SCRACE ARCHITECTS

Adding a fourth dimension to our clients dreams

ART

Valuing Creativity

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A reflection of the IGNITE event “Valuing Creativity” by Peter R Smith

The aim of the IGNITE is to create a space for freelancers and creatives to share what they are passionate about. Taking the form of short talks from creative entrepreneurs and artists IGNITE is informal with direction shaped by discussion. Don’t forget to sign up to our next event… Salisbury 2035 – Shaping Our Future.

IGNITE Valuing Creativity enabled discussions about what creativity can bring to a variety of businesses, problems and people. Engaging with industry experts we explored how we can improve the value that creatives bring to projects:

  • What do you do that is of value?
  • What can we do as a collective to showcase the potential of our creative community?
  • What exactly is creativity and how does it arise?

Arguably at the route of all our activity is that we use creativity on many levels to continually make progress from one day to the next.  There seems to be a separation from the everyday creativity we use to get through our lives and the more concentrated act of creating art. A distinction which was reflected in the stories and journeys of those who came to speak. The enigmatic founder of Smash Creative, Bertie Coy, kicked off IGNITE by sharing his energy enthusiasm and personal lessons in understanding the power of creativity.

Making things happen

Bertie reflected on how his talent for marketing and the career and the successful life he had built for himself was sadly and swiftly consumed by success, the pressure and then closure of a previous business.  Bertie explained how his expectations had been dashed and how, having been hit for six by the world, he had been left to feel alone, lost at sea.

Without purpose and without direction Bertie could not seem to see a way back.  Then, without reason, other than it being sat on the table, Bertie spotted an old camera, dusted it off, and started taking snaps.  Beginning by photographing things around him, posting imagery about the things he loved – his lifestyle, his family, things he liked he began to find hope.

Without realising and without agenda Bertie discovered his art. His photos and posts gave him energy.  New life? His posts on Instagram were being noticed! Noticed not just by friends and family, but by an international brand – Converse (!?!) who soon commissioned him to create content of their own. Through his natural ability to create and communicate Bertie bounced his way back.  Bertie’s creative surge gave him a new career, a new business, a new purpose.

Bertie’s creativity now blossoms in a world hungry for original imagery to sell their products and promote whatever business they had. From adversity, creativity sparked a new beginning. One in which he can enthusiastically invest, one in which he can be his true self.  Find out more about Bertie here… SMASH CREATIVE

Valuing the everyday

Tim Scrace shared his experience lockdown. One, which we obviously all shared. Separated from so much of our normal lives you will recall how we all became more alert to the micro detail of the lives that were and always happening around us. Inevitably beginning again to explore our direct environment.

Tim walked us through the paths around his home, the river and the trees he had photographed and the pathways that ran through them. We all remembered the strangely beautiful weather which accompanied this devastating time. Coupled with the freedoms we had now, untethered from a daily commute and the grind of office life, Tim reflected on how he, as an Artist, might portray these moments, so easily lost.

Snapshots and photographs danced in front of us, reminding us of how there was a sense that from now on, everything would be different, and we would live more humanely, more deeply connected into our lives and the world around us. Light filled rivers and woods with paths idyllically winding through were tantalizing. Special moments captured of his daughter using the swing in their garden. His memories became ours and our own special times arose. We once again noticed the world around us. Valued the world, valued it through the images and the work we create.  Find out more about Tim here… TIM SCRACE

Feeling the fear and doing it anyway

Frankie Sinclair told the story of her latest business which had sprung out of circumstance and that everyday need, the need to make some money. In drawing quick sketches of her friends and family one day Frankie realised that she had a talent for being able to capture incredible likenesses of people in simple cartoon, almost doodle like drawings.

Off the back of this came the idea of portraying 30 people in 30 days. Approaching Sonder Coffee, a local coffee shop, Frankie offered booking slots for her experimental project. Feeling uncomfortable at first, she soon found her swing, her style, her confidence. It wasn’t too long before the slots were soon sold out.

We are often transformed in ways we wouldn’t have expected when we bring our creative work into our own world and the world of others. As clients valued her work, so she began to value her own.  Find out more about Frankie’s projects here… SHIMMY SHIM

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Watch out for our next post “AI and Creativity” and sign up to our next IGNITE event… https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/ignite-salisbury-2035-tickets-578660137047

INTERVENTION

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10th/11th & 17th/18th September 11am-3pm

An exhibition by Tim Scrace ft. Judith Rodgers
Salisbury Art Trail 2022 Venue 12

Combining mixed media, VR & sculpture, events and artworks, INTERVENTION explores the contrast of action and inaction within our urban fabric. Intervention is a fully immersive experience that will enable you to see all too familiar streets, roads and landmarks from a completely different perspective.

