31 Letters from August

Printed fabric, illustrated book. Installation on / in Schoppingen town hall, Germany (2017).

This was a sister project to "Self Portrait" by Seung youn Lee for the Schoppingen Kunstledorf Artist Residency, Germany 2016. The Bite Back Movement.

I am honoured to have countless story spirits visit me each
day - they are the ones only I have seen and only I can record. But my memory is like a bucket with holes in. I find myself anxious that I will forget all the little quirks and stories in everyday life. They are not full narratives, they are only the first step in possible adventures. If you look after these little spirits, then they can spark epic stories which will look after you in return. In many ways I find this my duty as an artist.

Whilst a fellow at Schoppingen Kunsteldorf, Germany, I took the time to illustrate one dropped initial letter for each day of August, referencing the Medieval visual style and images I had seen during my visit in the idyllic countryside village. Combined, these became a colossal letter, and fabric pattern, hung on the town hall during the annual Apple festival. A letter from August to my new friends of Schöppingen.

“August. Dearest Schöppingen, you seem so much like England in many ways. But when I tell German people that they look sad. I am very calm in your nature and warm Summer sunshine. Feeding me with your apple trees and floating in your lakes.

You are like the Garden of Eden. The animals do not fear me. Very nice thank you! Very, very nice. Thank you for paying tax so I can come! A safe nest for us to stay and grow.”

— Alexander Augustus