Artist Dan Southward is working with us at Brilliant Bamboo as part of residency for the development of the Brilliant Bamboo Brownfield Parklet. We hand over to Dan to introduce himself, and his approach to this project

“I am a freelance artist and photographer, amongst various other roles and responsibilities, I have been based in Stoke on Trent for the last decade or so. 

Personally have a long history of documenting and working within brownfield sites, both in Stoke and nationally. I find them a consistent source of inspiration for both my photography and fine art practice. I thrive from spending time in these spaces; responding, documenting, playing, investigating and making. I have a particular interest in other peoples relationships towards such places and spaces and the role the brownfield often plays within the wider cultural sector. 

My intention for my role with the Brilliant Bamboo project is to provide photographic and artistic documentation of both the brownfield site, project logistics and the wider team’s involvement on site. As the project continues to develop my aim is to capture the behind-the-scenes moments of action and activity, through both analog and digital photography. Alongside my own studies and exploration through collage, drawing and scrapbooking. This will then help to build both an archive of documentation, alongside the foundations to produce a small run of zines, helping to archive the project for the future. 

Given the precarious and often uncertain nature of brownfield sites, especially when cultural projects are officially appointed, we often see new for sale signs and a renewed interest in the space within the same breath. The role of documenting and archiving these milestone moments of activity is something I consider to be invaluable, for the greater good, as projects such as this really highlight, inspire and have the foundations to be a legacy for the whole community.”

Take a look at a selection of the work by Dan, so far, we can’t wait for you to see more and for the zine.

 Images all credited to Dan Southward.