Dear Russell
Just to thank very much indeed from everyone here for such a wonderful couple of days last week for our very special Art Project. It was a really huge success for everyone concerned, which we are absolutely thrilled about! The feedback has been lovely, from all the children, parents and staff and we are very grateful to you for the calm and organised way you enabled all 120 children to experience a really fun new way of working with each of them, without exception, achieving such a brilliant result of their own!
Thank you so much for everything and for your generosity giving us so much of your time.
WE had a brilliant day yesterday with all the children coming in groups to remove the clay and reveal their reliefs! Their faces were pictures, all the reliefs were beautiful and many very exceptional ones - it was all like magic!
With very best wishes from us all, and thank you again.
Jo Humphreys (LEA Governor at William Gilpin Primary School) Sep 30, 2014.
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Russell Jakubowski was selected to create a sculptural bench for a view point in the Surrey Hills. Russell had a vision from the start and meticulously planned the construction. His design was a development of his layered style, a very refined, beautifully balanced piece. It was a challenge to construct but Russell worked so hard and the final piece is so successful and looks incredible against the stunning view. Russell was so professional throughout with his communication, the construction and installation of the piece and his wonderful, engaging sculpture workshops with over 160 local people of all ages and abilities. Thank you Russell, people will be able to enjoy your sculptural bench for many years to come.
Russell was absolutely wonderful with the children - so inspiring. They worked with complete focus and produced truly unique and beautiful artwork. They, and we, were delighted with their achievements. A huge thank you to Russell for sharing his talent with the children and for working so hard over the two days he was here. What a privilege for us! Many thanks again.
Monica Curley, Cranleigh Primary School.
Russell worked with Whiteley Parish Council and children from our local schools to create a unique and well loved sculpture bench.
The design reflects the views of the youngsters who developed their ideas through hands on clay workshops that were greatly enjoyed.
The resulting concrete bench has proved to be a talking point, it is hard wearing and a very popular meeting place for young people.
Russell, it was such a pleasure having you as our ‘artist in residence’. You really put a lot of thought into creating our centenary bench and consequently the result is stunning. All our pupils (just over 200 from year R to year 6) were involved in creating the beautiful relief tiles. Pairing the younger children with the older children worked really well and ensured a quality product whilst also enabling the children to develop their own ideas. Each tile is unique, based on natural forms. The workshops were very well-organised and you explained everything really clearly to our volunteer helpers and the children. Everyone involved really enjoyed the project, especially hosing the clay away to reveal the tiles! Thank you for your commitment to seeing the whole project through and generosity with your time. The bench looks timeless and fits in so well with our beautiful school grounds. It is great that it is a functional piece of art; the children really enjoy using it and admiring it.
Claire Hanson (Head Teacher, Langrish Primary School)
I ordered a photo from Russell’s website and it arrived within 48 hours and was well packaged. I love the photo, it’s very atmospheric, coastal possibly – so I decided to put it in the bedroom where I could wake up to it…..but the bedroom was lilac and green….
Having re decorated the bedroom I can now gaze upon this delightful scene which is misty and enigmatic, restful and curious.