Wednesday 23 September 2009

Introduction

We have long been intrigued by this idea of the four corners of the world.
To us it conjures up images of far-flung places, intrepid explorers, undiscovered lands.
We decided it would be wonderful to have contact with people living in these four corners, learn about the nature of these places and create an opportunity to marvel at the richness of our shared planet.
Research into the subject failed to deliver any concrete evidence as to where these corners might actually be located.

So we endeavoured to undertake our own research.
In 2006 we held an event asking people to comment on where they believed the four corners of the world to be. This research produced valuable insights.

The research highlighted the enigmatic nature of our planet and that it’s mysteries may and should forever remain undiscovered.
However there were four areas on the planet that were mentioned more frequently than others.
We acknowledge that these represent a very UK-centric view of the globe and that everyone’s opinion of the location of the 4 corners are equally valid. Being stubborn in our quest however, we decided to take these places and for the purposes of this particular project, identify them as the four corners of the world.

They were:

Alaska
Tierra del Fuego, Argentina
New Zealand
Mongolia

We then set about the task in finding people in each of those places who would be happy to join in the next phase of the project.
By contacting the British embassies in each of the four countries we established links with our participants and the next phase could begin;

We posted a parcel on 14th August 2008 to Diddy Hitchins in Alaska.
The parcel contained a note book, 2 disposable cameras, some parcel labels, forwarding on envelopes and some instructions.
The idea was for each participant to contribute to the parcel by adding to the notebook, taking photos, adding items to the parcel and then to send it on to the next participant.
It travelled from Alaska to Argentina to New Zealand to Mongolia.
It arrived safely home (see; Serendipitous arrival!) on the 10. June
It travelled 30,299 miles and took exactly 300 days to complete its journey.

“A symbol of goodwill, linking peoples from the four corners for the world.”
Lilicherie McGregor

This project happened because of the spirit of generosity and endeavour of the participants.
They were
Diddy Hitchins in Anchorage, Alaska
Estela Caipillan Rio Grande, Tierra Del Fuego, Argentina
Lilicherie McGregor, Whangarei New Zealand
Urgaa Dagvadorj, Ulaanbaatar Mongolia

Our very big thank you to them and to those who they encouraged to contribute to the parcel.

They are;
Abi
Agustin
Andrea Dominguez
Bob Davidson
Breeze
Carla
Chino
Dalma
Douglas Karanga
Dustin
Emanuel
Emanuel
Facunde
Juan Pablo
Karina Cardonaz
Mariu Taua
Maxi
Micaela
Mina
Miguel
Moira Aberdeen
Nolia N Lezcamo
Rahuel
Richard Wihongi
Sabrina
Yoni


The parcel contained poems and photos and stories and articles and postcards and newsletters. Some of them are represented in these pages. You will find them by clicking on the labels found to the right.
They all give flavour of what these 4 corners of our planet are like and highlight the diversity of our lands and also those things that connect us.

The parcel has completed its journey and another phase of the project can emerge.
This project now belongs to all of those of you who would like to contribute to these pages.
Do add your comments, be in touch with participants, share your own stories that tell of your corner of the world.
Ideas of how we might take this project further are very welcome.

To contact tinker & bloom please email tinkerandbloom@blueyonder.co.uk

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