As part of our activities setting up Paradise Works we wanted to invite an external artist into our newly formed community to explore and respond to the area surrounding Irwell House. After a chance conversation with Salford born artist Michelle Shields an artist residency seemed like the right way to start to learn about the local area and to think about our place within it.

Michelle's knowledge of Salford, paired with her archival research and responsive approach to environment as she explored a new part of the city, is informing a new body of work which we are looking forward to sharing as part of our launch events over 28-29 October.

Organised Labour - The past, present & future of the production site.

Shields’ sculptural works, installations and objects respond to the industrial past of the Greengate area of Salford. Using metal wire, industrial enamel, ceramics, found materials, models and drawings Shields' references the factories & manufacturers which formerly populated the surrounding area, with particular focus on the Anaconda Wire Works that was sited besides Paradise Works at one time. Shields’ works can be understood as open experimental arrangements, or the preliminary findings, of a series of associations to the area's reinvention after its' long standing contribution to the Industrial Revolution.

Michelle Shields was born in Salford and attended the Royal College of Art, London. She has exhibited internationally and her work is held in public and private collections. Michelle often works in interdisciplinary environments and is currently part of Makers Dozen, a collective of twelve creatives from different disciplines. Michelle has taught at Manchester School of Art, and conducted workshops at Salford University, The Royal College of Art & Ruthin Craft Centre.