Rone Empire....

I had a lovely birthday treat the other week of being taken to Burnham Beeches to see the Rone Empire art installation. Burnham Beeches, built in the 1930's and now abandoned was taken over by street artist Rone.

It took over a year for him to create this work. Everything from the haunting aloof images painted on the walls, to the carefully created dust, cobwebs and even a patina of look-alike black mould on the ceilings. 

It was a stunning piece of work. Very atmospheric, and creating a story of abandonment. 

The images were awesome..

But what drew me in were the carefully placed ornaments and items. They added so much to the story being told, and in fact were a vital part.

The clothes left in the wardrobe. The book by the bed.

The sheets of music scattered with the autumn leaves.

The drinks cart waiting for that second cocktail to be created...

The piece of paper marking the spot in the book being read. The layers of 'dust'...the rose petals decaying from some forgotten bouquet.

Everywhere you looked there was another part of the story.

Being visual of course, you could create your own story. Who was the family that lived here? Rich obviously... with men who enjoyed the games room. The pool table set up, the card game half played on the small table.

What celebration was interrupted? And by what?

It was a great way to start thinking of all the small details you add to a story. Yes, the images of this aloof and distant woman were beautiful. The rooms were so evocative...but these small details (for me) were what created the visual story.

What to add...what to take away. There has to be a balance between too much detail and not enough. We want the reader to be taken away, to feel they know our characters and can walk with them. 

Sometimes we give too much...other times we are too sparse. You want the reader to want more. 

The library was my favourite room. The image created on the books....the 'water'...the reflections....the sense of loss and total abandonment. 

This exhibition really opened my eyes to how strong visual storytelling is. This is so important when we only have words to use, to create a time and place. Build a setting and tell a story. 

It's all those details that add up, give our characters depth, our story strength and our world a truth.

Vicki