
Artist Erin Newell was commissioned to create a new media artwork about Milton Creek as part of the ‘Art at the Centre’ project. It’s a web based project that uses video and sound to create an interactive experience – a non-linear narrative – of local history, interwoven with the artist’s own experience of working in the area over the course of the project.
The artwork mixes various perspectives from: local residents, surrounding industry (including DS Smith Paper and Smead Dean Brickworks) and other commissioned artworks (including Peter Liversidge and Heather & Ivan Morison) to offer a glimpse into the newly regenerated area of Milton Creek. The website will also link to the new Friends of Milton Creek blog.
Like Erin’s previous work, www.whereismiltoncreek.co.uk explores the nature and nuances of memory interconnected with history and place. Hearing childhood memories from local resident Julie Bradshaw over a cup of tea, or getting a first-hand glimpse inside the fascinating PM6 machine of DS Smith Paper, the website unfolds some of the rich history and personal experiences that have occurred around the creek mixed with performance art. All of these things reveal the Creek’s most significant transformation: from toxic wasteland to present day serene country park.
Within the website it’s possible for a multitude of narratives to be unlocked in any given order, making for a different experience each time. Users should be aware that there are four “hidden” layers to discover (getting closer and closer), making for an unexpected journey, one that might enchant you to visit Milton Creek for yourself.
Erin Newell is an Irish-American interdisciplinary artist, living and working in London. More of her work can be seen at www.b-een.com