This artwork was created during a 2 week residency based ata specialist provision for young people with neurodivergent needs in Oxford. The work was especially created for the Willowbrook festival 2021.

We explored the theme of masks. Many of us wear masks to try and negotiate experiences through our lives.  Some may learn to hide their difficulties by wearing a mask. Also now in the midst of a global pandemic masks have taken on another level of meaning, a way of protecting ourselves from infection and ill health.

During the residency, young people helped design and create this final piece installed on this tree. The work combines natural materials such as pine cones and materials collected from the coast and well as industrial materials found near the site of the residency.

During the festival weekend at Willowbrook Farm a 2nd artwork was created with participants during the festival. We worked with twigs collected from the ancient woodland, feathers and string to create a moving sculpture between the trees.

 This project was supported by Arts Council England and Willowbrook Farm Charity.