Visit to Cornwall – ‘Claymoon’ by Adam Weismann & Studio
12th - 13th September 2023
Yvonna Demczynska at the ‘Moon House’ Viewing Space
Yvonna Demczynska, Flow Gallery’s Director, was invited to visit the Cornwall studio of Adam Weismann & Studio for the launch of their new wall artwork series – ‘Claymoon’.
The artworks were spread across three locations: the specially designed ‘Moon House’ viewing space in Adam Weismann’s gardens, the James Turrell Skyspace at the Tremenheere Sculpture Gardens, and the Gallery at the Sculpture Gardens. Weismann generously welcomed the guests, and the events were organised by Margaret PR studio.
The ‘Moon House’ Viewing Space
The ‘Moon House’ was designed as a meditative space for contemplation of the artworks, creating an intimate and calming setting within a natural environment. This innovative approach to art installation created an immersive experience that linked the artworks to the surrounding Cornish landscape.
The studio explains how the series has ‘been created with the intention of being meditative, contemplative, raw and elemental – inviting the viewer to find a state of ‘soft fascination’.’ To enhance this effect, the panels are sometimes created in triptychs, with a visual rise and fall that is reminiscent of the ebb and flow of the tide, or the inhale and exhale of breath.
Inside the ‘Moon House’ ; Artwork panel detail
The artworks have been made in Cornwall from local raw materials. This passively connects the artworks to the environment and space in which they are shown.
The Claymoon series are hand-formed, unfired clay wall panels, that ‘speak to the rhythms of nature and to our connection with the natural world,’ Weismann and his studio explain. Made using vernacular building techniques such as ‘rammed earth’, earth plasters – encased in brass and walnut frames, the monolithic forms feature muted tones using earth pigments.
Installation at the James Turrell Skyspace
In the James Turrell Skyspace, the Claymoon panels have been installed in an architecturally immersive “artwork” by American artist James Turrell. The skyspace integrates the changing sky into the installation, creating a sublime elemental connection between the Claymoon panels and the outside space.
Claymoon pieces were on display at the Gallery at the Tremenheere Sculpture Gardens, giving an additional context for how the series can be curated and viewed. The group were also hosted for dinner at the Gallery, using locally sourced produce for the meal.
The meal at the Gallery in Tremenheere Sculpture Gardens
Yvonna was delighted to have been invited to learn about the pieces in such inspiring contexts, that allowed her to experience the landscapes that inspired ‘Claymoon’. She is grateful to Adam Weismann, his studio and the wider team for the opportunity.