INTERVENTION showcases a sculpture of transparent plates, mapping the lines of the city, introduces a series of physical layers whilst meandered charcoal drawings and watercolours set your mind free from the rigor of history and the built environment. The foundations of this yet to be explored virtual world are also presented in conceptual sketches and prints. 

INTERVENTION is being held at Scrace Architects offices at The Enterprise Network, The Old Fire Station, 2-4 Salt Lane, Salisbury SP1 1DU.  Directions are available on the contact page. For more information please contact us on 01722 658048 or using form here.

INTERVENTION VR takes you on an orange pathway to a landscaped skydeck where you walk amongst trees above moving cars, across rivers and between skyscrapers.  In this re-imagined version of a #peoplefriendlysalisbury a balloon station, an aqua-theatre, art galleries materialise as new structures and Stonehenge is relocated to a roundabout. Accessible either on your own mobile phone or on a state-of-the-art VR headset, Scrace Architects invite you to explore this vision of a future city and start your own re-imaginings.

The juxtaposition of environment, space and time within the realms of sublime 3D architecture provides a unique investigation of the city’s potential.  This project, part of the Salisbury Art Trail 2022, is the result of five years of development by artist Tim Scrace and his practice.  Tim, who has applied and developed this concept through the Design Visualisation course he lectures on at Solent University is excited about the possibilities of virtual and real space and the conversations and visionary context they hold.

“Over the past few years’ students have engaged directly with the artwork, enabling them to evolve their own projects and learn from integrating them in the urban realm.  I have been lucky to witness how this has added to and expanded the dialogue of an emerging virtual landscape.”

Judith Rodgers who is working in collaboration with the team on the exhibition responds with alternate perspectives of the local geography adding a sensory and landscape orientated layer to this exciting journey of possibilities.

Scrace Architects hope that INTERVENTION will offer the hope needed to encourage the city and its inhabitants to aspire to a bigger better yet more sustainable way of life. Bring your phones and be prepared to #seespacedifferently.

thoughts, words & dreams

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https://www.timscrace.com/book

‘thoughts, words & dreams’, the book, charts the journey of “This Too Will Pass” by Tim Scrace. Presented as a mindful compendium of hope in these troubled times this book offers insights into the creation of the artwork and preserves its interactions. To secure your limited edition book and support this venture please pre-order using the link above. Order now using link below to see whether your words of wisdom feature.

https://www.vannergallery.com/

‘thoughts, words & dreams’ the exhibition, combines the best of “This Too Will Pass,” a sculpture by Tim Scrace and “This is my Hope,” a photography competition run by Alabaré during lockdown. Drawing on the collective consciousness experienced by recent events. The fusion of these two projects promises to offer to a compelling reflection on our times and an opportunity to look forward to better.

The exhibition will run at The Vanner Gallery from Saturday 2nd – 9th July. The Vanner Gallery is located at 45 High Street in Salisbury SP1 2PB . Parking is available nearby at the neighbouring Lush House or Old George Mall car parks. Any queries please contact us at info@scracearchitects.co.uk

Profits from sales of this book will be put into a community fund. 50% will be used to support and build partnerships with local charities such as Alabaré, and 50% will provide access to art and architecture through creative workshops and artwork.

Keep an eye on social media and press for further details #TTWP #thoughtswordsdreams #TWD @timscrace @alabare @thevannergallery

THIS TOO WILL PASS

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Tim Scrace‘s sculpture, This Too Will Pass, #TTWP has been installed on the High Street in Salisbury and will remain in place throughout the summer 2021. The installation is part of Salisbury BID’s ongoing support for local businesses, particularly as they reopen after three months of lockdown, supporting a vibrant city centre that attracts both residents and visitors to Salisbury’s independent businesses and hospitality venues.

This video was prepared by Carlton Brunton of Brunton Media

People

The sculpture was created to mimic pilgrimage, the movement of people to and from the cathedral.  The passing of time and memory.  The process of reflection, mindfulness and vision represented in snapshots of the past, present and future.  Viewers pass along the same path as their ancestors and are encouraged to stop and recognise this.  The large monoliths created by recycled boards also hint to the neighbouring Stonehenge and other spiritual connections. Emphasising the link between the high street, st thomas’ and the cathedral they direct and articulate this force and movement.

