Author: Richard Hornby
Lumiere 2015 launch
The official Lumiere 2015 website has been launched.
Details of Richard and Alison’s installation, Rainbow River, can be found at http://www.lumiere-festival.com/programme/durham/rainbow-river/.
Please note that all the locations are currently provisional, so we have a few more surprises waiting in store for November!
Richard and Alison were also featured in Sunderland Echo’s preview to the event, which can be seen in full at http://www.sunderlandecho.com/what-s-on/watch-lumiere-artworks-revealed-as-durham-prepares-for-return-of-light-festival-1-7463008.
Artist Profile: Alison Lowery
For Lumiere 2015, Richard is working with Alison Lowery. Here is a little bit more about her, and their partnership together.
Alison is a native of Durham City. Her father was born in Sidegate, and he has many nefarious tales of his upbringing next to the Wear. Both her parents are from mining families and she has grown up with all the tales of St Cuthbert, including the night his mist saved Durham from German bombs. She feels that the first glimpse of the Cathedral from the train is one of the most evocative sensations of “ home” that she could experience.
Alison returned to her home city of Durham after training as a doctor, specialising in psychiatry, and working in several local hospitals before retiring in 1996. She has since completed a First Class B.A. Hons. in Photography, Video and Digital Imaging and an MA (Merit) in Glass, both at the University of Sunderland. Alison runs her business from her home studio, and is committed to working locally with community groups.
She is enthusiastically looking forward to taking part in Lumiere, to celebrate art, light and the culture of her city. She was delighted to be asked to contribute to the events around the display of the Lindisfarne Gospels, designing fused glass jewellery and running workshops.
She met Richard whilst doing t’ai chi in Framwellgate Moor, and the whole idea was born over a few cups of coffee after a practice session!
Volcano! Was it supposed to go bang like that?
Next Wednesday (26 August), Mallard Days tutor and volcanologist Hannah Wynn will be leading a discussion on volcanic monitoring and prediction throughout history at the Literary and Philosophical Society in Newcastle.
The event starts at 6pm, and is free of charge.
Throughout history, volcanic eruptions have been witnessed and described by man. In the early days, this was done through stories and songs, attributing the eruption to the gods, rather than nature. Over time, stories began to be written down, and people started to become interested in the science behind what happened. One of the most famous early accounts of a volcanic eruption is that written by Pliny the elder (and, after his death, his nephew – Pliny the younger). This talk aims to outline the history of volcanic observation and monitoring before discussing modern day operations, including the science of eruption prediction.
There will also be a section concentrating on how the interiors of volcanoes are modelled (and how this benefits monitoring programs). Various case studies will be discussed, including Hawaii and Vesuvius. After the talk, there will be an opportunity to examine various mineral specimens, as well as volcanic rocks from Tenerife.
To find out more, and to download a free ticket, visit www.litandphil.org.uk/whats-on/ or the event’s Facebook page.