In this episode I speak with Lydia Needle.  Lydia is an ecological artist working in Somerset.  In her work, Lydia contemplates what we bring to the planet and our communities - what we can add, what we support.  She also examines waste, erosion, weathering and what we leave behind.

Lydia is the Lead Artist and Curator of the ongoing collaborative creative project called ‘FIFTY BEES: The Interconnectedness of All Things,’ which we discuss in this episode.

In this episode we discuss:

• What the Fifty Bees project/exhibition is and how it came about


• What the artist’s brief was


• Her unconventional path into the art world


• Playing a small part in the bigger picture


• The rise in the profile of weeds


• How art creates hope


• Lydia’s creative process


• What being an eco-artist means to her


• The importance of accessible art


• The lesson she’d like to share with you


• Her hope for the future

All links to the exhibition, pieces mentioned in the episode and to Lydia’s social media, website and Folksy shop are in the show notes, so do go and have a look at those.  Lydia’s website is also a haven of art and inspiration, showcasing her work.  Please have a look over there and marvel at her incredible needle felt bee creations - they are amazing!

Remember to have a listen to the creative prompt that follows this episode, which will go out on Tuesday and which will shed a light on a couple of the artists involved in the exhibition.

Pieces mentioned (all pieces can be found on the Ace Arts Fifty Bees website www.acearts.co.uk):

Dandelion (What the Bee Saw) - Sue Spence

Weeds? (Stained glass graffiti) - Sarah Roberts

The Perfect Imperfect Lawn - Miriam Sheppard

Andrena Lepida - Beca Beeby

Lydia's Links:

Instagram:  @fifty_bees and @lydianeedle

www.lydianeedle.com

www.fiftybees.uk

https://folksy.com/shops/LydiaNeedle

As always you can find me on www.promptedbynature.co.uk where you can find links to my Substack newsletter and buy me a coffee page, and I’m on Instagram @prompted.by.nature

Enjoy the conversation and remember to have a listen to the creative prompt that will follow and let me know how you get on if you try it.

Sending you lots of love,

Helen x