The Art of Words with Found and Foraged Art, is a community project led by artist and writer Debra Tracey (who runs Isle Be Creative from her studio at GRENABY Studios) which forms part of the Creative Network Silverburn Art Trail.

Debra wanted to include poetry along the trail but in a way as not to harm the environment. The idea of creating biodegradable art with such an ephemeral element was felt to be a perfect fit. 

Two poetry workshops were delivered with a third workshop to enable the poems to be written out using foraged and made materials.

Locally foraged materials were used to create: grass & dock leaf paper, elderberry ink, blackcurrant ink, twig dip pens, bamboo pens and quills.

Papyrus, wood veneer, tree bark and birch bark skins were also used to write on.

Knowing the natural inks would not last, particularly as it was raining on the day of installation, photographs were taken of each poem, with poems in full being available, soon, as a pamphlet and online at www.islebecreative.co.im 

Each poet retains the copyright and intellectual property of their work. 

Debra offers a range of creative workshops at her studio, including: creative writing, glass fusing, eco art, mosaic and more.

Special thanks go to:

The Creative Network

Arts Council IOM

Kate Maddrell 

Rosie J Wood

Radcliffe’s Butchers

This is our current project. Please take a look at ways you can get involved by going to our RNLI bookings 

This project was aimed at representing our older members of the community, on the Silverburn Art Trail

Debra facilitated several memory workshops at Silverdale Care Home, with silk painting workshops. 

Community members who contributed to painting this marine themed silk mural.

This and a partner mural can be seen at Port Erin Library.

The two completed silk paintings.

This project was commissioned by MSV Housing and, despite being interrupted by the pandemic lockdowns, the mural was eventually installed at the prestigious Elmwood Housing Scheme in Manchester. 

The project aim was to produce a colourful mosaic that would celebrate the diversity of the residents. 

Fabric design elements inspired this 'patchwork' design with the honeycomb paying homage to the all important Manchester Bee.