Discover changing seasons in Ecclesall Woods through artwork

Artists Kay Aitch and Sarah Sharpe started working in the woods in February this year and have spent a day a week drawing, photographing and taking visual notes of the woods and its changes over several months.

This research and information gathering has influenced pieces of artwork they will be exhibiting at the Great Sheffield Art Show at The Octagon Centre between November 24 and 27.

Kay said: “Ecclesall Woods is a fantastic woodland and has a direct link to the history and people of Sheffield. Sometimes when we’re working we’re very aware of this with the things we find.

“I have used household items alongside my work and in my response to the woodland – one of my pieces will be a crocheted piece based on the ends of rotting log.”

Sarah added: “Every week we walk in the woods, observe and record change – the woods have been our studio and we have been very experimental with our work. This has taken us in directions we didn’t expect and been a very spontaneous process.”

The two friends have known each other since studying art together at college and have worked independently as professional artists, but always wanted to work together on a project.

Sarah said: “Our work took us in different directions and we just never found the right time to do a project together. Last year we both took part in training with the Sheffield Goddess Temple and this proved to be the catalyst for the woods project. The training focussed on spirituality and connecting with the elements and we found that this sparked our creativity and connections with the woods and set us off on this project.”

The duo will be showcasing their work at one of the artists’ stands.

The Great Sheffield Art Show is an annual event that hosts a diverse selection of more than 1000 artists’ work.