ALLY CLARKE

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Ally studied Sculpture at Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art in Dundee and is inclined to create installation works complimented by photography, drawing, collage and print. Enjoying creative collaborations, she has recently worked with a Sculptor / Performance Artist producing film and performance works. It was to apply her visual art skills within a Physical Theatre Company that initially brought Ally to South East London in ’98 and she has been based in Peckham and Camberwell ever since, currently working as Artist in Residence at the Bradfield Club in Peckham.

Ally views her creative work as a means of investigating the world and engaging with others in the consideration and wonder of it, intending that the work communicate something of the value and uniqueness of us as individuals and stimulate consideration by the viewer of the particular, precious contribution each makes to their world. She presents evocative, personal creations that produce opportunities for reflection and refreshment.

The materials used in her installations are selected largely because of their symbolic nature and their inherent textural composition. Oftentimes the materials are collected from particular people - the forging of new friendships in this process is frequently an important aspect of the work.

About Chosen Stones

For my first piece of work as Artist in Residence at the Bradfield Club I wanted to create an artwork that in some way would enable me to become more connected to the Club - its origins, history and current contributors. In addition, to attempt to convey my heartfelt belief that the Bradfield Club is a special place and has a significant part to play in the realisation of a living, vibrant hope for our community in this time.

Everyone involved in the Bradfield Club was invited to give a stone for this artwork as a symbol of their connectedness to the Club. It has been a real joy to receive each individually selected stone and I have been deeply impressed by the thoughtfulness and generosity of the participants.

At the base of each of the twelve rising strands are stones from the Bradfield College - where the Club has its foundation and ongoing, essential support, along with stones from the immediate area around the Bradfield Club in Peckham. These link with other stones in the strands - an invisible connectedness - hinting at the unseen yet beautiful orchestration of God in and through our lives.

It is my hope that in viewing the work you will have a sense of wonder at your uniqueness and the invaluable contribution you make in your sphere of life and be able to delight in the fact that in wholesome alignment with God and others, an amazing living and eternal building project is taking place.