belfast culture, both past and present. The materials used will last quite a while, a 'creative legacy'. A big 'thank you' to all those who took part.