 The Southwold Millennium foundation approached Serena Hall in 2003 to design and produce a series of tiles to form a decorative backdrop to the far end of the new Stella Peskett Hall. Serena worked for two months on design sheets and ideas and presented the town council with three design choices. The chosen idea was a clear favourite with both the council and the artist. The chosen idea is called 'All the towns people', as Serena had designed a series of three-dimensional tiles, which showed adults, children, pets, houses, and beach-huts, which would become personal portraits of individuals living and working in the town.  A sample board was produced showing how the tiles would work using the artists own family. Using this sample board, a leaflet was designed, printed, and distributed throughout the town.   Anyone who wants to represent themselves, their family or friends fill in the form which is then given to Serena/or the town council. Serena uses the information given and often finds drawings photographs and other bits attached to the forms to help her do a portrait on the tile or tiles. Working in such a personal way makes this a truly unique project. This is a chance for the whole community to get involved and the Mural will eventually show doctors, nurses, shopkeepers, policemen, firemen, teachers, children, beach-huts and businesses of the town. Becoming a historical record of the community. The project is ongoing and is expected to continue for several years, until all the key areas of the community are represented in the mural. Each tile is made by hand in Serena's studio. Each tile undergoes two firings in the studio kiln before it is complete. Each tile takes approximately 3 weeks to make from start to finish. The money from each tile is divided into 2. For example a £30 adult tile, £15 goes directly to the town hall to help towards fundraising an £15 goes to the artist to help pay for materials and firing costs. This is a non profit making project for the artist.  |
