Philippa Stanton shows how foraging doesn’t have to be done outdoors
When she’s not busy working as an artist and photographer, Philippa Stanton curates colour collections using everyday objects found at her home in Brighton
I’m passionate about colour. I find it enlivening, almost like music… it brings different ‘notes’ to my world. My ‘domestic foraging’ was born out of my need for colour, especially during the darker months of the year when the outdoors is more barren than usual. It’s the simple act of noticing a particular colour in the home and ‘collecting’ it, creating beautiful arrangements of ordinary objects that offer a snapshot into my day-to-day life.
I don’t do it every day, but when I do, I usually forage in the morning as it instils a sense of calm and readiness for the busy day ahead. The seasons will often dictate the colour I choose, whether it’s in harmony or juxtaposition with
it. Other times, seemingly mundane things can spark an entire collection, such as pasta, string or a wrapper.
Taking the time to formulate these collections not only clears my head, it encourages me to slow down and be mindful of my surroundings. There’s also the added bonus of rarely losing anything – I’m aware of where even the tiniest things are around my home!
Afterwards, everything goes back to its original place. It’s a very transient process, one that doesn’t need to be documented. Sometimes I might take a photo, but it’s the act itself that is the important thing. I think we should all be more aware of the amount of ‘stuff’ we accumulate. Taking the time to really
look at an item – its colour, texture, shape – offers perspective. Some will have memories and meaning wrapped up in them, others not. Being aware of these connections can help us to let things go – an important skill in our world of excess.
I’d encourage anyone to take up domestic foraging. The key is not to think too much; there’s no ‘right’ way to do it. Let your imagination lead the way and have a bit of fun!
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Discover how to unlock your creative potential with Philippa’s book, Conscious Creativity (£14.99, Leaping
Hare Press)