insideKENT Magazine Issue 62 - May 2017 | Page 35

saw the enterprise as a win-win- win situation. It would employ artists, encourage their creativity, display their talent in public, celebrate Romney Marsh, enhance the urban landscape of New Romney, create works for the enjoyment of everyone here as well as for visitors, develop an interest in arts amongst the young and it would make me happy too. You’re currently creating a tapestry of the Romney Marsh. How is it going? Can anyone take part? Yes, the Tapestry of Romney Marsh is another IMOS Foundation project. Seven artists helped with the design and now it is being sewn. I am staggered by the skill of our volunteers and really, really impressed with their work. There is still room for more volunteers who are welcome to get in touch. What are you working on at the moment personally? A few weeks ago I was lucky enough to acquire the ruined church of Hope All Saints not far from here between New Romney and Ivychurch. There are three acres of land and we hope to develop it into a heritage park and memorial garden. The old stones will come alive again and move forward in time as a contemporary work of art that nevertheless evokes the history of the church as a religious building. We are inviting people to sponsor a tree – there are more than a hundred and fifty to be planted – or to consider a natural burial or the scattering of ashes on or near what remains consecrated ground. What has been your proudest artistic achievement to date? I am proudest of the work that we have been able to inspire from the artists engaged in the various projects. My own life of continuing creativity is very rewarding to me so I would say that I feel blessed and very lucky rather than proud. www.imosfoundation.org 35