| SEE ALSO |  | See also - Jo's Journey South, Journey South and
Journey West | | | WEB LINKS | | Grizedale Arts
The BBC is not responsible for the content of external websites. | | | FACTS | | Grizedale Arts manages a diverse and innovative arts programme in Grizedale Forest, Cumbria. Situated in the heart of the Lake District and bordered by Coniston Water to the west and Windermere to the east the forest, managed by the Forestry Commission, extends to 6,000 acres and is accessed by over 50 miles of tracks. The arts office, gallery, information point and education facilities are located alongside the Commission offices at the visitor centre, which also houses the café, gift shop, playground and mountain bike hire.
300,000 people visit the forest each year with 20% citing the arts programme as their principle reason for visiting. Approximately 80 works are currently located in the forest spanning the 25 year history of the arts programme which has been synonymous with the environmental artworks represented by Andy Goldsworthy and David Nash. The range of media and nature of artistic involvement has dramatically increased since 1999 under the directorship of Adam Sutherland.
Moving away from the more traditional 'art and nature' model the use of new technology and the integration of different art forms is encouraged with recent artists working across the fields of performance, sound and text based work in conjunction with forest based installations. In 2002 Grizedale is continuing its innovative approach to residencies by offering 10 research and development grants to artists who will be working in partnership with rural organisations, galleries and local community groups. Jo Roberts’ work is predominantly about responding to a particular site and is often of an ephemeral nature.
It evolves from a study of people, places and their interaction and often has a collaborative element.
One of her key interests is in the role of the artist in today’s society and how an artist operates within that society as an ‘activist’, with the artist operating as an individual, showing that art is not just a commodity, but a catylst for discussion and debate.
For Grizedale, Jo will assume the role of a commentariographer, combining the advocacy of contemporary art with her project.
Jo’s Journeys’ will document a series of journeys that either start or finish at Grizedale. | | | PRINT THIS PAGE | | | View a printable version of this page. | |  |
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I'm conducting four journeys from Grizedale – North, South, East and West. Each one is travelling in a general compass direction eg south, and is of four days duration.  | Steve - the driver of the Mountain Goat bus from Ferry House to Hawkshead |
Steve drives the bus from Ferry House to Hawkshead and says, "Its a wonderful job".
He gives an endless stream of information about the area, along with very useful tips.
I went straight from the bus to the launch Muriel, to be transported across Windermere.
 | John - with his beloved Murial |
John, who is a retired master mariner, is in his element with the lovely Muriel. He spends the summer months with her, a 45’ traditional wooden launch.
 | Things seen at Kendal Youth Hostel |
A drawing of things seen from the cosy, warm, quiet room of Kendal Youth Hostel whilst the rain is lashing down on the window.
 | Chimney pots in Kendal |
I loved all the amazing chimney pots in Kendal. This is a drawing I did of them in the rain standing by the stationary traffic that was coming to grips with the new traffic lay out!
 | The Lunesdale Quilters at work |
I happened upon a group of ladies at Kirby Longsdale Institute called the Lunesdale Quilters. They were producing some wonderful artistic creations.
I love these little groups, they really don’t realise the strength of the work that they do.
 | Drawing of Kirkby Lonsdale Cross |
I became ‘trapped’ in Kirkby Longsdale, as there was no bus out! I was fortunately taken in by a lovely couple and whilst exploring found this – which is called The Cross!  | The Trolls! |
All the eights - 88, two and zero - 20, six and three - 63, one and eight ... these are the trolls that were kindly lent to me at first ever game of bingo, and helped me to win a line and a full house. Part two » |
