Free 

Social Gardening (The Mind at Rest) by artist Luminara Florescu

The Somerset Film Artist in Residence 2023 presents a new outdoor projection exploring resting in nature and how it supports our mental health by enabling us to slow down. Luminara’s recent work explores how from this place of rest, we connect with nature on a deeper level allowing the mind to engage in the process of Social Gardening. 

Luminara Florescu will be inviting audiences to rest in nature, through her new artwork to be projected this September as part of the countywide Somerset Open Studios event. Luminara’s film will be shown at the Market House in Castle Cary on Saturday 16th and Sunday 17th September from 8pm - 9.30pm and will be free to view.

Her new work ‘Social Gardening (The Mind at Rest)’ has been created through her enquiry into the act of rest and slowing down and asks whether this act might be a powerful means to combat climate change. Luminara said “ I believe Rest offers us the time, space and stillness to re-imagine who we are in relationship to nature, the planet and our community. It is inspired by my own lived experience as a disabled and neurodivergent artist.”

Luminara has spent the summer capturing scenes of local nature to create the work, which includes the beautiful Lavender Fields local to Castle Cary. The final work will also include a special soundscape. Through the use of digital technology, visitors to her work will be able to select from different soundtracks and experience the impact on their ability to rest.

Luminara’s creative journey on this subject began with support from Arts Council England and this new work has been produced as part of her role as artist in residence for Somerset Film, a charity based in Bridgwater, which is dedicated to empowering individuals and communities through film and digital technology.

The Market House, a beautiful grade two listed building in Castle Cary, will also be hosting an exhibition by another artist inside the building so over the weekend of 16th and 17th September 2023 will have lots to offer for art and nature lovers.

If the weather is poor, this event will be held in the Market House undercroft. This event is part of Somerset Art Week’s Open Studios.