This July, you are invited to celebrate and remember Simon Alderson, a beloved artist and teacher that we lost in January following a short and sudden illness.
An inspiration and friend to many, Simon’s impact was immeasurable, and Simon’s Week signifies a call to create something with him in mind.
This week is for everyone to be together in remembrance, regardless of distance, wherever we are. Whoever Simon was to you, whether you knew him well or didn’t get the chance to meet him, it is simply an occasion to take time and make something, in whichever way feels right for you.
Here, I’d like to make some suggestions of starting points. They’re just ideas for anyone who doesn’t know where to start. There’s no right or wrong, only love and solidarity.
If you’d like to share your creation and/or memory of Simon during Simon’s Week, please use the hashtag #simonsweek and tag @saldersonglass and we will all be able to keep track of each other’s creations and feel a sense of togetherness in our remembrance.
On the theme of Birds
Simon loved birds and explored them thoroughly in his artwork from drawing through to painting, sometimes from life and sometimes from photographs. In whichever medium works for you, you could consider exploring the image of a bird. Perhaps taking photographs or viewing them in nature, maybe then taking that through to drawing or approaching in any creative medium, whether its glass, textiles, ceramic, dried pasta and PVA glue. The choice is completely yours.
Simon mid-process, applying frit powders on a light box, 2022
On the theme of Nature
Simon’s nature inspired work was often explored in glass frit or traditional stained glass paint which allowed him to layer in a way that created a watercolour effect, transferring his painterly skills to the glass. He loved texture and subtle colour changes. Perhaps you could look at painting nature imagery, with paints or glass, and capturing what you see in a medium that suits you.
Oranges, a painted stained glass panel made by Simon in 2015
On the theme of Baking
Simon’s cakes were always such a treat, he made lots of different types and he loved the process. So perhaps trying a new recipe, or whipping up an old favourite in the kitchen could work for you? In my completely subjective opinion, it was Simon’s lemon drizzle that was the best, but I know others have many varied favourites, including his chocolate cheesecake or Victoria sponge. Simon always shared his bakes over a cuppa, so perhaps you could do that too.
Birthday cakes made by Simon, 2016
On the theme of Drawing
I’ve mentioned this already in the context of birds, but perhaps looking at the drawing aspect more specifically will be of interest. I rarely draw, and certainly never from nature, so I’m going to explore some simple nature drawing during Simon’s week in an attempt to connect with his process.
Male and female pine grosbeaks, pencil and markers, as part of Birdtober 2023
On the theme of Creating for Fun
Simon explored and dabbled in lots of creative hobbies, including weaving and tapestry. Perhaps this could be an opportunity to explore a completely new craft or hobby, especially if your main craft falls into the ‘job’ category.
Simon’s tapestry project in progress, 2017
On the theme of Taught Skills
I know many of you learnt skills from Simon, perhaps this is an opportunity to practice these. If anyone has any technical queries, and needs help with techniques learnt years ago, please email me I’ll be happy to help.
A kiln full of student work, Strip Fusing technique, 2015
On the theme of Gardening
Simon loved his garden. He was very knowledgeable about flowers and loved to make meals using veg he had grown. Maybe you could tend your garden, or plant something new in a pot, in his memory.
Buying a plant in IKEA in 2016
On the theme of Lego
Simon loved to build Lego models, do you? Perhaps treating yourself to a new set would be a nice way to make something and remember Simon.
I hope this is useful. I’ll post daily during Simon’s Week on Instagram, so please do use the hashtag #simonsweek so we can all follow along. Wishing you all a thoughtful and warming Simon’s Week.
