In 2013 In-Situ invited Amy to make a new work in response to the culture, history and communities of the town of Brierfield. Initially Amy set up ‘The Drawing Shop’ at Brierfield Library – a drop-in, temporary space which invited anyone to join in. ‘The Drawing Shop believes anyone can draw’ read a sign above the installation ‘it is a space for trying, learning and having fun.’ The Drawing Shop proved popular, particularly amongst young people, who produced poems as well as pictures to be displayed on its makeshift gallery walls.
Whilst there Amy also spent time in the local working men’s club. Here, they met 81 year old Margaret, who spoke about her memories of the town. Together, Amy and Margaret made a film which shows Margaret speaking alongside archival footage of Brierfield, projected onto an empty book in her hands.
Finally, Amy worked with a local TV shop to create an installation of archival footage, drawn from local artists and community groups, In-Situ’s archive, and newly sourced material about Northern Soul. This installation was on for 24 hours a day, and remained in the shop window for 7 days, presenting a moving reflection of the town to people passing by.
Working across public, private and commercial realms, Amy’s residency grew out of a series of personal connections with the people of Brierfield. Translating everyday experiences into creative acts, and exploring art as a communal, public activity, particularly in relationship to shopping.
