Thoughts on returning home...

What can I say? The visit to Brazil far exceeded my expectations, providing me with countless invaluable opportunities that I would otherwise have missed or been unable to access had I been a regular tourist.  The visits to museums, galleries and workshops vastly extended my knowledge of the contemporary craft sector in Brazil and any pre-conceived ideas I held about Brazilian art, design and craft were soon dispelled after meeting so many fantastic curators, designers, artists and craftspeople. The range of work I saw in Brazil was innovative, challenging and diverse, with great contrasts between indigenous art, contemporary design and contemporary urban culture that were fused with an unprecedented creative expression.  I particularly enjoyed the visits to the various ateliers. Meeting the amazing Brazilian artists and designers in their studios and workshops was so inspirational and a rare opportunity to see behind the scenes and look at forthcoming work and prototypes. Inhotim environmental park was stunning, stimulating and somewhat moving, as was the opportunity to meet Adelia Borges. Although I’ve returned to a not so sunny Barnsley full of enthusiasm, passion and ideas for the creation of an exhibition programme based around the things I saw on the trip, a small part of me can’t help wishing I was still surrounded by the vibrant colour and dynamic forms of Brazil!