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Cheeseburn 1 - A Walk Through the Grounds

By  Carole McCourt 2019 - 2020

Unveiling a drawing buried in a well

Drawing Artist-in-Residence, 2019–2020

This project emerged from a year-long residency at Cheeseburn Sculpture Gardens and was funded by Newcastle University Challenge Labs in collaboration with Philippa Carter (Geography), exploring the question of what makes a place — including physical, social, and emotional dimensions.

As the first drawing artist-in-residence, my aim was to introduce drawing into the landscape as a sculptural and performative practice. Working through walking, repetition, and duration, I explored drawing as an embodied act that unfolds alongside the site rather than representing it.

The work was informed by a folio of John Dobson’s architectural plans (1813) and by Joanna Riddell’s commitment to restoring the house and gardens. Over ten months, large-format charcoal and ink drawings were buried across different areas of the grounds. Exposure to weather, soil, and human intervention allowed natural and man-made forces to alter, erode, or partially disintegrate the works.

The resulting drawings are collaborations between site, time, and material, shaped by processes beyond the artist’s control.

The same drawing 6 months later.

Drawings placed outside exposed to the elements to continue evolving

i believe in yew, joanna....

These drawings were made by wrapping fabric around discarded iron railings, and left for 6 months

Eco prints using yew from the gardens and installed

Mugshot 1767882613 Carole McCourt

The Odour of Tilchestune

Land Marks

Walking the Leadscape

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