Artist in residence Tudor House Museum and Gardens

In 2021, I spent an extended period of time immersed within the distinct historic architecture and ambient atmosphere of the Tudor House Museum and Gardens.
My goal was not to replicate the physical rooms or illustrate its history, but to quietly inhabit the space.
I spent hours walking through the building, listening to the unique acoustic echoes of the timber frame, tracking the shifting angles of light across old floors, and handling localised objects. and living with the seasons in the gardens and outdoor spaces.

This dedicated time spent became the catalyst for a series of separate, fluid responses

 
Rather than forcing these experiences into a single predetermined outcome, I allowed my intuition to split my responses into separate, independent pathways

Intertwined Spatial Forms
Medium: willow, rushes, and a variety of recycled materials 
Created in tandem but completely separate these abstract three-dimensional sculptures bring the lines of the environment into physical space. Constructed entirely through the raw tension and bending of natural materials, these emergent forms echo the skeletal strength and organic aging of the Tudor structure.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photographer Chris McFaddon

Photographer Chris McFaddo

July 07, 2022

My time as the artist in residence at Tudor House Museum and Gardens in Southampton has now come to an end. Eight months seemed such a long time when I started out. I have learned so much about working in an environment such as this as well as challenging my own inner demons, overcoming my self-doubt and understanding my own motivations that drive my creative endeavours.

 

Phil Gibby, Area Director, Arts Council England, South West, said:
“We’re delighted to support Jacqueline Rolls through our Developing Your Creative Practice funding programme, thanks to National Lottery players. This investment will give Jacqueline time to focus on her creative development as a willow sculpture artist, to experiment, and to take creative risks. At the Arts Council, we believe that creativity fulfils us as individuals and helps us to better understand the world, which is why we’re so pleased to back Jaqueline in developing her creative potential.”

 

As part of my funding, I commissioned a  short film to be made to assist me in recording and sharing a little of my experience with others, and I am pleased to share that this is now available via this link  

My work is now on show at the museum and to mark the end of my journey, to view more of the artworks created during the residency, click here Artist Residency Tudor House and Gardens images 2022

Large willow face on stone seat

Photograph Nick Carter

I am grateful to the support of the staff and volunteers at Tudor House Museum and Gardens and the wider team from Southampton City Council Culture Team, who, without their support, I would have been unable to undertake the residency.

And most importantly a big thank you to Arts Council England for awarding me the funds to undertake this journey.

And finally, I wish to extend a big thank you to the artist mendor at a-space arts, who provided encouragement and non-judgmental, constructive support, enabling me to vocalise my thoughts and encouraging me to make my dreams a reality.