We speak to MA/MFA students Carolyn Sutton and Jessica Bleasdale about their Degree Show projects.
Date posted
31 May 2022
14:42
Witches in Word, Not Deed
We catch up with Carolyn Sutton, MFA Heritage and Exhibition Design, to get the low down on her project, “Witches in Word, Not Deed”.
Could you tell us a little bit about your project and where the idea stemmed from?
“Witches in Word, Not Deed” is an interpretation design project that continues my work around the victims of the witch trials. It is in support of the campaign for a formal apology, a legal pardon for those executed, and a national monument for the roughly 4000 people accused of witchcraft, 85% of whom were women. Excitingly, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon issued a formal apology on International Women’s Day this year. We hope a legal pardon and national monument are to follow.
“Witches in Word, Not Deed” features representations of three of the women found guilty and presumably executed under the Witchcraft Act of 1563 in Scotland.
The dresses I’ve made for them each features words used against them found in various forms: propaganda, accusations, and false confessions. I chose three very different women to demonstrate that people from all backgrounds and lifestyles were accused of witchcraft.
I chose this method of representation in order to create conversations about the power of words and to bring attention to the fact that these were just women, and it was the words used against them that transformed them in the eyes of others.
What does your degree show exhibit consist of?
My exhibit consists of three forms and dresses that represent victims of the witch trials in Scotland: Geillis Duncan, a young housemaid from Tranent; Agnes Finnie, a shopkeeper and businesswoman from Potterrow, Edinburgh; and Issobell Gowdie, the wife of a farm labourer from Auldearn (presumed).
Are you looking forward to the degree show and how have you found your time at Edinburgh Napier so far?
I’m looking forward to the show, though I’m always nervous putting my work out into the public. It’s equal parts exciting and terrifying, if I’m honest! This is a very important issue and I want to be sure I’m as accurate as possible, which is difficult because the records aren’t especially thorough.
My time at Edinburgh Napier has been challenging, but I truly feel I’m finding my footing and am growing so much creatively. I’m extremely thankful to my tutors (extra special thanks to Kirstie!) and my cohort, who are greatly supportive and inspiring.
The social role of libraries
Jess Bleasdale, MFA Heritage and Exhibition Design, explores the role of libraries and how they have adapted and changed over the years.
Could you tell us a little bit about your project and where the idea stemmed from?
I designed an exhibition which explored the social role of libraries, looking at 5 examples from around the world. The aim was to create a dialogical space to provoke the visitor to reimagine the function and role of libraries in society.
I was interested in Harrison's view of the social role of heritage and how it can be used to build a sense of community and identity through locality. This brought me to libraries because they have adapted during times of civil, political, or personal unrest, such as in Ukraine libraries are now getting used as bomb shelters and are offering things like camouflage classes.
What does your degree show exhibit consist of?
I have done an interpretation plan detailing the exhibits within the exhibition. There is also an interactive element to my display which asks the visitor to build their idea of what a library should do to fulfil its role as a free public service. This is adding to the conversation of 'what are libraries made of?'
Are you looking forward to the degree show and how have you found your time at Edinburgh Napier so far?
Yes, I can’t wait to see everyone’s work from across all disciplines and yes, I have really enjoyed it!