Dolphinholme

Tuesday 25th September 2012

As the apparent 'Tail End' of a hurricane hit the UK this week, battering the Country with relentless rain, winds and general misery . . . .we had a touch of glamour with a 'Glamping' trip to Dolphinholme, Nr Lancaster.   

Hoods & Brollies At The Ready!

The Yurts . . . . In The Rain!

 The idea for the trip was to enjoy a couple of days in the countryside, staying in Yurts on a working farm, for  a Drawing Residential Course,  collecting primary research items and ideas to bring back to college,  where we would continue to expand and incorporate ideas into our work.  A bit of drawing, collecting items, filming various aspects, doing rubbings for prints, finding locations for photographic work and garment photography, not to mention enjoying the fresh air, having the chance to 'Bond' as a group and to have a little outdoor adventure.   



Arriving & Unpacking . . . In The Rain!



Well I say glamour . . . . .  it rains as we leave college, it rains all the way to Dolphinholme, it rains as we unpack the coaches and then, for Oh, all of 10 brief minutes it fines up, as we wander round the edges of the field collecting interesting flower-heads, leaves, twigs and anything else we find of interest. 



Green Ferns



Autumn Colours Over Water

We had to steer clear of what I assume is normally  a gentle stream flowing along the edge of the field, as it had turned into a dangerous, fast and flooding raging torrent, the bridge over it was deemed far too dangerous and slippery to cross, and we were absolutely banned from going anywhere near it.  



Dying, or Drowning Leaves



The rain got a bit heavier, then heavier still.  Then it got even worse, it rained and rained and rained!

AUTUMNAL CANOPY In The Rain

LIGHT AMONGST THE DARK

Twisted & Plaited Tree Bark



Dead Flower Head



We did manage to collect a few bits and pieces, and set about creating patterns with dyes, bleach, threads and various other items. 



Making A Start . . . In The Rain!

The rain still managed to reach us, as it blew horizontally under the shelter we were in, although it did add some interesting 'splash' designs to our work.   



Bleach On Dye



Bleach & Rainwater 'Splash' Patterns



Close Detail of Leaf Print

Edges of Leaf, Dyed and Bleached Out



Chain Stitch & French Knot Detail

We managed to get a few designs done

Bleached Fern Leaf on Green





Unfortunately taking mannequins into the woods to dress with 'found' pieces, just really wasn't an option.  However on the bright side it gave us plenty of time to stroke the goats!

My NEW Friend!

NOT My New Friend?

I am extremely glad that due to family reasons I had already opted  not to stay overnight, although the Yurts did look extremely comfortable and cosy.     A HUGE Thank You To Shaun For The Lift Home, VERY Much Appreciated!




Cosy Interiors ~ Definitely 5* Camping!

 

The farm was a marvellous place, the goats were gorgeous and the hosts were very hospitable and welcoming.  To the Tutors . . . . . Thank You, How Brave You Are!!!  . . . . . . . . . . . . . And the soup was delicious and most welcome!

All in All . . . . . It was GREAT FUN, I haven't laughed as much in a long time!!



Even The Ducks  Sheltered From The Rain!