Technology

The stones represent the process of constructing the cathedral, the crafting of a rock to a finished element, a finial.  Machine driven technology has enabled us to make products in a different way.  Where the materials of the past might be stone, those of the future are made of recycled plastic and recycled paper.

Vision

In allowing the community to mark the boards using chalk the aim of the sculpture is to help the city find its collective voice.  To reflect on the past and build on its future.  The world is changing and we all need to make changes.  “This Too Will Pass” provides a platform for this transition.  Please make a visit to Salisbury to share your thoughts and ideas.

WITH THANKS

The sculpture is funded by Arts Council England’s National Lottery Funding Grant.  The following people and organisations helped bring the sculpture to life. Thanks to: Salisbury Bid, Salisbury Cathedral Works Yard, Salisbury Joinery, Wiltshire Creative, Deborah Fox, James Gough, RDF Lighting, Richlite, Stormboard, RNC Fabrications, Wiltshire Council, Salisbury City Council, Design Pit, Signs Express.

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COMMENTS

Deborah Fox, owner of local gallery, café and gift shop Fisherton Mill, said: “It is so exciting to see our cityscape being enlivened by this locally designed, interactive artwork for the summer season. Visitors and locals alike are now so much more appreciative of the outdoors and Salisbury is very blessed with vibrant and historic streets and our High Street views will be further enhanced with this addition.”

Robert Titley, Chair of Salisbury Cathedral’s Arts Advisory Committee and Canon Treasurer of Salisbury Cathedral said: “It is wonderful to see Cathedral stone used in this new work. The builders of our Cathedral were driven by faith and hope, and they reached out for something beyond the everyday. We see that same spirit in this installation, and it’s a spirit we all need as we look forward from this hardest of years.”

Jess Gibbons, Wiltshire Council Director, Community and Neighbourhood services, said: “We are delighted to have been able to help facilitate the installation of this interactive sculpture in an area of Salisbury where it will be seen by a large number of people. Although this piece of art was initially developed as part of the 800th anniversary of the Cathedral commemoration, the theme of ‘This Too Will Pass’ is particularly relevant and poignant given the events of the last year or so. We hope that residents and visitors to the city take the opportunity to interact with the sculpture and it enables them to reflect on their own past, present and future.”

Salisbury Mayor Elect Councillor Caroline Corbin said: “Salisbury is excited about welcoming residents and visitors safely back into the city centre this summer as lockdown measures ease. This interactive sculpture will be an additional attraction, giving people a chance to reflect on the past but also to envisage a bright and optimistic future for us all.”

Competition

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WINNERS

We are glad that our “Frame A View” Competition has inspired such positive thought and creativity. You have completely embraced our practice philosophy of painting to see and shape space differently and have not been afraid to sketch, paint or photograph your impression of new horizons.Michele Williams has created an amazing collage on ‘Positive Thinking’ . If you squint, you can see the Scrace Architects team in the Zoom call.  One for sorrow, two for joy…  Michele wins a getaway for 7 nights at Finch Cottage – Spend more quality time with family and friends.

We hope you’ve enjoyed taking part and seeing a fresh perspective or two on the relentlessness of lockdown. Maybe we will need to refer back to this over the next few months.  For the time being, stay safe and enjoy friends and family!  And if we do get stuck indoors, you at least know what to do = #scracearchitects #frameaview.

Tune in and listen to the latest edition of the #architecturemadesimple podcast to hear us talking more about each of the fantastic winners.  Their brilliant art work is below. Thank you for all your support and entries.  We have been impressed by how many of you are looking ahead to an exciting and new world beyond. 

Kate Perry painted this fabulous view from her window.  The delicate orchid and gentle palette are beautiful.  Katy wins A 15 Bottle Mixed Case of Naked Wine. Celebrate a new beginning by investing in craftsmanship.

Sasha May caught this fantastic shot whilst on safari at the Bolderwood Deer Sanctuary in the New Forest.  We think it encapsulates all the fun we’re yet to have.  Sasha has won Lunch at the Mess at Messums. Immerse yourself in the best Arts, Culture and countryside.

Liz Harmon watches the sunset daily from her home.  We hope you make it back to enjoy the timeless tree after a day at Chessington World of Adventure. A rollercoaster helps to puts things in perspective – have fun!

