Vicki Aimers Embarks on a Creative Journey at The Cornerstone Library with ‘Wastelands to Wonderlands’ Residency

The Cornerstone, Library Building is set to host Vicki Aimers for a captivating artist residency titled ‘Wastelands to Wonderlands‘, scheduled from Monday, March 11th to Saturday, March 16th.

This unique residency aims to engage the community through a free interactive installation and a variety of workshops, all open to the public without charge.

Vicki Aimers, a distinguished PhD Researcher at Falmouth University and a Book Artist and Authorial Illustrator based at Krowji in Redruth, is known for her compelling work that intertwines creative narratives with elements of female social history. During her stay at The Cornerstone, she plans to showcase an interactive cabinet of curiosities. This installation draws inspiration from the historical ‘still rooms’—vital areas within castles and large houses used for distilling, infusing, and brewing plants, herbs, fruits, and vegetables to create oils, potions, lotions, and preserves.

In addition to the installation, Vicki Aimers will conduct volunteer sessions and a family workshop centered on the life of Catherine Payton Phillips (1727-1794) and her connections to Cornwall. These workshops will focus on creative writing, narrative stitching, and botanical sketching, offering participants a deep dive into historical and creative exploration.

“I’m excited to be working with St Ives Town Council’s Culture team for an artist residency, researching more into the life of Catherine and also the fascinating history of Still Rooms,” says Vicki Aimers. She envisages Catherine Payton Phillips having her own ‘Still Room’ where she would have concocted various remedies and preserves from foraged goods. Vicki Aimers aims to collect visitors’ preserving tips and foraging delights to inspire an artist book titled ‘Notes from the Still Room’ later in the year.

Vicki Aimers’ artistic practice involves collaboration with heritage institutions to creatively reinterpret collection items through public events, workshops, and online activities. Her methods span a range of art and storytelling techniques, including printing, book and zine making, stitching, and writing exercises. Through her workshops at Krowji and across the South West, Vicki Aimers facilitates personal exploration of stories and memories through engaging projects.

The ‘Wastelands to Wonderlands’ residency is supported by Cornwall Council Community Chest funding, underlining the community’s support for cultural and creative endeavors. For more information on the residency or to book workshop slots, interested parties are encouraged to visit stives.ticketsolve.com.