Testimonials

'Lydia Hiorns KILN tent was one of the most singular and memorable art happenings that I have ever experienced. It was in equal parts engaging and inventive and all touchingly inspired by a creative young artist's passion to understand her place in an intimidating art world.’ 

 

Mychael Barratt, RE President

 

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‘We’ve held and hosted many art events in hARTslane but the Kiln experience was one of great excellence, where thought and food, visual and language, where shared, enjoyed, provoked, and loved.

 

From the minute we received the beautifully crafted and personalised invitation on our doormat, we knew that this relevant evening of sharing, was going to be special. Lydia has a incredible gift of channeling information (regarding creative hospitality) 

 

The evening sat somewhere between a Christmas dinner, immersive theatre, a sweet rural childhood memory and an adult discussing of peers working within the broad spectrum of the arts, where there was room for playfulness, fun, creativity and personal experiences. The evening was guided by quotes from Artists who paved the way for creative hospitality so magically facilitated by Lydia. 

 

The most remarkable thing was that it was an evening of sharing, in the moment. It was the experience that was key. There was no filming or any outer ‘ego’ energy. Often, an exhibition is or can be about selling, selling the work, an ego or a project. 

 

This event was purely about sharing and connecting, widening a horizon, where you were invited to ask yourself certain questions relating hospitality within your own practice. Therefore this is truly relevant to each individual present. 

 

There’s something powerful about food and the personal setting of a table and a tent with no doors, and the visual beauty of crafted arts to sit in and eat from, it makes you feel special, and part of something special.’

 

Cristiana Bottigella, Curator and Producer of hARTslane

 

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‘Northern Print launched an open call programme of bursaries for artists to make new work at the studio - this received a large number of applications from across the country. Lydia was selected by the panel because they felt that her work demonstrated a unique approach to the medium including ideas around a performance event. Lydia proved herself to be a committed artist who reliably delivered the work she set out to do.’

 

Anna Wilkinson, Northern Print Director 

 

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‘Lydia’s meticulous care and attention to detail in the crafting of KILN, is a beautiful act of transformation and a gift to those invited. The depth of meaning present in the act of sharing of a meal is revealed through the heightening of its aesthetic, conceptual and relational potential.’

 

Sarah White, Visual Artist

 

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‘Lydia’s KILN tent was fantastically original. A gorgeous setting and a memorable time, she created both a beautiful space with wonderful food but also the space to talk meaningfully with folks about things that matter. The intention behind it carries through to make a memorable experience and has genuinely helped me think more about the why behind hospitality - as well as the practicalities and how much it can and should be enjoyed and shared, particularly within church families. I was challenged to think about how I can be hospitable to others in conversation or in other people’s ‘spaces’ and how an attitude of hospitality can shape the interactions we have with other people in busy London. A hearty ‘wake-up’ to modern day biblically grounded hospitality.’

 

Rachel Redeemed, Radio presenter

 

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I hired KILN for a birthday and reunion dinner with visiting friends. A friend kindly lent us her conservatory and kitchen for the occasion. With a love of creative surprises, storytelling and multi-sensory experiences, I was delighted to be part of an interactive art installation with an exquisite attention to detail.  Investing in local entrepreneurs is a personal priority, and I enjoyed hearing how some ingredients had been sourced from a local urban farm and allotment. A particular highlight was that dietary considerations were incorporated into the menu in a manner that didn’t compromise on the choices. Hearing how the tent has been made and each item carefully chosen made for interesting conversation. I would definitely hire KILN again, and would enjoy seeing how it could collaborate with other local businesses and venues to offer larger party options and incorporate seasonal produce from local suppliers. This could be great for hosting business dinners and celebrations. Lydia should be proud of the step taken to expand a static art form into a living and conceptual experience that can strengthen relationships, build community, and create memories (plus a good photo op!). Whenever anyone talks about that evening, the dessert performance piece is always resurrected. Even guests who had not experienced much of culinary or artistic endeavours were pleasantly surprised.  I look forward to consulting with Lydia again in the future, and to see where KILN leads.

 

Becky Hanna,  PhD student

 

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Sitting down to a Kiln meal expanded my dining vocabulary in a refreshingly unpretentious manner. My fellow diners and I were gently instructed to embrace a new way of dining over the course of the evening. We were introduced to the ethos of hospitality whilst being challenged to think creatively in discussion and acts of eating.

 

Lydia’s unique approach to dining challenged our preconceived ideas of how to eat together. Her artistry styled the evening and each dish and creative element was mastered flawlessly at every stage. Lydia's obvious expertise set the parameters that gave us a freedom to embrace this unique dining experience. 

 

The evening filled me up in a new way, a way that I think will grow and evolve as I participate more in ‘hospitality’. My next dinner party may well involve paintbrushes laden with berry compote, and the encouragement of ones neighbour to lean over so they can add to my neighbours crumble of shortcake, because it needs just one more splash of colour.

 

Elizabeth Humble, Jewellery Designer

 

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KILN at RT projects was a wonderful opportunity for our pals to experience a different kind of art. It opened eyes and minds to the concept of hospitality. It touched on many concepts at many levels. It encouraged participants to reflect upon their own practices and experiences of eating and sharing food. Feedback from participants suggests that it changed the attitudes towards the act of eating for those who took part. KILN poses many questions and allows participants to explore possible answers. 

 

Beano, Director of RT Projects (Durham)

 

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Lydia's teaching on hospitality was such a gift to our community. She truly imparts the Father's heart for hospitality as she leads you through the different aspects of it and teaches you meaningful and practical ways to intentionally incorporate it into your everyday life. The creative aspects she incorporates are both beautiful and accessible and after her course I felt inspired and equipped to bring hospitality to those around me in new ways.

 

Kandace Smith, YWAM Course Leader