Karen’s artistic tribute to historic Walsall illuminations

A Walsall College lecturer used her artist-in-residence status to pay tribute to the Walsall Illuminations previously held in the town.

Karen Garland, known as Queenie was one of three local artists involved in Walsall Makes – Art, a public exhibition.  Over a five-week period, Karen enhanced her work, The Lost Light while it was displayed in a shop unit on the top floor of the Saddlers Centre before its official installation in and around the town centre.

“My intention was to prove there is a light in Walsall,” said Karen.  “We have a lot of creative energy and joy.”

Karen’s artwork paid homage to Walsall’s history and culture through intricate and imaginative creations.  She produced giant-sized sculptures of a snail, swan, butterfly, pigeon, skull and crossbones using textiles, mixed media art, digital illustration and collage.  With help from the college’s art and design and fashion design students, these were decorated with jewels and tree lights, creating a striking effect.

The artwork also highlighted Walsall’s history of making things.  This was through digital projections, leather-clad lights boxes and illustrations referencing Walsall-born writers, musicians including Black Sabbath and Slade as well as the town’s leather industry.

Karen continued: “I was keen to create a throwback to the Illuminations that used to be held at the Arboretum which I loved seeing when I was growing up.  I also wanted share a sense of pride about our heritage, especially with the leather industry.

“Public art is an important way for us to celebrate this, especially when it’s easily accessible.  There are many layers to the work and I hope everyone who sees it will take something from it.”

Led by Creative Black Country (CBC), Walsall Makes – Art is part of a National Portfolio Organisation funded by Arts Council England through the Creative People and Places programme.  CBC works with local communities to explore and develop new creative projects with local people in the places where they live.