Last night, the sky was beautiful at sunset. This is the view from our upstairs bedroom window, which perfectly frames it. Every day and night the view is different and we often stare out of this window, looking out over the rooftops watching the stars in the sky, the bats flying by at night, a clear blue summer sky, the first frost or an impressive sunset like this one. Whatever the sky though, the focus point and the constant in the framed view is this lovely old apple tree, standing strong for years and years.

The ominous #coronacat by Claire Burden picks up the Bottle of Explorer Gin from Downton Gin Distillery  Don’t be afraid to explore, be adventurous.  This photo conjures up so many thoughts about being stuck inside and looking out.  Thanks Claire.

The best image submitted by the following age groups also won a fantastic prize.  Phoebe caught a glimpse of the horizon past her “Sunset Flower” and won the 9-17 year old category prize of a £25 voucher from Noble Arts Supplies. Express yourself creatively @salisburyNAS!  

Solomon helps us finish on a positive note.  He either wants to move or is just happy flying away in his balloon house!  Well done, Solomon, you win a £25 voucher as you won the 0-8 year old category.  Visit Rocketship Bookshop. Think big and get ready for a new world @rshipbshop!

FOLLOW

Keep up to date on our latest news on Twitter and Instagram @timscrace and @scrace_arch. 

STAY SAFE EVERYONE

Returning Home

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Reflecting on the exhibition that launched our adventure into creative practice, #HOME, has helped us reconnect with our practice values and ambition.  The exhibition investigated ideas that affect where we live and explored how these are represented and incorporated in design.

Many of the thoughts and theories developed in those early months of practice and in preparation for this show have inspired and shaped the first two years of SCRACE ARCHITECTS.  Recent architectural projects have even been characterised by some of the ideas developed as part of this show. The show was made up of a variety of components, including a series of paintings that were founded on the following subjects: #orientation, #context, #symbol, #material, #view.

A desire to help clients and passers-by understand and shape their own space is at the heart of what we do.  The dialogue that was created between artwork and spectator helped distil how the practice could communicate its vision and how it can shape space.  The exhibition was directed in a way that guided participants on their own journey through my #HOME, revealing the different ways in which we can interpret place.

#view > see FRAME A VIEW

Looking back, escaping the security of a traditional architectural office was scary, but at the same time liberating. Learning to express ideas through painting, sculpture and narrative was essential to breaking free from the norm of everyday project management and beginning a new adventure with our clients.

Please get in touch to see how we can help you shape your own space? 01722 658048

Review – #HOME

Competition Launch

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As we break from the monotony of lockdown SCRACE ARCHITECTS are launching a competition to encourage you to FRAME A VIEW and look ahead to a new world beyond.

It is safe to say that we are all in need of a fresh outlook after this crisis.  Staring out of our own little boxes has become a favourite past time and may help us connect the world outside.  This is not a new concept but has become more relevant since we have all been stuck indoors.  A view enables us all to think beyond the limits of our gardens and our flats to the wider world.

To help us begin to think again about what is over the horizon we would like you and your families to take a photo or draw your favourite view from your home, home office or shed.

Don’t be afraid to abstract and present your image in whichever way you like.  When we are designing buildings, sculptures or spaces we try to imagine what you might see from a particular perspective. For example, the montage above is a combination of a painting and the view from a real project.  In our practice we paint to see and shape space differently.

Over the next month we will offer tips on how to approach your designs via twitter and Instagram @timscrace and via a podcast.  Our blog also has an article on about how to frame a view.  Please share your pictures and follow us on social media using #frameaview #scracearchitects @scrace_arch.

Happy snapping and stay safe!

Competition – FRAME A VIEW

 

Competition

By

As we break from the monotony of lockdown SCRACE ARCHITECTS are launching a competition to encourage you to FRAME A VIEW and look ahead to a new world beyond. 

It is safe to say that we are all in need of a fresh outlook after this crisis.  Staring out of our own little boxes has become a favourite past time and may help us connect the world outside.  This is not a new concept but has become more relevant since we have all been stuck indoors.  A view enables us all to think beyond the limits of our gardens and our flats to the wider world. 

To help us begin to think again about what is over the horizon we would like you and your families to take a photo or draw your favourite view from your home, home office or shed.

Don’t be afraid to abstract and present your image in whichever way you like.  When we are designing buildings, sculptures or spaces we try to imagine what you might see from a particular perspective. For example, the montage above is a combination of a painting and the view from a real project.  In our practice we paint to see and shape space differently.

