Resilience; 100 days from spring to midsummer 2020

Mixed media installation; fabric, thread, digital print, embroidery and text.

Resilience is a mixed media installation of 100 small rectangular flags hung on a rotary washing line in an urban garden. Each flag represents one day in Dee’s journey from 17^th March to 24^th June (spring to midsummer) during the Covid 19 lockdown.

During this period Dee kept a diary of her thoughts; actions, emotions and tedious domestic responsibilities that filled her days. Resilience is a reflection of those 100 days inspired by her daily writings. The imagery reflected in photographs, text and colours mounted on the flags represents joyous days, angry days, bad/sad days and the more mundane.

The experience of isolation/shielding has been a rollercoaster of a ride for Dee from days of dark depression to ones of great joy and all manner of emotions in between. She has reached midsummer feeling hopeful and surprised at her resilience.

Artist Biography:

Dee Shiels lives in Leicester City. She became a practising artist after working for over 30 years as a Community Development Practitioner with several disadvantaged communities. She graduated from the University of Nottingham in 2010 with a 1st class degree in Fine Art and has exhibited in the UK and internationally.

Dee has a studio in Leicester at StudionAme.

Art Practice:

Dee’s practice is influenced by social, environmental and personal history. She works within the context of history, memory and the residues left behind, residues that weave themselves into contemporary personae and environments.

Dee’s works strives for harmony and will often reflect collections, communities and repetition in a variety of materials. More recently, Dee has been experimenting with textiles and the opportunities fabric, weave and stitch may have along with various printing techniques.

During lockdown, she has been concentrating on her urban garden and the many memories and connections it stimulates during what is a difficult time in society and her own personal life.

Resilience

Dee Shiels

Artist Biography:

Art Practice:

Next Artist: Helen Lees