Spincycle

Spincycle-Skye was a year-long multi-disciplinary project looking at culture through performance, music, visual arts and crafts. Drawing from a common theme of spin, ATLAS commissioned an array of artists to explore different projects inspired by all things that revolve, turn, rotate, mirror and repeat.

Working with artist Deirdre Nelson, ATLAS commissioned her to develop a new work on Skye called Lúb|Loop’. This project sawDeirdre collaborate with a variety of crofters, spinners and those who work the land here in Skye. Lúb|Loop’ took on many facets as the project went on a journey across the island, with Deirdre documenting the project’s development on a dedicated blog. Lúb|Loop’ culminated in an exhibition at the Skye & Lochalsh Archive Centre in Portree, bringing together stories from all the individuals Deirdre worked with alongside the heritage she uncovered in her research.

With socks, wool production and knitted products a key element in Deirdre Nelson’s Lúb|Loop’ project, a side project titled The Great Welly Sock Challenge’ seemed inevitable! To coincide with Lúb|Loop’, Deirdre devised this community knit project to support the Row St Kilda to Skye challenge. With socks contributed from around the world, Deirdre brought in an international element to her local research. Socks were sold in outlets throughout Portree, with all proceeds going to those taking part in the rowing challenge.

You can still knit your own using The Great Welly Sock Challenge knitting pattern.

Spincycle-Skye also worked with artists and musicians Jason Singh and David Littler, from the international embroidery and sound collective sampler – cultureclash. Jason and David were commissioned to create a sonic experience to be performed at the 2013 Skye Bike Fest, in Portree. Following a week-long residency period, where Jason and David met with an array of spinners, weavers, knitters, singers, musician and cyclists from the island, they created Spincycle: A Sonic Journey into the World of Spin’.

Spincycle-Skye also saw graphic-designer and cyclist Nick Hand complete one of his epic journeys, cycling around the Isle of Skye and Lochalsh. A Slowcoast journey, this spin around the landscape was a commission by ATLAS to record all things in circular motion as he went. The commissioned work SPIN, SPIN, SLOW was a collection of photo films which documented the work of the makers and those involved in the wider Spincycle-Skye project.

Alongside the commissioned projects, a programme of workshops, work-in-progress presentations, community events and exhibitions were held throughout 2013.


Download the pattern

Spincycle-Skye also worked with artists and musicians Jason Singh and David Littler, from the international embroidery and sound collective sampler – cultureclash. Jason and David were commissioned to create a sonic experience to be performed at the 2013 Skye Bike Fest, in Portree. Following a week-long residency period, where Jason and David met with an array of spinners, weavers, knitters, singers, musician and cyclists from the island, they created Spincycle: A Sonic Journey into the World of Spin’.

Spincycle-Skye also saw graphic-designer and cyclist Nick Hand complete one of his epic journeys, cycling around the Isle of Skye and Lochalsh. A Slowcoast journey, this spin around the landscape was a commission by ATLAS to record all things in circular motion as he went. The commissioned work SPIN, SPIN, SLOW was a collection of photo films which documented the work of the makers and those involved in the wider Spincycle-Skye project.

Alongside the commissioned projects, a programme of workshops, work-in-progress presentations, community events and exhibitions were held throughout 2013.