GEDOK 23rd - 30th June 2025

To watch video that accompanies this blog, please click on the following link

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Well not sure where to begin with last week's adventure!  Although I had to stop many times for power naps in this intense heat…. did I mention it was hot here?!!!  It was still an action-packed week!  

I had such a dreamy day trip to Tubingen very early on Monday. Its so so beautiful, lots of medieval  buildings, so picturesque and a perfect location to visit the Blickfield open air photographic exhibition which included a couple of artists from GEDOK presenting their work.   Wonderfully curated themed exhibition called ‘Tracks’ with 10 artists interpretations in a large format. Later that day I had an afternoon with Ellen Reid who donated rolls of paper for our Collaboradoodle on Saturday.  Ellen took me to her shared studio space 5 minutes away that she has shared for almost 20 years!

On Tuesday Renate Maucher, a fellow resident at GEDOK, talked me through her recent nature photographs.  Neither of us speak each other’s language very well but the universal language of creativity was unmistakable, and we shared laughs and understanding.  Also met my next-door neighbour at GEDOK Nic who makes jewellery …first time I have met her although I have happily heard her banging, soldering and tapping away.  Some serious equipment, a gorgeous studio and a beautiful human.

Wednesday evening, I was taken for a fabulous walk to Killesburg park with GEDOK artist Clara.   Great sightseeing opportunity as halfway up…..up and up….is a platform where you can see the whole of Stuttgart.  Took me a few attempts to grab a panoramic photo but got there in the end, breathtaking.  It was dusk when we arrived at Killesburg park, headed for the tower for another chance to see Stuttgart from up top but unfortunately it was closed.  Such a magical area at night, small ye olde fair ground and bandstand for the dancers. So we decided to grab a coffee and waffles while we watched the tango dancers! Reminded me of Campelwick Green - blast from the past although I think that was probably a waltz!!

Thursday was a chance to stop and create, I’m working on a portrait painting at the moment, as well as drawing Marlow and my usual doodling.   All at a very slow pace in this heat….did I say it was boiling here?!!  

On Thursday evening Claude Horstmann opened their studio to discuss recent work from Marseille, Berlin, Strasbourg, Paris, and Stuttgart.  Yes it was all in German but again the human universal language of mark making, different materials, found objects and manmade environments resonated with me.  I couldn’t stay for long as I had to run off to the Open Space at the Tearoom EV.  It was very spontaneous with no structured format.  This was a new experience for me, believe it or not, being someone who thrives in an unstructured environment!!  I realised that I was a bit hung up on who was going to perform when.  I soon let that go as we all naturally ebbed and flowed with each other’s creativity.  The magic just happened.  Free improvisation along with spoken word, movement, collaborative drawing and a beautifully intense performance by Peter Stellwag about domestic abuse.  Then off for drinks with Ellen at a Jazz Bar the perfect end to an amazing uplifting evening.

Friday evening was a group exhibition at GEDOK featuring first year GEDOK artists.  Extensive and diverse range of processes. Such a fun and welcoming preview with lots of laughs and of course beautiful humans of Stuttgart. I then went to another exhibition preview that had been recommended to me as the theme was flow.  Very interesting work on the subject and in a great location.  Like at GEDOK the place was buzzing, and I met and spoke to strangers who soon became friends.  Thank goodness most were taught English in school…. They are truly awesome and enable me to be really lazy! Although I do have a few German words I totally overuse!!

Forgive me as I realise my blogs are getting longer.  I have edited this one down a lot! 

Saturday was Collaboradoodle day and what a day.  As with the performance on Thursday evening, I'm never quite sure how my approach will go down.  As like Thursday I had nothing to fear.  Those brave enough to take a chance and come down to the wonderfully welcoming Kunst Klima Gallery had lots of fun and laughter.  I got to say I was surprised as it was so so hot…..have I mentioned this before?!!!  Live improvised music from Ellen Rein and Klaus Schill added to the creative atmosphere and encouraged people to join in the chaos of improvised creativity.

Sunday was expressive workshop time.  This was an idea from GEDOK movement artist Clara Neumann.  Fun and joy of human improvised creativity flowed. It was 2 hours of pure awesomeness!

Thanks for reading my epic blog and being part of my Stuttgart adventure.  

@sthlibariesandarts

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