From the Field was a programme of artist commissions produced by Field Notes during the COVID-19 pandemic. Over the course of 2020, from the first lockdown onwards, ten artists were commissioned to create something quick and reflective to be shared online. We had worked with nearly all of the artists prior and therefore chose to reach out to them as a barometer for the times. Each artist also produced a small physical edition to sit alongside their digital work.
Photo: Field Notes
CONTEXT
In the six years prior to the pandemic Field Notes had had the chance to work with hundreds of incredible artists; from well established artists in and around Cornwall to new talent often straight out of education, and there are some we kept going back to. When the peculiarities of the COVID-19 pandemic began to unfold in 2020, restricting conditions for making and showing work, Field Notes sought the perspectives of these artists on the situation and gave them the opportunity to explore their practice under these strange conditions.
Commissions were released gradually from June to November, giving each artist just a couple of weeks to reflect on limitations or expansions of their immediate physical environs, field of practice or production, or community – sharing their observations with audiences online via the Field Notes Instagram account.
Commissions were released gradually from June to November, giving each artist just a couple of weeks to reflect on limitations or expansions of their immediate physical environs, field of practice or production, or community – sharing their observations with audiences online via the Field Notes Instagram account.
Each artist also created a small physical edition to sit alongside their digital work, these took a wide range of forms from a handheld mirror to a tennis ball. These art objects were brought together to make up the From the Field anthology; a compilation of reflections and creations instigated by the global pandemic. The anthology was released for sale in December 2020 on the Field Notes Editions online shop, and was also available at Fish Factory Arts Christmas Market. Some of the editions are still available to purchase directly from Field Notes or from The Shoppery in Penryn.
50% of the purchase price of each item goes to the artists involved and any remaining profit contributes towards a fund for future commissions.
50% of the purchase price of each item goes to the artists involved and any remaining profit contributes towards a fund for future commissions.
COMMISSIONS
FUNDERS AND PARTNERS
From the Field was made possible by the generous support of National Lottery players, through Arts Council England’s Emergency Fund.
GET IN TOUCH:
info@fieldnotes.org.ukThe development of this website was supported by Cultivator Cornwall