Over the next month we will offer tips on how to approach your designs via twitter and Instagram @timscrace and via a podcast.  Our blog also has an article on about how to frame a view.  Please share your pictures and follow us on social media using #frameaview #scracearchitects @scrace_arch.

FOLLOW

We have chosen some exciting prizes from some fantastic businesses to reflect and feed on the more positive benefits of breaking cover.  Click on names below for direct links to prizes.

Prizes

  • Finch Cottage – Getaway for 7 in character property – Spend more quality time with family and friends.
  • Naked Wine Summer Essentials 15 Bottle Mixed Case – Celebrate a new beginning by investing in craftmanship.
  • Messums – Lunch at the Mess – Immerse yourself in the best Arts, Culture and countryside.
  • Chessington World of Adventure Day Ticket – A rollercoaster helps puts things in perspective – Have fun!
  • Downton Gin Distillery – Bottle of Explorer – Don’t be afraid to explore, be adventurous.

The best image submitted by the following age groups will also win a fantastic prize:

  • 9-17        Noble Arts Supplies £25 voucher > Express yourself creatively @salisburyNAS!
  • 0-8          Rocketship Bookshop £25 voucher > Think big and get ready for a new world @rshipbshop!

HAPPY SNAPPING AND STAY STAFE

Terms & Conditions

Scrace Architects Ltd would like to stay in touch by keeping your contact details securely on file. We use this information to maintain good levels of communications in the day-to-day operation of the business as well as update you on new projects and the services we offer.  We will not pass on your details to any third party without your prior consent.  In your response to the competittion and if agreeable we would welcome your consent to the use of your details for this purpose i.e. I consent to receive emails about Scrace Architects Ltd.  

Each image will be judged by the Scrace Architects team.  Results will be announced at the end of August to hopefully coincide with a safer world.  One image per applicant i.e. sketch, painting or photo.  If you want to submit more, highlight your preferred option.  Entry to the competitions is restricted to one entry per person and 5 applications per household.  Multiple, bulk entries will be disqualified. Email tim@scracearchitects.co.uk or info@scracearchitects.co.uk by 12pm on 31st August 2020 with your entries. 

Please remember to: –

  1. Attach an image in .jpeg format
  2. Clearly state NAME, AGE, TITLE and MEDIA.
  3. And if you’re happy please add – I consent to receive emails about Scrace Architects Ltd.

Please note that the Judges decision is final and no correspondence will be entered in to.  In general, prizes must be redeemed before 31st December 2020. Prizes do not include travel. No cash alternative will be offered and prizes are non-transferable. All parties involved reserve the right to change the prize to an alternative or similar value without notice if circumstances beyond their control require it to do so. Scrace Architects Ltd and other parties will not be liable for loss or damage whatsoever caused by matters arising from this promotion. Winners of items 1-5 must be a UK resident over the age of 18. Please note that we may use photos and other identifying features of the winners / entrants for promotion purposes.

T’s & C’s relating to prizes 

Finch Cottage is a 200-year old building in Wilsford Cum Lake, Salisbury which has been renovated to a very high standard. It has 3 bedrooms, all with private bathrooms. There is plenty of parking and an abundance of lovely country walks in the Stonehenge World Heritage site.  Click on name with link above or visit www.finchcottage.co.uk.

  1. The FRAME A VIEW competition winner will win: An overnight stay at Finch Cottage for a maximum of 7 guests.  Prize must be redeemed before 31st January 2021 (excluding bank holidays and public holidays), subject to availability. Finch Cottage serves a continental-style breakfast. The prize does not include travel. No cash alternative will be offered and the prize is non-transferable. Finch Cottage reserves the right to change the prize to an alternative or similar value without notice if circumstances beyond their control require it to do so. Finch Cottage will not be liable for loss or damage whatsoever caused by matters arising from this promotion. The winner must be a UK resident over the age of 18. All house rules are to be adhered to during your stay.
  2. Naked Wine case as described on the website limited to value of £150 to be delivered to allocated UK address.
  3. The Mess Restaurant and Bar Gift Voucher to the value of £25 at Messums.  Lunches are on Friday, Saturday and Sundays in the Mess. 
  4. Chessington World of Adventure Day Ticket as described on the website limited to value of £29.50 based on online booking of ticket.
  5. Downton Gin Distillery 700ml Bottle of “Explorer” Contemporay London Dry Gin as described on the website limited to value of £40.

          Other prizes from Rocketship Bookshop and Noble Art Supplies limited in value as described above.